Best Bait & Lure Colors for Kokanee Fishing (Complete Guide)

Picking the right bait colors based on the fishing conditions can determine your success in catching kokanee or returning empty-handed. So what are the optimal bait colors?

For kokanee fishing, natural colors like pearl white, pink, and silver work best in clear water and sunny conditions. In overcast skies or murky water, fluorescent colors like orange, pink, and chartreuse are more effective.

We will break down the best colors for each light, water clarity, and time of day conditions you will face when kokanee fishing.

Seasonal Breakdown: Bait Colors

Winter

During winter, kokanee are often found at deeper depths, so using lures that mimic their natural prey, such as small jigs or spoons, can be effective.

Recommended colors for kokanee in winter include silver, gold, and pink, which can help catch their attention in the deeper, darker waters. Specific lures to consider include the Luhr Jensen Needlefish and the Dick Nite Spoon, in sizes ranging from 1 to 2 inches.

Spring

I have had the best success in spring using the Mack’s Lure Wedding Ring Spinner in sizes 1-1/2 or 2 with a pink hoochie skirt and a silver or gold blade. Other effective colors for kokanee in the spring include red and orange, but I have found that pink is the most consistent producer.

Summer

When targeting kokanee in the summer, I find that small hoochies in bright colors like pink and orange work well. I also like to use dodgers or flashers in silver or gold to attract their attention. Generally, I prefer smaller sizes for kokanee, around 1.5-2 inches in length.

Fall

I find bright and vibrant colors works well in the fall season. My favorite lures are the Luhr Jensen Needlefish and the Mack’s Lure Wedding Ring, both in hot pink, chartreuse, and fire tiger patterns. I typically use sizes 1.5-2.5 inches for these lures.

Ice Fishing Colors for Kokanee

Kokanee salmon are attracted to bright colors, especially shades of pink and orange. For ice fishing, jigs and spoons are effective in sizes 1/32 to 1/8 ounce. Some recommended lures for kokanee ice fishing include the Hali Sukkula Jig, Northland Forage Minnow Jig, and Acme Kastmaster Spoon in pink or orange colors.

Kokanee Color Guidelines

Color selection is critical for kokanee fishing because it can influence their feeding behavior. Kokanee are attracted to colors that mimic their natural prey but may also be more responsive to bright or fluorescent colors in certain conditions.

Selecting the right color and visibility of the bait is essential to increase the chances of getting bites and catching kokanee.

Water Clarity & Bait Colors

The importance of selecting visible baits for kokanee fishing depends on the water clarity because kokanee are more likely to be attracted to lures that they can see clearly. In clear water, natural colors that mimic the kokanee’s prey are more effective, while in murky or muddy water, bright and visible colors increase the chances of getting bites.

Clear Water Kokanee Fishing: Color Selection

In clear water, it’s best to use natural colors that mimic the kokanee’s natural prey. Effective lure choices include small spoons, spinners, or hoochies in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

Some recommended lures for kokanee fishing in clear water are Apex Kokanee Killers in silver or gold, Needlefish in silver or gold, and Wedding Rings in silver or gold with a pearl or silver blade.

Muddy Water Kokanee Fishing: Color Selection

In muddy or murky water, it’s best to use bright and visible colors to increase visibility for the kokanee. Effective lure choices include dodgers or flashers with small lures, such as hoochies or wedding rings, in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

Some recommended lures for kokanee fishing in muddy water are pink or chartreuse Apex Kokanee Killers, Needlefish in pink or chartreuse, and Rocky Mountain Tackle Squids in pink or chartreuse.

Light Conditions & Bait Colors

The importance of bait colors for kokanee fishing depends on the light conditions because certain colors are more visible in different lighting situations.

In low light or murky water, bright colors or glow-in-the-dark lures can increase visibility, while natural colors may be more effective in clear, bright conditions. Selecting the right bait color can make a significant difference in attracting kokanee and getting bites.

Clear, Sunny Kokanee Fishing: Color Selection

On bright, sunny days, it’s best to use natural colors such as silver, gold, or brown to mimic the kokanee’s natural prey and blend in with the surroundings.

Effective bait choices include small spoons, spinners, or hoochies in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Some popular lures are Apex Kokanee Killers, Needlefish, or Wedding Rings in silver or gold.

