Do you ever find yourself standing in the fishing aisle at your favorite Sporting goods store staring at the lure and bait color selections and wondering of all the types, sizes, and BAIT COLORS available, which ones will be the best choice for your hard-earned dollars? I did and heck, I do this all the time.
Picking the right fishing bait 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 bait 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 bait color of the lure to the natural color of the prey, or the color of the water can increase the chances of attracting fish. Ultimately, choosing the right bait color can make a significant difference in whether you are successful in catching fish. I admit, sometimes it’s dumb luck, but most of the time, it drills down to color and presentation.
It is important to experiment with different bait colors and observe the behavior of the fish to determine what works best in each situation. By taking all these factors into account, choosing the right bait, lure, and COLORS will optimize your chances of catching fish.
The Science Behind Light Conditions
Before we get into fishing bait color specifics, let’s 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 bait color visibility. Let’s say when light is shining down 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 lures visibility. The color, what shape, and what size of the lure should be chosen based on the type of water and light conditions present.
Does this chart make sense?
Picking The Right Bait Colors.
As you may have already noticed there are more bait colors available than you can 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 just one type of worm they produce. It can be mind-boggling trying to figure out what colors will work best and which ones produce less fish or do not work at all.
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’s favorite colors. What I’m covering here are the basic colors that should be taken into consideration when stocking up lures and bait. Nothing more! I love variety too, but I don’t ever want to run out of my core colors, I also don’t want to have a bunch of colored lures and baits taking up room in my tackle boxes that I don’t need either.
LET’S GET TO IT!
What Are The Best Bait Colors?
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. What works to catch fish will depend on several factors. First is the species of fish you are targeting. Are you targeting bass, trout, or crappie for example. The second thing that will impact your color choice is water clarity, and lastly, the time of day.
Here are some basic guidelines for choosing bait colors:
- Natural colors: Lures that mimic the colors of natural prey, such as brown, green, and silver, can be effective in clear water conditions. These typically are the bluegills or shad colors for example. You first choice should be to MATCH THE HATCH.
- 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.
Match The Hatch
Match the hatch is a term used in fishing that refers to selecting a lure or bait color that closely resembles the natural prey of the fish you are trying to catch. First and foremost, when choosing a lure or bait color, is to pick the bait colors that resemble the natural prey of the fish you’re targeting.
Don’t forget to consider local forage fish color in the waters you’re fishing. Water conditions can affect the natural color of the fish. If you fish one or two lakes exclusively, the shad may have darker color than say a lake or pond 20 miles away. Consider all the different shad bait colors and patterns you see in a fishing catalog for example.
There is a reason for this right? Keep this in mind
Overall, matching the hatch is the most effective technique for catching fish, for reasons such as:
- Natural Presentation.
- Increase Catch Rates.
- Trigger Feeding Response.
Core Tackle Box Bait Colors
What are core bait colors and what do I mean by core bait color? Core bait 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 bait 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 bait 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 bait 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 bait colors 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.
Choosing The Best Bait Colors For Clear Water
When you’re fishing clear water, natural bait 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.
- Greens: Green lures can mimic crawfish or other bottom-dwelling creatures and work well in clear water where vegetation is present.
- Browns: 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.
- Blues: 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.
Choosing The Best Bait Colors For Dirty/Stained Water
When fishing in dirty or stained water, it’s crucial to use lures that are easily seen by fish. Visibility and vibration are key components in these conditions. Here are some general guidelines on the best lure/bait colors for such water conditions:
Dark & Solid Bait Colors:
- Black: Provides a great silhouette, especially in very turbid water. Often used for jigs, frogs, and topwater baits.
- Blue: Especially dark blue or navy, this color can also provide a good silhouette and is a favorite for many crankbait fishermen.
- Purple: Sometimes overlooked, but it’s especially good for worms and jigs.
Combination Bait Colors:
- Black & Blue: A classic combo for jigs and soft plastics.
- Black & Chartreuse: Good for spinnerbaits and jigs.
Bright & Bold Bait Colors: See my article on Shock Colors
- Chartreuse: This bright yellow-green color stands out well in muddy water.
- Bright Orange: This color can often appear red under the water and stands out in stained conditions.
- Hot Pink: A surprisingly effective color, especially for certain species.
- Bright Yellow: Often overlooked, but it can be very effective in dirty water.
- Firetiger: A combination of green, orange, and yellow, this is a standard for many bass anglers in murky water.
Vibration and Sound: Apart from color, in dirty water, it’s beneficial to use lures that produce more vibration and sound, like chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits with rattles.
Contrast Patterns: Lures with contrasting patterns can help fish distinguish the bait colors. For instance, a two-tone bait with a dark back and a brighter belly can be quite effective.
Remember, while bait colors can make a difference, it’s essential to consider the lure’s action, the water temperature, the type of cover you’re fishing, and the specific species of fish you’re targeting. Experimentation is key, as sometimes the fish might surprise you with their preferences on any given day.
When Is The Best Time To Use Metallic Bait 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 lures 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 for example, dig shiny, reflective lures.
- 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 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.
What About Shock Fishing Lure Color Lures?
Using “shock” or “reaction” colors when fishing refers to deploying lure colors that are starkly different from what fish might see in their natural environment. The aim isn’t necessarily to mimic natural prey but to get the fish to strike out of curiosity, aggression, or simply because the lure is highly visible and stimulates a reaction. You can read more about fishing lure shock colors by reading my article about Shock Colors linked below:
Fishing Shock Colors: The Unseen Game-Changer
Here’s how and why you might consider using shock bait colors:
Visibility in Murky Water: As mentioned previously, in stained or muddy water, brighter or shock colors like chartreuse, hot pink, or bright orange can be more visible than natural colors.
Trigger Aggression: Predatory fish, such as bass, sometimes strike not because they’re hungry but out of territorial aggression. A bright or unusual color might provoke such a response.
Overfished Waters: In waters that see a lot of fishing pressure, fish become accustomed to seeing the same lures and presentations. An unusual color might provide a novel stimulus, prompting a bite.
Varied Conditions: On cloudy days or during low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk, shock colors can stand out more than muted or natural colors.
Don’t Overdo It. Just because shock bait colors can be effective doesn’t mean they always will be. If you’re not getting strikes on a particular day, switch back to more natural bait colors or change your presentation.
Wrapping It Up
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.