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

Knowing how pike view colors and which color baits to select given the conditions can make a difference in whether you catch fish or get skunked. So what are the best bait colors for pike fishing.

The best bait colors for pike are natural color like ghost, clear, browns, and olives in clear water and sunny conditions. Under overcast skies or muddy water, focus on bright colors like whites, chartreuses, and reds.

In this article, we will break down the best colors to choose for each light, water clarity, and time of day condition you will face when pike fishing.

Seasonal Breakdown: Bait Colors

Winter

In winter, pike tend to be less active and may require more subtle presentations with natural colors. Blacks, blues, and purples can be effective in clear water, while whites and silvers can be effective in murky water.

The Jigging Rap in black or blue colors and the Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon in silver or white colors can be good options to consider. For size, 3-5 inch lures tend to work well for pike in winter.

Spring

In spring, pike tend to be more lethargic and can be caught using slower-moving lures in natural colors. Browns, greens, and black are good color options to try in murky water, while silver and gold can be effective in clear water.

The Rapala Husky Jerk in silver or glass minnow colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in brown or black colors can be good options to consider. For size, 4-6 inch lures tend to work well for pike in spring.

Summer

In summer, pike tend to be more active and can be caught using a variety of bait colors. Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and red can be effective, as well as natural colors like silver and gold.

The Rapala X-Rap in chartreuse or firetiger colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in silver or gold colors can be good options to consider. For size, 4-6 inch lures tend to work well for pike in summer.

Fall

In fall, pike tend to be more active and can be caught using a variety of bait colors. Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and red can be effective, as well as natural colors like silver and gold.

The Rapala X-Rap in chartreuse or firetiger colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in silver or gold colors can be good options to consider. For size, 4-6 inch lures are best.

Check out this link here to view my complete pike fishing gear recommendation list, including rods, reels, baits, gear, etc. I have field tested a lot of pike gear and these are my recommendations.

Pike Color Guidelines

Selecting the right color baits for different conditions is crucial for pike fishing as pikes have keen eyesight and can detect subtle differences in color and contrast. The right color can help the bait stand out in the water and trigger a predatory response from the pike.

Additionally, certain colors can mimic the natural prey of the pike and help the bait blend in with the surroundings, making it more attractive to the fish.

Water Clarity & Bait Colors

Selecting visible baits based on water clarity is crucial in pike fishing as it helps to make the bait more noticeable to the fish. In murky water, brighter colors can be effective, while in clear water, more natural colors can help the bait blend in and look more realistic.

Clear Water Pike Fishing: Color Selection

In clear water, pike can be more selective and are often attracted to natural-looking baits. Silver, gold, and other metallic colors can be effective, as well as natural colors like green, brown, and black.

The Rapala Husky Jerk in silver or glass minnow colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in green or brown colors can be good lure options to consider.

Muddy Water Pike Fishing: Color Selection

In muddy water, pike can be attracted to bright and contrasting colors that help the bait stand out. Chartreuse, orange, and hot pink can be effective color options, as well as black and red.

The Rapala X-Rap in hot pink or chartreuse colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in black and red colors can be good lure options to consider.

Light Conditions & Bait Colors

Choosing the right bait colors based on light conditions can significantly increase the chances of catching pike. In low light conditions, brighter colors can help the bait stand out, while in bright sunlight, more natural colors can help the bait appear more realistic and natural to the fish.

Clear, Sunny Pike Fishing: Color Selection

On a bright, sunny day, pike can be more selective and may prefer natural-looking baits. Silver, gold, and other metallic colors can be effective, as well as natural colors like green, brown, and black.

The Rapala Husky Jerk in silver or glass minnow colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in green or brown colors can be good options to consider.

Cloudy/Overcast Pike Fishing: Color Selection

On a cloudy, overcast day, pike can be more attracted to brighter and more visible baits. Chartreuse, orange, and hot pink can be effective color options, as well as black and red.

The Rapala X-Rap in hot pink or chartreuse colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in black and red colors can be good options to consider.

Night Pike Fishing: Color Selection

The best colors for nighttime pike fishing are usually bright or high-contrast colors, as they can be more visible in low-light conditions. Glow-in-the-dark lures, such as green or chartreuse, can also be effective. Additionally, adding noise or scent to the bait can help attract pike in the dark.

Pike Behavior & Bait Colors

Choosing the right bait color depending on pike behavior and activity levels can increase the chances of catching walleye. In general, more visible baits can be effective when pike are more active and aggressive, while more subtle and natural colors can be better when pike are less active and feeding more selectively.

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

During peak pike fishing windows, such as early morning and late evening, it is important to select bait colors that are visible and can attract the attention of the fish. Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and hot pink can be effective options, as well as more natural colors like green, brown, and black.

The Rapala X-Rap in hot pink or chartreuse colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in green or brown colors can be good options to consider.

