LureBolt

Fishing tackle drawers are full of lures in every hue, but not all colors are created equal for every water type. As one fishing guide notes, “Not all lures work in just any body of water – have you thought about its color?”. In practical terms, choosing the right lure color means matching it to water clarity (clear vs. stained vs. muddy), depth (shallow vs. deep), and even the weather or season. This guide will dive into the science of light underwater (no Ph.D. needed!), then give clear, actionable advice—tables and all—so you can pick winning lure colors in clear, stained, or muddy water (both freshwater and saltwater). We’ll cover everything from daylight vs. dusk to seasonal forage. By the end you’ll know exactly what colors of fishing lures work best in different water conditions. Tight lines! Underwater Light & Color Basics A shiny gold-and-white fishing lure underwater. Water filters out color from the spectrum – red and orange wavelengths are absorbed first, while blue and green reach farther. So a red lure that looks bright on the surface will look gray or black just a few feet down. In clear water, blue light penetrates deepest, giving deep ocean its