Now Is The Time For Cicadas
Which Cicada fly pattern should you use?
When it comes to fly fishing seasons, there's all the usual ones, spring, summer, winter and even the fantastical 'mouse' season. Some are more predictable, in the case of the latter, sometimes these are more 'mythical'. One particular season, that almost always turns up eventually is Cicada season.
There's something just so wonderful about tossing a cicada pattern at a hungry fish. Everyone has their own theories, and everyone has their own preference. Lucky for you, the Manic Fly Collection has loads of cicadas, and even more variants. Have a read below and get into your local Manic Dealer and grab a fist full.
It's pretty much the fly fisher's Christmas time of year when the cicadas are in full swing, and that time is now. Now, being February, and yes sure, sometimes it can be a bit later, but as long as it arrives who cares? Merry Friggin Cicadamas everyone!
Deafening roars of cicadas ribs (yes ribs) rubbing together can often drown out the noise of the river and all you really need is a rough cast in the general direction of a fish and the big splash of a high protein feed hitting the water is enough to get the fish ripping across to smash your fly.
It's not rocket science but, as we well know, sometimes fish can be a little bit fussy, so that's why it pays to have a good selection of sizes, colours and profiles of cicada flies in your box.
Naturally, the Manic Fly Collection will have you covered. Take a wee stroll with us know and peruse the menu. Will sir be having the house wine too?
The Menu
CLASSIC CICADA - Black
Not all cicadas are created equal. In fact we have forty two different species in New Zealand and even more in Australia. Each are derived from five main genus groups, but that can generally get boiled down to green, black and a lighter tan / yellow type. Check your surroundings and go from there. The black cicada also provides a dense silhouette making it an easy meal to spot for hungry trout and comes in a middle of the road size 8 hook. It's no middle of the road diner though, its pure 5 star luxury dining.
CLASSIC CICADA - Olive
This has long been a go to cicada fly with a proven track record. A delicate blend of...well, cicada looking stuff. Floats well and fish can't resist it. Available in sizes 6 & 8.
Newest of the cicada offerings, the Flat Back Cicada is juicy morsel that is easy for trout to see and even easier for you to see as well. It sits high in the foam and you can use it in faster flowing water without losing sight of it. It comes in three colours; Black, Olive & Tan. Available in size #8.
The big dawg size 6, rubber legged, dark bodied "I dare you to eat me" pattern. When this thing touches down any fish in the area is going to know about it. The sheer audacity of this fly can be enough to provoke a trout into eating it.
The size 8 Swiss Army knife of cicada patterns and the little brother of the King Cicada. A great searching pattern to kick off the day with, figure out some fish reactions and go from there. It even works across the ditch too.
DESSERT
There's more to fishing large terrestrials than just cicadas. Perhaps you'd like to see the dessert menu? These four flies from the Manic Fly Collection are irresistible to trout.
A great pattern than is sure to get any fussy trout to take a bite. Available in size #8-14.
Now here's a real meal. What more can we say other than get it in your fly box? We can also say available in size #8 & #12.
X-STIMULATOR - Black
Here's a great cicada-esque pattern that has a fantastic strike rate. Don't be shy, you can definitely fit this one into your fly box as well. We'll just go ahead and add it to your order, you wont be disappointed.
More good stuff available in a meaty size 10.
Dry Dropping
CHUBBY CHERNOBYL - Patriot
Or maybe you just want something solid to tie a nymph on to? This delicacy is a perfect addition to any fly box and make anything tied on to it look even better. Get them in 8's or 14's and they are also available in Golden Brown and Blue Bottle.
Image @ Jakub Kanuk (https://www.jakub-kanok.com/)
Right, now you know what to tie on, read this article on Reading the Rise so you are totally ready for action.
Fish photos @ Andrew Harding unless otherwise indicated.