Fly Tying Inventory
Cicada Pattern
A large, buoyant foam fly that imitates adult cicadas—one of the biggest terrestrial meals available to fish. Extremely effective during periodical cicada emergences but productive any time as a big attractor. The oversized profile and rubber legs trigger aggressive surface strikes from trout, bass, and even carp. Fish it near overhanging trees with a plop on the water to mimic a fallen cicada.
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Materials
Long-shank dry fly or stinger hook, sizes 4-10
Black 6/0 or 140 denier
Black 2-3mm closed-cell foam, cut into strips
Orange or black dubbing (rabbit or Awesome Possum)
Pearl Krystal Flash or stacked deer hair
Barred orange or black medium rubber legs
Orange foam or dubbing accent at thorax
Super glue for foam attachment
How to Tie the Cicada Pattern
- 1
Step 1
Attach black thread onto the hook at the eye and wind back to the bend.
- 2
Step 2
Apply a small amount of orange dubbing to create a slim underbody, wrapping forward.
- 3
Step 3
Cut a strip of black 2-3mm foam about a hook-gap wide. Tie it in at the bend with a length protruding for the back.
Apply super glue under the foam for extra durability.
- 4
Step 4
Cut a small bunch of Krystal Flash or deer hair and tie on top of the hook at the wing position for the wing.
- 5
Step 5
Tie in one or two pairs of barred rubber legs on each side, splaying outward.
- 6
Step 6
Fold the remaining foam forward and tie down just behind the hook eye, forming a thick buoyant thorax and head.
- 7
Step 7
Optionally add an orange foam or dubbing hot spot at mid-thorax for extra visual trigger.
The orange hot spot mimics the natural coloring of many cicada species.
- 8
Step 8
Whip finish under the foam and apply head cement. Trim legs and wing to desired length.
Watch Tying Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLY01kL1ZK8
Credit: Various / Hoov's Cicada