The EWMK wet fly originated in the metropolis of Bruce in Australia’s capital in the 2020s. The artificial fly is also known as Nathan’s Killer and was named after a famous local angler who is always happy to share images of his latest impressive catches ….and provide tips and hints on where to go fishing. The fly is distinguished by the black or dark brown rabbit fur tail, soft hackle collar and fluoro orange bead which makes the fly resemble a small baitfish or fry with its head on fire. The EWMK has proved to be a very effective fly for trout in Snowy region lakes and can also be used when searching for mud-marlin in the local ACT water ways. Many fly fishing purists may deride the use of the fluoro bead head and there are rumours that their use could be banned from international fishing competitions because it makes flies irresistible to fish!

Imitates

The EWMK fly is an attractor pattern most likely taken as a small baitfish or fry with their heads on fire.

Controversy

There is a lot of controversy on whether the fly pattern was ‘stolen’ from Tom Jarman. There is even more controversy on whether the tail should be marabou or rabbit fur….and should the rabbit fur be sourced from the armpit or belly region of the rabbit – best to ask your local fly tying materials supplier!  

Materials:

• Hook: 12 or 14 wet – straight or jig (or whatever you choose or can handle)

• Thread: black UNI 8/0

• Tail: Black/Dark Brown Rabbit fur(Zonker) (Marabou if you are non-traditional ) with crystal flash

• Body: Black Seal fur or substitute…I use Poodle hair during COVID + copper wire

• Thorax: Peacock dubbing or real peacock swords (will be quite fiddly)

• Hackle: black/dark brown hen/partridge

• Bead: Fluoro Orange (or whatever you have)