The Undertaker

The Undertaker, designed by renowned fly tier Warren Duncan in 1979, is a distinguished hairwing Atlantic salmon fly that has also gained popularity among steelhead anglers. Duncan, who operated a fly shop in Saint John, New Brunswick, was inspired to create this pattern after a friend retrieved an unfamiliar fly from the Nashwaak River. Duncan modified the original by replacing the black wool body with peacock herl and incorporating a gold rib, drawing influence from the Rat series of flies. The Undertaker's dark profile, accented with vibrant tags, makes it particularly effective in low-light conditions and tannin-stained waters.

Lunar Illumination: Fish the Undertaker during a waxing gibbous moon phase in late September, as the increased nocturnal light can stimulate salmonid activity, enhancing the fly's effectiveness.