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

Knowing how trout 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 trout fishing.

The best bait colors for trout 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 trout fishing. This article applies to all species of freshwater trout including steelhead.

Seasonal Breakdown: Bait Colors

Winter

For winter trout fishing, it’s best to use natural colors that imitate the prey in the cold water. Shades of brown, green, and silver can be effective choices. Lures or flies with a touch of flash can also help attract fish in the low-light conditions of winter.

Spring

In spring, trout are often feeding on insects and other small prey, so imitating their natural colors can be effective. Lighter, more vibrant colors such as pink, orange, and green can also work well. It’s also important to pay attention to the water clarity and adjust color choices accordingly.

Summer

During summer, trout are more active and feeding on a variety of prey, so using bright and flashy colors can be effective in attracting their attention. Chartreuse, hot pink, and bright orange are good color choices. It’s also important to vary the retrieve speed and pattern to mimic the movement of the prey.

Fall

In the fall, trout are often feeding on baitfish, so imitating their natural colors such as shades of brown, green, and silver can be effective. Darker colors such as black and purple can also work well. Paying attention to the water clarity and adjusting color choices accordingly is also important.

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

Trout Bait Color Guidelines

Factors like the angle and intensity of the light, water clarity, and the color and texture of the surrounding environment all play a role in determining which colors are most effective at attracting fish. In clear water with high levels of UV light, lures with high UV reflectance are likely to draw more bites.

However, in murky water, it’s better to go for lures with high contrast and bold colors that are more visible to fish. Keep in mind that fish behavior and feeding habits can also affect their response to different colors, so it’s always a good idea to experiment with different options.

Water Clarity & Bait Colors

Selecting visible baits depending on water clarity is important for successful trout fishing as it helps to mimic natural prey and increase the chances of catching fish. In clear water, natural and lighter-colored baits tend to work best, while in muddy water, brighter and contrasting-colored baits are more effective.

Clear Water Trout Fishing: Color Selection

Best Colors: Choose lures that mimic natural colors of baitfish or insects, such as brown, green, and silver. Use lighter colors like white, cream, or light gray for their natural and reflective properties. Transparent or translucent lures work well in clear water, as they appear more realistic by allowing the environment’s natural colors to show through.

In clear water, I like to go with ghost colors if I’m fishing a minnow presentation. Something like Pro Blue Red Pearl or Emerald Shiner are great options. If I’m going for an insect presentation, I like muted browns or olives.

Avoid bright colors: In clear water, bright colors can appear too flashy and unnatural, which can deter trout. Colors such as hot pink, chartreuse, and bright orange should be avoided.

Muddy Water Trout Fishing: Color Selection

Best Colors: Bright and flashy colors create a visual disturbance and work well in muddy water (ex: chartreuse, hot pink, bright orange). Darker colors, such as black, brown, or dark blue, create a strong contrast against the murky background. Lures with contrasting colors, such as a white body and a black or dark blue tail, can also be effective.

I caught a ton of steelhead last fall in muddy water using both orange beads and also white large jigs. These colors really delivered for me.

Light Conditions & Bait Colors

Selecting the right bait color depending on light conditions is crucial for trout fishing as it can greatly affect a fish’s ability to see the bait. In low-light conditions, darker-colored baits may be more effective, while in bright light, brighter colors and reflective surfaces may work better.

Clear, Sunny Trout Fishing: Color Selection

On a bright, sunny day, it’s best to use lures that reflect light and create a flash effect to catch the attention of trout. Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink can also be effective in these conditions. Additionally, lures with silver or gold components can work well due to their reflective properties.

I caught my personal best rainbow trout trolling a reservoirs years ago on a sunny day using a chrome spoon with a strip of royal blue on it.

Cloudy/Overcast Trout Fishing: Color Selection

On cloudy, overcast days, it’s best to use lures that create a contrast against the dark sky and water. Darker colors such as black, brown, or dark blue can work well in these conditions, as well as lures with contrasting colors like white and black. Additionally, using baits with a natural color that mimics the prey in the area can also be effective.

