TUSSOCK Cicada   -   Originator : Marc Griffiths    |   Size: 12

The Summer hatches of cicadas and hoppers produce good dry fly action on South Island rivers and streams that flow through tussock valleys and open plains. Tussock and grassland cicadas (genus Kikihia) are considerably smaller than their bush bred cousins. Body length is typically 1.5 to 2 cm and the wings are proportionately shorter. While the upper surfaces may vary from pale green to almost black, the under surfaces are almost always light in colour - with light green, tan and pale grey being common. 

The Wildflies Tussock Cicada is realistic, floats well and is easy to see on the water.  Wind is a major adversary on many tussock clad river valleys and I find this fly easier to cast into the wind than most alternative patterns of similar size.  

Fishing tip:  Coat the deer hair thorax, the elk hair wing and the foam abdomen liberally with paste floatant at the beginning of the day, and that is all the attention it will require.  If the fly should by chance land upside down, preen the elk hair wing into a more vertical position.  The hook does eventually pull out of the slot in the foam abdomen, but this in no way detracts from the fly's performance.