Picking the right lure color is important. The color of a lure can make it easier or more difficult for a fish to see, depending on the light conditions and the color of the surrounding water. Additionally, some colors may mimic the natural color of the prey fish are used to seeing, while others may stand out and attract attention.
By matching the color of the lure to the natural colors of the prey or to the color of the water can increase the chances of attracting fish. Ultimately, choosing the right lure color can make a significant difference in whether or not you are successful in catching fish. It is important to experiment with different colors and observe the behavior of the fish to determine what works best in a given situation. By taking all of these factors into account, choosing the right bait, lure, and COLORS will optimize your chances of catching fish.
Light Conditions
Before we get into color specifics, let take a look at what happens under different light conditions in the water column. Light can affect lure visibility in different ways. For example, in clear water with bright sunlight, lures with natural colors like brown, green, and blue can appear more visible as they blend in with the natural environment.
In murky water or low light conditions. Bright and fluorescent colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink can be more visible as they stand out against the background.
Now, the angle and direction of the light can also impact lure visibility. Lets say when light is shining from above, lures with a shiny or reflective surface can create a flash of light that can attract fish. In contrast, when light is coming from behind the angler (ie: the fish are facing the light), darker colored lures may be more visible as they create a silhouette against the bright sky.
As you can see, light has a significant impact on your lure’s visibility. What color, what shape, and what size of the lure should be chosen based on the type of water and light conditions present.
Does this make sense?
Now lets get on with picking colors.
As you may of already noticed that there are more color variations available than you can possible fish with on the market these days. Take artificial worms for example. There are manufacturers out there who have like 60 different colors and color variations for one type of worm they produce. It can be mind-boggling trying to figure what colors will work and which ones do not. The goal here, is to help you narrow down your choices a bit.
Now, not to sway you from making your own purchase decisions or stepping on someone favorite colors. What I’m covering here are the basic colors that should be taking into consideration when stocking-up lures and bait. Nothing more! I love variety too, but will never want to run out of my core colors, but I also don’t want to have a bunch of colored lures and baits taking up room in my tackle boxes that I dont need.
LETS GET TO IT!
Match The Hatch
Match the hatch is a term used in fishing that refers to selecting a lure or bait that closely resembles the natural prey of the fish you are trying to catch. First and foremost when choosing a lure or bait, is to pick colors that resemble the natural prey of the fish you’re targeting. You want to increase your chances of success on the water.
Overall, matching the hatch is the most effective technique for catching fish, for reasons such as:
- Natural Presentation.
- Increase Catch Rates.
- Trigger Feeding Response.
What Are The Best Fishing Lure Colors?
This depends on several factors. The species of fish you are targeting. Water clarity, and the time of day. Here are some basic guidelines for choosing lure colors:
- Natural colors: Lures that mimic the colors of natural prey, such as brown, green, and silver, can be effective in clear water conditions. MATCH THE HATCH right?
- Bright colors: Brightly colored lures, such as Chartreuse, pink, and orange, can be effective in low-light or murky water conditions.
- Dark colors: Dark-colored lures, such as black, blue, and purple, can be effective when fishing in deep water or in areas with a lot of shadows.
- Metallic colors: Metallic-colored lures, such as gold and silver, can be effective in both clear and murky water conditions, as they mimic the flash of a fish’s scales.
Core Tackle Box Colors
What are core colors and what do I mean by core colors? Core colors are the basic bait colors you should carry for just about any fishing condition. Whatever baits you’re throwing, you should have at least one of these core colors for each bait or lure type. You can always add more color variations to experiment to see what works best in your fishing conditions.
- White or Pearl: These colors are often effective in clear water or during low light conditions such as early morning or late evening. They imitate shad or other baitfish that are common prey for many game fish.
- Watermelon/Green Pumpkin: These versatile colors can work well in a variety of water conditions. It resembles crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey that bass and other fish feed on.
- Black and Blue: This color combination is very effective in stained or murky water, as it creates a strong contrast that helps the lure stand out. It can also imitate a variety of prey, such as bluegills, crawfish, or other dark-colored bait fish.
- Chartreuse: This bright, fluorescent color can be effective in low light or murky water conditions. It is also a good choice for targeting species such as crappie or walleye that are attracted to bright colors.
Best Lure Colors For Clear Water
When you’re fishing clear water, natural colors tend to work best as they mimic the appearance of natural prey fish. Some of the best lure colors for clear water include:
- Silver: Silver lures can imitate baitfish and work well in bright sunlight.
- Green: Green lures can mimic crawfish or other bottom-dwelling creatures and work well in clear water where vegetation is present.
- Brown: Brown lures can imitate crawfish or other bottom-dwelling creatures and work well in clear water where there is a lot of rock or wood cover.
- Blue: Blue lures can mimic shad or other baitfish and work well in clear water where the sky is clear and the sun is shining.
Keep in mind, even in clear water, things like the time of day, weather conditions, and water depth can also affect the lure’s effectiveness. You’ll going to want to experiment with different colors and techniques to see what works best in a particular situation.
When Is The Best Time To Use Metallic Colors?
Metallic colored fishing lures are useful when you want to mimic the flash of baitfish or when fishing in low-light or murky water conditions. Here are some good times to use a metallic colored fishing lure:
- In murky water: The reflective surface of a metallic lure can create a bright flash that can help fish locate the lure in low visibility conditions.
- On cloudy days: When the sky is overcast, metallic lures can create a subtle flash that can help attract fish.
- When imitating baitfish: Many baitfish have a shiny, metallic appearance, this is a great way to mimic their appearance and movement.
