As cicada activity progresses, fish behavior will also be pretty variable. Just because you see bugs flying around, does not mean fish will be on them quite yet. On the other hand, if fish have been gorging on these bugs for a while, they might get full, and the feeding could slow down. Also, angler pressure in certain places can make trout wise up quickly, so factor that in as well. The best window for getting the most action is actually at the beginning of when fish really start keying into these bugs. In general, you can expect to throw away some of the trends that you’ve seen when fishing your rivers during other years from times when they don’t have cicadas. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and fish the times and places that other anglers are not. With some luck, you might just encounter something awesome. 

Cicada reproduction is tied to deciduous hardwood trees. On rivers in regions that might see these bugs, avoid the conifers. Pines and hemlocks are not cicada territory. Also, avoid areas that are dominated by farmland, as you will find more bugs near the more wooded areas. For example, some rivers will have areas that are void of any cicadas, but further away the habitat for them could greatly improve. 

These rare cicada emergences produce a lot of hype, and for good reason. Rarely do we get the chance to fish giant dry flies for potentially trophy fish here in PA. That being said, luck and timing can greatly influence your success. Maybe it's that you should’ve been there a week ago. Maybe the big fish you were hoping to catch ate a pile of cicadas yesterday and is laying low. Maybe you show up to a stretch of river and the bugs aren’t there at all. Maybe an area that was productive the last time this brood was around has changed, and is no longer a prime location. The list could go on, but keep a positive attitude and make adjustments until you find success. Don’t let one bad day ruin your spirits, and keep after it. Talk to other anglers, but don’t expect their experience to hold true for you on a daily basis. These events can be weird, but they are definitely a worthwhile endeavor.