Since most of the sport fish we target are sight feeders, information as to what color to use in your lure or fly and when to use it can at times be critical. Though fish don’t have a favorite color, they need to see whatever you’re pitching in order to strike. Moving objects that you present are affected by a variety of factors and that’s why during varying conditions some hues are “hotter” than others. Identifying what these conditions are and adjusting your selections to them is the key to catching more fish.
Water Temperature Fish are cold blooded and their metabolism changes along with temperature. When the water is cold, metabolism is the lowest and fish react more slowly. At this time a bright lure is more likely to stimulate a strike. Inversely, as the water warms lure offerings can be toned down.
Water Clarity Water is rated clear (blue), moderate (green), or turbid (brown or gray). Fish must see through these conditions much like see through colored glass. In order for them to see the lure, you need to select what reflects through their environment. Obviously, you’ll need to select the brightest attractor for the darkest conditions. The clearer the water becomes, the less reflective intensity is needed. In general, the rule of thumb is this: light lures for dark conditions and dark lures for bright conditions. Pick your light lures for the overcast days, and use your darker ones for the bright sun.
Color Filtration Some colors change markedly once they reach operating depth. Fish will see red as black under just a few feet of clear water, while other colors like silver, gold, blue and green seldom change. And to make it even more confusing, colors reflect differently in open sea as compared to tight streams. Fret not. The following color guidelines seem to work best in Alaska’s varied opportunities:
• Trolling for salmon in open water. Silver, gold, chartreuse, fluorescent green and the color blue do well.
• Fishing moderate water. Silver, fluorescents in pink, red, and orange, and chartreuse will suffice. Glacial runoff is rated as moderate water clarity. (green)
• Fishing clear water in low light. Combine reflective metallic with dark colors.
• Fishing clear water in high light. Tone it down completely.
• Fishing turbid water. Combine gold with blacks and fluorescents.
• Using the salmon egg attractor. Match your presentations to the spawn; new eggs are bright and old eggs are pale.
• Fishing at night. Go with black.
• Fishing turbid water. Again with black.
Note that Alaska fishermen have a tendency to overuse the fluorescent colors of reds, oranges, and pinks. They are fine during the immediate spawn, but afterwards when the eggs pale in the stream, so should your color selections.
Be advised! New technology has brought artificial luminescence to the lure via chemical or battery operated light. Results from these attractors are still being investigated, with promising results.
And most importantly remember this, tackle manufacturers package products to tempt you and not the fish. Buy what appeals to you, but never forget that it must appeal to your quarry when you cast it.
This month's tip is by Bernard Rosenberg, an Alaska fishing enthusiast and author. Rosenberg has been a prolific poster on the Alaska Fishing Forum, and author of
Alaska Fishing on A Budget.
