snail flies

RisingRainbows · #1 10-19-2011, 08:43 AM

While fishing some lakes I have noticed lots of snails in the stomachs of rainbows. I haven't been able to find a good fly to match them and I was thinking that I could make a fly using one of the real snail shells. Would this be legal and/or effective? It would definitely count as bait at least.

0liver · #2 10-19-2011, 12:45 PM

if there is no bait ban just use the real thing! Hanging a big fat juicy hunk of snail above a weed bed in your local trout pond will have you entertained for hours.

snails don't float well and im guessing the rainbows are picking them off underwater weeds/rocks/logs and stuff..things that may get you snagged.

I don't see a snail fly working too well unless your in a river and dead drifting it..hmm maybe...

let us know how it works!

RisingRainbows · #3 10-19-2011, 04:53 PM

I'll give it a try. I'll glue one of the shells to a hook and suspend it with an indicator over a weed bed.

BeeGuy · #4 10-19-2011, 05:03 PM

Biggest Rainbow I ever caught had about 50, 8mm, black snail shells in it's stomach. And nothing else.

This was in another country, so our snails may look different.

I've watched the Browns in the Bow chewing on rocks, wondering what they were doing.

I've used molluscs as bait in the ocean lots, but never had much luck in freshwater.

Let us know how it goes!