The Cicada Report: How to Tie a Project Cicada

An angler holds up a big cutthroat trout taken on a Project Cicada fly. Fly Fish Food

Learn how to tie Curtis Fry’s Project Cicada pattern—plus fishing tips from the expert himself

A look at the Project Cicada pattern from every angle. *Curtis Fry*

By Ryan Chelius – Field & Stream

The highly anticipated cicada hatch is underway in southern parts of the country, and anglers should start seeing fish of all species come to the surface to feed on these big bugs. In other words, now is a good time to fill your fly boxes with various cicada patterns. One of our favorites—for everything from trout and smallmouth bass to carp and pike—is the Project Cicada.

Cofounder of Fly Fish Food and well-known fly-tier Curtis Fry developed the Project Cicada to improve on his already popular Sickada pattern. The result was a more well-balanced fly that is easier to tie and offers a more realistic presentation in the water. It has become a popular choice among anglers fishing terrestrial bugs all across the country and one you should carry this spring for the co-emergence of Brood XIII and Brood XIX. While you can purchase Project Cicada flies on the Fly Fish Food website, you can also take a stab at tying some yourself. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY