Cicadas & Smallmouth: A Rhythmic Dance on the New River
Each summer, the New
River in Virginia hums with more than just the flow of ancient water—it pulses
with the electric buzz of cicadas. These enigmatic insects, often misunderstood
as mere noisemakers, play a surprisingly vital role in the river’s ecosystem,
especially as a seasonal buffet for one of its most prized game fish: the
smallmouth bass.
The Life Cycle of Virginia’s Cicadas
Virginia is home to
both annual and periodical cicadas: Annual Cicadas (Neotibicen spp.) - Emerge
every summer, typically from late June through August. - Known as “dog-day
cicadas” for their appearance during the hottest days. - Greenish-black bodies
with black eyes; blend well into foliage. - Life cycle: 2–5 years underground,
but emergences are staggered, so some appear every year. ⏳ Periodical Cicadas
(Magicicada spp.) - Emerge in synchronized broods every 13 or 17 years. - 2025
marks the emergence of Brood XIV in Virginia, one of the largest 17-year broods.
- Black bodies with striking red eyes. - Life cycle: - Eggs laid in tree
branches. - Nymphs drop to the ground, burrow, and feed on tree root sap. -
After 13 or 17 years, they emerge en masse when soil temps reach ~64°F. - They
molt into winged adults, mate, and die within 4–6 weeks.
Cicadas as Forage
: A
Smallmouth Bass Feast When cicadas emerge—especially the periodical broods—they
create a rare and rich feeding opportunity for smallmouth bass. Why Smallmouth
Love Cicadas: - High-Calorie Snack: Cicadas are protein-packed and easy to
catch. - Surface Vulnerability: Their clumsy flight and frequent falls into the
water make them ideal topwater targets. - Predator Saturation: With millions
emerging per acre, predators like bass can gorge without exhausting the supply.
Timing the Hatch: - Annual Cicadas: Peak in July and August—prime time for
topwater action. - Periodical Cicadas: Emerge in May–June, depending on brood
and soil temps.
Tactics for Anglers: Matching the Hatch
Smallmouth bass on
the New River become hyper-focused on cicadas during peak emergence. Here’s how
to capitalize:
Fly Fishing - Use cicada imitations like foam-bodied poppers
or deer-hair bugs. - Cast near overhanging limbs, slow banks, and eddies. - Let
the fly land with a “splat”—the noise draws attention. - Allow the fish to “sip”
the fly before setting the hook.
Conventional Tackle - Use topwater lures
like: - Rebel Pop-R - Heddon Tiny Torpedo - Custom cicada plugs - Fish across
riffles, seams, and slack water near structure. - Midday can be surprisingly
productive, especially in slow, shaded stretches.
The New River: A Perfect Stage
The New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, offers ideal habitat
for this seasonal drama: - Clear, warm water in summer enhances topwater
visibility. - Abundant structure—boulders, ledges, and timber—provides ambush
points. - Stable summer flows make for consistent fishing conditions.
Ecological Significance Beyond fishing, cicadas enrich the river ecosystem: -
Nutrient Cycling: Decomposing cicadas fertilize riparian zones. - Food Web
Boost: Birds, mammals, and fish all benefit from the protein surge.
Predator-Prey Synchrony: Their emergence patterns may even influence fish
behavior and growth cycles.
Final Cast
For anglers on the New River, cicada
season is more than a novelty—it’s a window into a primal rhythm that connects
insect, fish, and fisherman. Whether you're casting a foam-bodied fly or
twitching a topwater plug, remember: every splash and strike is part of a
17-year crescendo.
