Walking down the lure aisle can be hard on even the most seasoned angler’s eyes. There is a sea of color choices that all promise to incite a walleye to strike. Before filling the cart with every color created by man, there are some color trends that need to be considered.
Research biologists have spent some time studying walleyes. They found that walleye are able to see red, yellow, orange and green the best. The darker colors like blue and purple are harder for the walleye to see. As interesting as this is, it still doesn’t explain how color influences walleye behavior.
Water clarity has a lot to do with the colors that walleye respond too. When the water is clear, walleyes respond better to natural colors. Pearls, chromes and whites stimulate the look of the natural forage fish. Shades of gray, brown, green, blue and even purple can be affective to. Shiny finishes and scale patterns also aid the cause.
Walleye need to be able to see the lure before they will strike it. When the water is on the murky side, brighter colors seem to work the best. Chartreuse, orange, red and pink really seem to entice walleye. When the water is just plain dirty, fluorescent colors are the way to go.
Walleyes seem to like chrome finishes almost as much as bikers at Bike Week. Spinners, crankbaits and spoons all come in colors that are reflective when the lure is in motion. Nickel, silver and gold are top producers. Brass, palladium and copper will also motivate the walleye.
Crankbaits come in a wide range of patterns and colors. There are three color patterns that have the best overall success rate. The natural silver color works well in clear waters. The natural gold works well when fished close to the bottom. The fire tiger pattern excels over others when used during the night or in murky waters.
When it comes to walleye fishing there are no sure-thing colors. Every angler on the water has a color that they swear by. Anglers normally have their own ideas on what colors work best. Since every water body varies in some way, it makes sense that the inhabitants will vary in their tastes too. Sometimes choosing a color comes down to knowing the trends.
If angler is getting a few strikes with their presentation they may want to consider a color change. A change in color can often stimulate action that has slowed or stopped. A color change is subtle but often effective.
When trying to choose a color, the best bet is to match the forage fish. Walleye will often strike at lures that look like what they are eating that time of year. That is why the natural colors work well in clear water.
It isn’t necessary to fill a tackle box with every color lure on the market. There just isn’t enough room or money to make this feasible. An angler should have a selection of successful colors on hand. This will make it easier to tempt the walleye palette.
Great Fishin'!
Andrew Martinsen
