One of the greatest spectacles in fresh water fly fishing here in the US is the periodic cicada hatches. We have fished and guided several different cicada broods over the years and are super excited every time one comes around again. Our favorite part of the periodic cicadas is the incredible carp fishing it provides on dry flies, but the trout fishing can be epic as well. Other freshwater game fish such as bass, bream, and catfish love these high protein snacks also.
The excitement with this hatch stems from the incredible sight fishing with dry flies it provides. Carp are generally large fish, especially for anglers accustomed to targeting small wild trout such as we do in the Smokies. Best of all, carp make blistering runs that will push your 7 or 8 weight rod and reel in an epic battle for freshwater. We’ve had carp break 7 weight rods in the butt section. If you enjoy salt water fly fishing, this is a great opportunity to polish your sight fishing skills before your next trip.
Periodic Cicada Broods in Tennessee
We fish as many broods as possible. Here in Tennessee, we have 5 broods if you are willing to travel across the state to find them. Each brood hatches in a unique area, some of which overlap but most do not. Three broods in particular are featured within our normal area of operations, Brood X, Brood XIV, and Brood XIX.
We will likely travel to cover the other two broods as well if we have sufficient demand. All five of these broods will offer incredible sight fishing opportunities to large fish. These trips can fall under our special Premium Trip pricing depending on the location. Make sure and ask if you have questions about our rates on these trips. In general, if we are traveling overnight (far upper east Tennessee or west Tennessee), these trips will fall under our special pricing.
Periodic Cicada Fly Fishing: Sight Fishing Galore
My personal favorite thing to do in fly fishing is sight fishing, preferably with dry flies. This hatch checks all those boxes. Many of our clients are skeptical about fly fishing for carp until they get a taste. Once they find out how much fun it is, they won’t miss another periodic cicada hatch for anything.
We fish this hatch from our boats. The guide will use the oars to slide you into position and help you locate the cruising fish. Then, with some detailed directions on where to place the fly, you begin casting. Once the fly lands, the excitement builds even further. When a carp slowly rises to your fly, it takes all the will power you can muster to not set too early. Wait, wait, wait, NOW!!! Once you set the hook, it is off to the races, literally. The guide will frantically row the boat around, helping you keep the fish out of structure. Low rod anglers help a lot here. Eventually, the fish comes boat side for a quick scoop of the net. Then it is on to the next one.
On slow days, you’ll probably land 4-6 fish. On truly epic days, you can land as many fish as you like, but many anglers get a tired arm after 15 or 20. These fish will exhaust even the most experienced anglers.
Booking a Guide for the Periodic Cicadas
The tough thing about the periodic cicada emergences is that we are busier than ever during the normal hatch season of May and June. I regularly book the month of May several months out. By late January most years, my May is already booked if not before. Thus, you have to plan your opportunities to fish these hatches well in advance. If you want to hit this hatch just right, reach out and we can help you plan around the next big hatch.