Bodkin / Patterns

Cicada

Terrestrial · Trout · Smallmouth Bass · Carp · Intermediate · 1 version

Classic Recipe

  • Hook Bass bug or terrestrial hook, 2x long, 6-10
  • Thread Black/orange 3/0

Materials

  • Body Black foam (2 layers)
  • Wing Clear or iridescent film (tent-style)
  • Legs Black rubber legs (3 pairs)
  • Head Black foam (rounded)
  • Indicator Orange or chartreuse foam (on top)

How to tie it

  1. Mount hook, lay a thread base the full shank length.
  2. Tie in a black foam strip at the bend and build a segmented abdomen: bind the foam down at 3-4 stations, letting it bulge between wraps. Each bulge is a segment.
  3. At the 70% mark, tie in the clear or iridescent wing film, tent-style, sloping back over the body. Real cicada wings fold flat and shiny. The film catches that.
  4. Add three pairs of black rubber legs along the sides.
  5. Fold the remaining foam forward to form a rounded head and tie it down.
  6. Tie a bright strip of orange or chartreuse foam on top as an indicator. The fly rides low and black, and you will not see it without this.
  7. Whip finish.

Tying videos

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