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

When pike are less active and feeding more selectively during daily windows, it is important to choose more subtle and natural bait colors that can blend in and look more realistic to the fish. Natural colors like green, brown, and black can be effective, as well as silver and gold metallic colors.

The Rapala Husky Jerk in natural colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in silver or gold colors can be good options to consider.

Natural Colors for Pike

Natural colors can be highly effective for pike fishing as they can mimic the look of prey and blend in with their natural environment. For clear water and bright conditions, natural colors like silver, gold, and green can be effective, while darker natural colors like black and brown can work better in muddy or overcast water.

When using natural colors, it is important to use techniques like slow and subtle movements to mimic the natural movement of prey and make the bait look more realistic. Additionally, adding scent or noise to the bait can help increase its effectiveness in attracting pike.

Popular lures for pike fishing with natural colors include the Rapala Husky Jerk in natural colors and the Mepps Aglia Spinner in gold or silver.

Bright/Bold Colors for Pike

Bright colors can be highly effective for pike fishing as they can grab the attention of the fish and trigger a feeding response. For clear water and bright conditions, bright colors like chartreuse, hot pink, and orange can be effective, while darker or more subdued colors may be more effective in murky or overcast conditions.

When using bright colors, it is important to use techniques like fast and erratic movements to mimic fleeing prey and provoke a predatory response from the fish. Additionally, adding scent or noise to the bait can help increase its effectiveness in attracting pike.

UV Colors for Pike

UV colors can be highly effective for pike fishing as they can be more visible to fish in low light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, and can trigger a feeding response. For clear water and bright conditions, UV colors like purple, blue, and pink can be effective, while darker UV colors like black and green can work better in murky or overcast water.

When using UV colors, it is important to use techniques like slow and subtle movements to mimic the natural movement of prey and make the bait look more realistic. Additionally, adding scent or noise to the bait can help increase its effectiveness in attracting pike.

Popular lures for pike fishing with UV colors include the Strike King KVD Jerkbait in UV blue or purple and the Mepps Aglia UV Spinner in black or green UV colors.

15 Bait Color Selection Tips for Pike

Natural colors such as green and brown work well in clear water conditions. Try using a Rapala Original Floater in a brown trout color, or a Strike King KVD 1.5 in a green gizzard shad color.
On cloudy days, bright colors such as chartreuse and orange can be effective. A Strike King Red Eye Shad in a chartreuse shad color or a Rapala Husky Jerk in an orange tiger color can be a good choice.
Use darker colors such as black or purple in low light conditions or at dawn or dusk. A Savage Gear 3D Rad Rat in a black or a black/blue color can be effective.
In murky water, use brighter colors that will stand out, such as fluorescent green or orange. A Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow in a fluorescent green color or a Storm WildEye Live Pike in a fluorescent orange color can be effective.
In clear water with high visibility, use natural colors that mimic the baitfish found in the area, such as silver or gold. A Mepps Aglia Long in a silver or gold color or a Rapala X-Rap in a silver color can be a good choice.
In stained water, use darker colors that will create contrast, such as black or dark purple. A Strike King KVD Squarebill in a black color or a Rapala Shad Rap in a dark purple color can be effective.
In shallow water, use lighter colors such as white or pearl that will reflect light and attract attention. A Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait in a white or a Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon in a pearl color can be effective.
In deeper water, use darker colors, such as black or blue, that will create contrast and stand out. A Rapala Deep Tail Dancer in a blue or a black color or a Z-Man ChatterBait in a black/blue color can be effective.
In windy conditions, use brighter colors that will create vibration and make noise, such as chartreuse or orange. A Booyah Super Shad Spinnerbait in a chartreuse color or a Storm Thunderstick in an orange color can be effective.
In calm conditions, use natural colors that will mimic the natural prey found in the area, such as green or brown. A Mepps Aglia Long in a green or brown color or a Rapala Shad Rap in a green color can be effective.
In summer, use bright colors that will create contrast and stand out, such as fluorescent green or pink. A Rebel Pop-R in a fluorescent green or a Strike King KVD 1.5 in a pink color can be effective.
In fall, use natural colors that will mimic the natural prey found in the area, such as brown or yellow. A Rapala Shallow Shad Rap in a brown or a yellow color or a Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait in a brown color can be effective.
In winter, use dark colors that will create contrast and stand out against the snow and ice, such as black or blue. A Salmo Executor in a black or a blue color or a Storm Wildeye Live Perch in a blue color can be effective.
In spring, use brighter colors, such as chartreuse or orange, to create contrast and stand out. A Mepps Aglia Long in a chartreuse or a Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon in an orange color can be effective.
When fishing in weed beds, use natural colors that will blend in with the surroundings, such as green or brown. A Savage Gear 3D Suicide Duck in a brown or a green color or a Z-Man ChatterBait in a green pumpkin color can work great.

For a complete breakdown of the best colors for bass fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for walleye 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 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 striped bass 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 kokanee fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for catfish fishing, check out this guide.