# No, this would not work; *conjure volley* isn't an attack

[*Hail of thorns*][1] specifies that its effects apply

> The next time you hit a creature with a ranged weapon attack

However, [*conjure volley*][2] does not involve a ranged weapon attack. As part of the spell, you do "fire a piece of nonmagical ammunition from a ranged weapon", but that is simply part of what triggers the spell; you are not making a ranged weapon attack against any target. Instead, *conjure volley* is a spell that forces those in the cylindrical area of effect to make a Dexterity saving throw.

[*Ensnaring strike*][3] wouldn't work with *conjure volley* for the same reason: *conjure volley* isn't a weapon attack (or an attack at all).

***

For a definition of what constitutes an "attack" (and why a spell that only involves the targets making saving throws isn't one), see the ["Making an Attack" section of the basic rules][4]:

> If there's ever any question whether something you're doing counts as an attack, the rule is simple: if you're making an attack roll, you're making an attack.


  [1]: https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/hail-of-thorns
  [2]: https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/conjure-volley
  [3]: https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/ensnaring-strike
  [4]: https://www.dndbeyond.com/compendium/rules/basic-rules/combat#MakinganAttack