Cloudy/Overcast Kokanee Fishing: Color Selection

In cloudy or overcast conditions, it’s best to use brighter colors such as pink, orange, or chartreuse to increase visibility.

Effective bait choices include dodgers or flashers with small lures, such as hoochies or wedding rings, in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Some popular lures are pink or chartreuse Apex Kokanee Killers, Needlefish, or Rocky Mountain Tackle Squids.

Night KokaneeFishing: Color Selection

For night kokanee fishing, it’s best to use glow-in-the-dark or UV lures in bright colors such as pink, orange, or chartreuse to increase visibility in low-light conditions.

Effective bait choices include dodgers or flashers with small lures, such as hoochies or wedding rings, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Some popular glow-in-the-dark lures are Luhr-Jensen Coyote Spoons or Gibbs/Delta Moon Jelly Squids.

Kokanee Behavior & Bait Colors

Selecting visible baits that match the kokanee’s behavior and activity level is important for kokanee fishing because it can increase the chances of getting a bite. By using the right size, color, and type of lure, anglers can effectively mimic the kokanee’s natural prey and trigger a feeding response.

Best Colors for Active Feeding Times (early mornings & late afternoons)

When kokanee are active, it’s best to use brighter colors such as pink, orange, and chartreuse. Effective bait choices include dodgers or flashers with small lures, such as hoochies or wedding rings, in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

Some popular lures to try are pink or chartreuse Apex Kokanee Killers, Needlefish, or Rocky Mountain Tackle Squids.

Best Colors for Slow Feeding Times (middle of the day & early afternoons)

When kokanee are less active, it’s best to use smaller lures in natural colors such as silver or gold. Bait recommendations include small spoons, spinners, or hoochies in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

Effective colors to try are silver, gold, brown, or pink with silver or gold accents. Some popular lures include Apex Kokanee Killers, Needlefish, and Wedding Rings.

Natural Colors for Kokanee

Natural colors can be effective for kokanee fishing, especially in clear water or when fish are being finicky. Silver, gold, and brown colors can mimic natural prey and blend in with the surroundings.

To use natural colors effectively for kokanee fishing, it’s important to choose lures that match the size and color of the fish’s natural prey, and to vary the speed and depth of your lures to find what works best.

Bright/Bold Colors for Kokanee

Bright colors can be very effective for kokanee fishing, attracting the fish’s attention and triggering a strike. In clear water, bright colors such as pink, orange, and chartreuse can work well, while in murky water, darker colors may be more visible.

To use bright colors effectively for kokanee fishing, it’s important to experiment with different colors and patterns, and to use flashers or dodgers to create movement and attract more fish.

UV Colors for Kokanee

UV colors can be highly effective for kokanee fishing as they can attract fish by reflecting more light than traditional colors. When choosing UV colors for kokanee fishing, it is important to consider the water conditions and time of day.

In clear water, brighter UV colors such as chartreuse, pink, and orange can work well, while in murky water, darker UV colors such as purple and black may be more effective. Different colors may also be more effective at different depths.

11 Bait Color Selection Tips for Kokanee

1. For kokanee fishing, try using lures that mimic plankton, such as small spoons or spinners in natural colors like silver, gold, or pearl.
2. Consider using scented lures, like PowerBait, to add another level of attraction to your presentation.
3. Try patterns like the “Kokanee Krystal” in red or pink colors when using flies.
4. Use a dodger or flasher before your lure to attract attention and add more action to your presentation.
5. Use a light line and small hooks to avoid spooking kokanee, which can be skittish in clear water.
6. Use lures with UV or glow-in-the-dark colors to increase visibility in deeper waters.
7. Pay attention to the forage in the water and try to match your lure colors to what the kokanee are feeding on.
8. Use a fast retrieve to create more action and attract more bites.
9. Consider using a downrigger or leaded line to get your lure to the desired depth easily.
10. Use a depth finder or fish finder to locate schools of kokanee and adjust your presentation accordingly.
11. Experiment with different scent attractants, like anise or garlic, to add another level of attraction to your presentation.

For a complete breakdown of the best colors for pike fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for trout fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for bluegill fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for perch fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for crappie fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for striped bass fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for catfish fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for carp fishing, check out this guide.