Lure Color Selector
Tie on a colour the fish can actually see. Choose today's water clarity and light to get a recommended colour family, with backups and the reasoning behind the pick.
Read the water, then pick the colour
Colour choice is really a visibility decision. In clear water and good light a fish can study a lure, so natural and translucent finishes that mimic real forage draw the most strikes. As the water dirties or the light drops, fish rely more on silhouette and vibration, and high-contrast or dark colours become easier to find and follow.
Once the colour's sorted, dial in how fast to fish it with the Retrieve Speed Advisor, and size the lure itself with the Lure Weight Selector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a lure colour?
The oldest rule still holds: bright day and clear water call for light, natural, translucent finishes; dark day and dirty water call for dark or high-contrast colours a fish can track. Clear water lets fish inspect a lure closely, so realism wins; stained and muddy water cut visibility, so chartreuse, firetiger, or a bold dark silhouette gives them an easier target. This selector reads clarity and light together and points you to a starting colour.
Why is black best at night?
After dark a fish sees a lure mostly as a silhouette against the faint light at the surface, and a solid black profile throws the sharpest, most consistent outline. Bright colours actually disappear at night. Pair black with a bait that pushes water or rattles so the fish can find it by feel and sound as well as sight.
What about chartreuse and firetiger — when do they shine?
High-visibility colours earn their keep when water clarity drops or the light goes flat. In stained, tea-coloured, or muddy water, chartreuse and firetiger patterns stand out where a natural finish would vanish, so fish lock onto them faster. They also work well as an accent — a chartreuse tail on a natural body — when you want visibility without going fully gaudy.
Is colour really that important?
Colour matters, but it's usually behind location, depth, and presentation. Match the general contrast to the water and light first, then let confidence and local forage guide the exact shade. If fish are following but not committing, switching to a more natural colour often seals the deal; if they can't find the lure at all, more contrast helps.
A curated colour guide based on angling convention, not a guarantee. Local forage and fish mood always have the final say.