Night Trout Fishing: Color Selection

For nighttime trout fishing, it’s best to use dark colors that create a strong contrast against the dark water. Black, brown, and dark purple are effective color choices. Adding glow-in-the-dark elements to the lure or fly can also increase visibility.

Trout Behavior & Bait Colors

Selecting visible baits based on trout behavior and activity levels is important for successful trout fishing, as it can increase the likelihood of getting a bite. In high activity levels, lures with fast movements or bright colors can be effective, while in low activity levels, more natural colors and slower movements may work better.

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

During peak trout feeding windows, it’s best to use lures that mimic the natural prey in the area. Natural colors such as brown, green, and silver can be effective in these conditions. Additionally, using lures with a high contrast color, such as white or yellow, can help to catch the attention of feeding fish.

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

During less active trout feeding windows, it’s best to use lures that have a natural look and a slow, subtle movement. Natural colors such as brown, green, and silver can be effective in these conditions, as well as earthy tones like olive and dark green. Additionally, using lures with a scent or flavor can help with less active fish to bite.

Natural Colors for Trout

Natural colors can be highly effective for trout fishing as they mimic the prey in the area, increasing the likelihood of catching fish.

For clear water, natural colors like brown, green, and silver tend to work best. In muddy water, earthy tones like olive and dark green can be effective.

When using natural colors, it’s important to match the size and shape of the prey in the area, and use a slow, subtle movement to create a natural appearance. Techniques such as adding scent or flavor to the bait, or using a fly that imitates natural insect behavior can also enhance the effectiveness of natural colors.

Finally, paying attention to the time of day and feeding behavior of the fish can help in selecting the best natural colors to use for successful trout fishing.

Bright/Bold Colors for Trout

Bright colors can be highly effective for trout fishing, especially in bright, sunny conditions where they can create a flash effect and catch the attention of fish.

Chartreuse, hot pink, and bright orange are effective choices for clear water, while fluorescent green and pink can work well in stained or murky water. When using bright colors, it’s important to vary the speed and pattern of the retrieve to create an enticing movement.

Additionally, adding a scent or flavor to the bait can enhance its effectiveness. Finally, matching the size and shape of the prey in the area can help to make the bright colors more effective in catching fish.

UV Colors for Trout

UV colors can really make a difference when it comes to trout fishing. Fish tend to see UV colors better in low-light conditions, like deep water or cloudy days. When fishing in clear water, colors like purple, blue, and chartreuse are great choices.

If the water is murky or stained, try using fluorescent pink, orange, or green. To get the most out of UV colors, use a UV light or fish during low-light conditions. Varying the speed and pattern of your retrieve, and adding scent or flavor to your bait, can also make a big impact.

Lastly, keep an eye on the time of day and feeding behavior of the fish to choose the best UV colors for a successful day on the water.

I have actually found that ice fishing with UV-colored baits works awesome for brook trout and rainbow trout.

12 Bait Color Selection Tips for Trout

Use dark colors in bright sunlight to avoid spooking the fish.
Use natural colors like brown, green, and silver for a subtle presentation.
Use red or orange colors to mimic the appearance of a wounded baitfish.
Use green or blue colors for a baitfish presentation in open water.
Use black or purple colors for a crawfish presentation.
Use orange or pink colors for a salmon or steelhead presentation.
Use white or silver colors for a minnow or shad presentation.
Use blue or gray colors for a smelt or herring presentation.
Use brown or olive colors for a sculpin or stonefly presentation.
Use black or dark brown colors for a leech or worm presentation.
Use bright colors for fishing in fast-moving water to grab the attention of the fish.
Use natural colors for fishing in slow-moving water to create a more subtle presentation.

For a complete breakdown of the best bait colors for bass fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best colors for foggy days, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best bait colors for walleye fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best bait colors for crappie fishing, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best bait colors for pike 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.