Purple Beaver Cicada
This is special pattern that mimics the Orchard Cicada found in the Columbia Valley. The pupa lives underground for roughly 7 years before burrowing to the surface for it’s short life as an adult. They make a distinctive loud clicking noise and are often hidden unless you catch them enjoying a nice warm surface such as the side of sunny building. When the cicada flies over the Columbia River the sudden drop in temperature sends it spiraling downwards into the water. These are large terrestrial that make a great meal for Columbia River trout, and when they are active trout actively seek them out.
Purple Beaver Cicada Materials List
Hook – R74 or R75 Mustad size – 8 or 6
Thread – 6/0 black
Tail – Hungarian partridge
Body- new age chenille -purple beaver color
Under wing – flashabou -June Bug color
Wing – translucent flexible plastic
Head – peacock herl
Hackle- black saddle
About the Tyer
Rod Zavaduk is the owner/operator of Castlegar Sports Centre and Fly Shop; a retail fly fishing outlet and guide service. He began fishing the Columbia River in the late 70s and has been a licensed guide for over 25 years. Rod has studied entomology for 40 plus years and is an expert in the local hatches and insect life cycles. The majority of flies sold in Rod’s shop are hand tied and specialized for the local waterways. Many of the flies are tried and true custom patterns that cannot be purchased anywhere else. Rod estimates he ties 5,000 flies each year.
Visit CastlegarFlyShop.ca to see more of Rod’s hand tied flies, or stop by the new location at 2243 6th Avenue in Castlegar.
