Yellow Bellied Mattress Thrasher

Yellow Bellied Mattress Thrasher

Fly: Steve Williams, Photograph: Hans Weilenmann
Hook:	Orvis dry fly 2X long. Sizes #10 & #8
Thread:	Black prewaxed nylon 6/0
Abdomen:	A mixture of black seal fur and black rabbit
Wing:	Fine textured deer hair tied flat along the abdomen
Thorax:	A mixture of pale yellow seal fur and pale yellow rabbit
Hackle:	Grizzly dry fly hackle palmered in 5-6 open turns over the thorax and clipped flush on the bottom
Tying notes: I was introduced to this pattern on the AuSable River in Michigan during the 1970s. Its' low profile and flush floating character combine to make it a very good fly where trout can take a good look at imitations. It also floats well on rough water. This has proven to be a good fly in other colors wherever stone flies are present. I also tie it with yellow abdomen and thorax, and with rusty brown abdomen and yellow thorax.
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