Lure colour selector

Water clarity and light to the colour families that work, and why.

Conditions

Water clarity
Light
Try these colours
Green pumpkin
Translucent shad
Natural white
Clear water: natural, translucent colours that match the forage look real.

How this tool works

Long-standing guide rules: natural and translucent colours in clear water, bright colours with flash in stained water, and high-contrast dark or bright silhouettes in muddy water or low light.

FAQ

How do I judge water clarity?

Lower a light-coloured lure: if you can still see it a few feet down the water is clear, if it fades within a foot or two it is stained, and if it disappears almost at once the water is muddy.

Does lure colour matter more than action?

Usually not. Depth, speed and size come first; colour helps fish find the lure in stained water or low light, which is why the selector pairs clarity with light.