- In deep water: Metallic lure can create a bright flash that can be seen from far away, making it easier to attract fish.
- When fishing for predator fish: Pike and musky fior example, dig shiny, reflective lures.
When Is The Best Time To Use Silver?
Silver is effective in clear water conditions or when trying to imitate the flash of baitfish. Here are some good times to use a silver fishing lure:
- In clear water: The shiny, reflective surface of a silver fishing lure can look particularly attractive to fish in clear water conditions.
- On sunny days: When the sun is shining, the reflective surface of a silver lure can create a bright flash that can catch a fish’s attention.
- When imitating baitfish: Many baitfish have a shiny, silvery appearance, so a silver fishing lure can be an effective way to mimic their appearance and movement.
- In deep water: When fishing in deep water, a silver lure can create a bright flash that can be seen from far away, making it easier to attract fish.
- When fish are feeding on the surface: If fish are actively feeding on the surface of the water, a silver lure can imitate the look of small baitfish breaking the surface, making it a tempting target for hungry fish.
When Is The Best Time To Use Gold?
Gold is particularly useful when imitating the color and flash of prey such as small fish, crayfish, or insects. Here are some good times to use a gold fishing lure:
- In stained or murky water: The reflective surface of a gold lure can create a bright flash that can help fish locate the lure in low visibility conditions.
- On overcast days: When the sky is overcast, a gold lure can create a subtle flash that can help attract fish.
- When imitating crayfish or other bottom-dwelling prey: Many crayfish and other bottom-dwelling creatures have a golden or orange tint to their shells, so a gold lure can be an effective way to mimic their appearance and movement.
- In shallow water: When fishing in shallow water, a gold lure can imitate the look of small baitfish, making it a tempting target for fish.
- When fish are feeding on insects: Many insects, such as mayflies and caddis flies, have a golden or yellowish hue, so a gold lure can be an effective way to imitate their appearance and movement.
When Is The Best Time To Use Chartreuse?
Generally, Chartreuse lures are most effective in low-light conditions or murky water, as their bright color can help fish locate the lure more easily. The best time to use a chartreuse fishing lure will depend on several factors, such as the type of fish you are targeting, the location you are fishing in, and the weather conditions.
Crappie and chartreuse. When fishing for crappie, using a chartreuse-colored jig or lure can be especially effective when fishing in murky or stained water, as the bright color will stand out and attract the attention of crappie.
If you are targeting species such as bass, walleye, or trout, you may find that Chartreuse lures are particularly effective during the early morning or late evening hours, as well as during overcast or cloudy days. However, it’s always a good idea to experiment with different lure colors and techniques to see what works best in your particular fishing situation
When Is The Best Time To Use Red?
The best time to use a red fishing lure can depend on a variety of factors, including the type of fish you are targeting, the time of day, and the weather conditions. However, red lures are generally known to be effective in low-light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon, as well as in murky or stained water.
Many anglers also believe that red lures can be particularly effective when fish are actively feeding on small baitfish or crustaceans, as the bright color can mimic the natural coloration of these prey items. Additionally, certain species of fish, such as redfish, are known to be attracted to the color red, making red lures a popular choice when targeting these fish.
When Is The Best Time To Use Orange?
Orange is particularly useful when you want to imitate the color of prey such as crayfish or when fishing in low-light or murky water conditions. Here are some good times to use an orange fishing lure:
- In stained or murky water: The bright color of an orange lure can help it stand out in low visibility conditions.
- On cloudy or overcast days: When the light is low, an orange lure can create a bold contrast against the water, making it easier for fish to see.
- When imitating crayfish: Many crayfish have an orange tint to their shells, so an orange lure can be an effective way to mimic their appearance and movement.
- When fishing for bass: Bass are known to be attracted to orange lures, especially in darker or murky water conditions.
- When fishing in fall: During the fall season, many fish will be feeding on crayfish and other orange-colored prey, making an orange lure a good choice for imitating their diet.
When Is The Best Time To Use Pink?
Pink useful when targeting certain species of fish that are attracted to pink colors like Trout or when fishing in low-light or cloudy conditions. Here are some good times to use a pink fishing lure:
- When targeting salmon or trout: Salmon and trout are attracted to the color pink, especially during their spawning season.
- In cloudy or overcast weather: Pink creates a contrast against the water that makes them easier for fish to see in low-light conditions.
- In clear water: In clear water, a pink lure can appear natural and attract fish without appearing too flashy or unnatural.
- When fishing for bass or panfish: Bass and panfish are known to be attracted to the color pink.
- When fishing in spring or early summer: Many species of fish are actively feeding during the spring and early summer, and a pink lure can be a good way to catch their attention during this time.
When Is The Best Time To Shock Color Lures?
Pink is useful when targeting certain species of fish that are attracted to pink colors like Trout or when fishing in low-light or cloudy conditions. Here are some good times to use a pink fishing lure:
- When targeting salmon or trout: Salmon and trout are attracted to the color pink, especially during their spawning season.
- In cloudy or overcast weather: Pink creates a contrast against the water that makes them easier for fish to see in low-light conditions.
- In clear water: In clear water, a pink lure can appear natural and attract fish without appearing too flashy or unnatural.
- When fishing for bass or panfish: Bass and panfish are known to be attracted to the color pink.
- When fishing in spring or early summer: Many species of fish are actively feeding during the spring and early summer, and a pink lure can be a good way to catch their attention during this time.
Ultimately, the best lure color will depend on the specific fishing situation, and it’s always a good idea to experiment with different colors until you find what works best.
