Snow Runner is a great material for large baitfish patterns. Unlike synthetic fibres it does not tangle up after being mangled by predator fish. Another benefit over most synthetics is that it is less buoyant. It will sink better and when the hair has absorbed the water it becomes even more mobile. Compare a synthetic fly to a Snow Runner fly in the water and you will see this. The hair tends to stick together when the fly is pulled out of the water. This is due to the fact that the hair absorbs the water which creates a stronger adhesion between the hairs. The advantage is that the fly becomes very aerodynamic for casting. By using a brush the hair will return to full volume in the water. This property is perfect for large baitfish patterns which can be otherwise difficult to cast or lack volume in the water.
Snow Runner is extremely durable and is virtually unaffected by encounters with toothy fish. This is a big advantage over buck tail, which is quickly destroyed after a few fish. Tying Snow Runner brush flies for commercial purposes is labour intensive and therefor expensive. However, because of the durability of the fly and the ideal properties the flies are still a good value.
I originally developed the Snow Runner brush to be used for large tarpon flies. Further discussion and testing of the pattern was done in cooperation with Tomek Bogdanovicz who was using the same technique for his pike flies. Initially there were some issues with the balance of the flies. Due to the cylindrical nature of tying with brushes the flies tended to be unbalanced. I added a keel weight and a large over wing, which solved the problem. The result is a great all-round baitfish pattern that can be tied in a variety of colours and sizes to target any type of predator fish.
The pattern description here is quite old and does not have some of the later refinements. For better tracking a keel weight and long over wing should be added. The pattern can also be tied straight on a hook, which eliminates any tracking issues.
I have posted a video on how to make a Snow Runner brush here. Creating a brush from long Snow Runner fibres requires some practice. For those who want to skip this step we have made them available here and at some of our dealers.
