Cicada
The Cicada is an essential trout fly that imitates adult cicada (annual and periodical). It supports Cicada fly pattern, terrestrial fly for trout, and how to fish Cicada searches.
Imitates: Adult cicada (annual and periodical)
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #6-10
- Best Season
- Late spring and early summer
- Best Conditions
- Green River (UT), Provo, Lower Owens, Snake River canyon during cicada bloom
- Water Temp
- 60-78°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 3X-4X
How to Rig It
Single dry on a short stout leader. Don't be afraid of 3X — cicada takes are violent.
How to Present It
Cast tight to the bank and slap the fly on the water — trout key on the splat sound. Twitch occasionally.
Why It Works
Cicadas are huge, helpless, and protein-rich. When they fall onto western rivers in May and June, every trout in the river turns to the surface for one of the best dry fly windows of the year.
History
The Green River below Flaming Gorge is the most famous cicada water in the West — anglers plan entire trips around the late May bloom.
Pro Tip
Cast loud and don't mend perfectly. A clumsy splat presentation often outfishes a delicate one because real cicadas are terrible flyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the cicada hatch?+
Annual cicadas in late May through June on western rivers. Periodical broods every 13 or 17 years can extend the window.
Where can I fish a cicada hatch?+
Green River below Flaming Gorge, the Provo, the Lower Owens, and pockets of the Snake River canyon.
Not sure if Cicada is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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