Lure Colours for Clear vs Dirty Water: A Simple Guide

Every angler has a favourite colour, but the fish decide on the day. Water clarity and light are the two biggest things that change which colour gets bit. Here's a simple way to choose.

The simple rule

A rule many skippers use is:

Clear water, natural colours. Dirty water, bright or dark colours.

In clear water, fish get a good look at the lure, so something that looks like real baitfish works best. In dirty or green water, fish can't see as far, so they need a colour that stands out, either very bright or very dark.

Clear, blue water

When the water is clean and blue and the sun is out, start with natural baitfish patterns:

Blue Charge: blue and silver like a mackerel or sardine.
Dory: green and silver, natural with a bit of extra colour.
Killer Red: white with a red head, a simple classic that's easy for fish to see.

Add one bright lure as well. Gamefish like dorado will often hit a bright green or pink even in clear water.

Green or slightly murky water

When the water turns green, fish see less, so turn the colour up:

Fire Tiger: chartreuse with black stripes, one of the most visible patterns in green water.
Killer Orange: bright red-orange that stands out in almost any water.

Chartreuse, orange and pink all show up well in green water.

Dirty water and low light

When the water is really dirty, or it's early morning, late afternoon or overcast, there are two good options:

Go dark. A dark lure like the Zulu makes a strong shape against the light from above. Fish feeding from below see dark lures clearly.
Go glow. Glow lures give off their own light. See our guide on when to use glow lures.

Build a spread that tests colours

You don't have to guess. Run different colours at the same time and let the fish choose:

Clear water: a bright green or pink lure close to the boat, a natural blue or silver in the middle, and a red head far back.
Green water: chartreuse close to the boat, orange in the middle, and a natural pattern far back.
Low light or dirty water: a glow lure close to the boat, a dark lure in the middle, and a bright lure far back.

When one colour gets most of the strikes, change another rod to the same or a similar colour.

A few more tips

Change colours if nothing happens. If you've trolled over good water for 30 to 45 minutes with no strikes, try different colours.
Watch the light. As the sun gets higher or clouds roll in, the best colour can change.
Match the bait. If you see what the fish are feeding on, such as sardines or flying fish, pick a lure close in colour and size.