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The Cicadas Are Coming—And So Are the Fish (Do This Right!)

The cicadas are falling—and fish are rising. Here’s how to make the most of it.

June 02, 2025

The buzz is real—literally. Brood XIV cicadas are emerging after 17 years underground, and fish across the eastern U.S. are about to go absolutely wild. These clumsy bugs crash-land on rivers and streams, triggering massive topwater feeding frenzies from trout, bass, carp, and more. We’ve got everything you need to fish this rare hatch right—where to go, what flies to tie, and how to time it for max action. If you’re chasing big surface eats and unforgettable days on the water, don’t sleep on this one—it won’t come around again until 2042.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fly Tying Kit

Find the best fly tying kit to make flies at home! Fly tying tool kits come with a vise, bobbin, and more tools to learn how to make your own flies for fly fishing.

Feature

This Year’s Cicada Invasion Is a Fisherman’s Goldmine

As a fisherman, there’s nothing like the thrill of a big bug hatch, and this year, 2025, is shaping up to be something special with the Brood XIV cicada emergence. These 17-year periodical cicadas are about to burst from the ground across parts of the eastern U.S., and I’m already itching to hit the water. From Kentucky to Tennessee, with pockets in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, and even up to Massachusetts, these noisy critters are going to make waves—literally—for anglers like me.

The Big Catch

Here they are—your catches, your stories, your proud moments on the water.
Submitted by you, shared by us. From record-setting lunkers to the ones that got away (but you got the photo!), every fish tells a tale. Big or small, it’s not just about the catch—it’s about the memory, the company, and the thrill of the fight. Thanks for letting us be part of your fishing story.

A tough day for drift, but Voyager Fishing still put 'em on the gold 🎣

Tyler with a spring bite that’s heating up 🎣

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About Us

At Fishmasters, we live for the tug on the line, the splash of the catch, and the stories told around the campfire. Whether you're casting off a backcountry dock, chasing trophies offshore, or just getting your feet wet, we're your go-to source for fishing tips, gear guides, and destination deep-dives. We blend real-world know-how with a passion for the great outdoors—because fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. Let’s make every cast count.