cicadas and small mouth bass

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.