Foam Cicada Dry Fly (Floating Cicada) for Trout & Bass

When cicadas are buzzing in the trees and dropping onto the water, trout go absolutely reckless. The Foam Cicada is a high-floating terrestrial pattern that mimics the large, clumsy bugs that create some of the most explosive surface strikes in fly fishing. The foam body keeps it floating through multiple takes and rough water, and the size (#10-#12) matches the substantial meal that makes even big, cautious trout throw caution to the wind.

Cicada events don't happen everywhere or every year, but when they do, it's some of the best dry fly fishing you'll ever experience. And even outside of a cicada hatch, this fly doubles as a general large terrestrial pattern that trout will eat anytime big bugs are hitting the water in summer.

When to Fish It

Late spring through summer, especially during cicada emergence years. Fish it tight to banks, under overhanging trees, and along any shoreline where cicadas are falling onto the water. Cast it with a splat — the noisy landing actually attracts fish because it mimics a cicada hitting the surface. Let it sit, give it a twitch, and hold on.

Specs

• Type: Dry fly — Terrestrial / cicada imitation
• Hook: Strong dry fly hook, built for aggressive surface strikes
• Body: Foam — unsinkable, floats through multiple takes
• Best for: Trout, bass — rivers, streams, lakes near wooded areas
• Technique: Dead-drift, twitch, slap-cast near banks and trees

Why Anglers Stock This Fly

Cicada patterns produce some of the most memorable days on the water. The strikes are violent, the fish are big, and the fishing is visual. The foam body means you'll never have to re-treat it with floatant, and it's tough enough to survive multiple fish. Even outside cicada season, it works as a hopper or large attractor dry. Hand-tied with quality materials by tiers with over 30 years of experience.

🎣 Love topwater action? Browse our full Terrestrials collection for more surface patterns.