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

Knowing how walleye 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 walleye fishing.

The best bait colors for walleye 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 walleye fishing.

Seasonal Breakdown: Bait Colors

Winter

For winter walleye fishing, it’s best to use natural colors that imitate the prey in the cold water such as shades of brown, green, and silver. Jigging lures like the Rapala Jigging Rap in size 5 or 7 in silver, gold, or glow colors can be effective.

Other options include the Northland Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon in silver or gold, and the VMC Tingler Spoon in gold or silver. Vertical jigging with live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers on a plain hook can also be successful.

Spring

In spring, walleye tend to feed actively as the water warms up. Natural colors such as green, brown, and silver can be effective as they mimic the prey in the water. For clearer water, try using lighter colors such as chartreuse or yellow.

Effective baits for spring walleye fishing can include Rapala Jigging Rap in size 5 or 7 in silver or green, Live Target Rainbow Smelt Jerkbait in silver/blue or gold/brown, and Northland Tackle Mimic Minnow Tuff Tube in green pumpkin or black.

Summer

During the summer, walleye tend to move to deeper and cooler waters, so using brighter colors can be effective in attracting their attention. Lures in shades of chartreuse, bright green, and hot pink can work well.

Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs in sizes ranging from 1/4 to 1 ounce can be effective options, such as the Strike King Red Eye Shad in Chartreuse Perch, the Booyah Blade Double Willow Spinnerbait in White Chartreuse, or the Northland Fishing Tackle Buck Shot Rattle Spoon in Green Perch.

Fall

During fall walleye fishing, it’s best to use natural colors that imitate the baitfish in the water. Shades of silver, gold, and brown can be effective choices. Jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits can be effective in sizes ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 ounces, depending on the depth of the water.

Some popular color choices include silver and gold shad patterns, brown and green crawfish imitations, and natural minnow patterns.

Walleye Color Guidelines

The color of bait can have a significant impact on walleye fishing success in different water clarity and light conditions. In clear water and bright conditions, natural colors like green and brown can be more effective in imitating prey.

In murky or stained water, bright colors like chartreuse or orange can be more visible and attract walleye. UV colors can also be effective in low-light conditions as they are more visible to walleye, and can include shades of blue, purple, and chartreuse. Varying the speed and pattern of the retrieve can also impact the effectiveness of the bait.

Water Clarity & Bait Colors

Selecting visible baits that can be easily seen in the water is crucial for walleye fishing, especially in waters with low visibility. In murky or stained water, brighter colors and baits with more flash can help walleye locate the bait.

Clear Water Walleye Fishing: Color Selection

Best Colors: In muddy water, bright and contrasting colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink can be effective in attracting the attention of walleye. Lures with rattles or vibration can also help walleye locate the bait in low visibility conditions. Additionally, large baits with slow, erratic movement can mimic wounded prey and entice walleye to strike.

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

Muddy Water Walleye Fishing: Color Selection

In clear water, natural colors such as silver, gold, and brown can be effective for walleye fishing. Additionally, translucent baits that mimic the appearance of baitfish can also be effective.

Bright colors such as chartreuse or fluorescent orange can also work well in clear water, particularly in sunny conditions. It’s important to pay attention to the light conditions and water clarity, and adjust lure colors accordingly.

Light Conditions & Bait Colors

Selecting visible baits is crucial in walleye fishing as it can make a significant difference in the number of bites. In clear water, using natural colors that blend in with the surroundings can be more effective, while in muddy water, using bright, contrasting colors can help the lure stand out and attract fish.

Clear, Sunny Walleye Fishing: Color Selection

On a bright, sunny day when the water is clear, it’s best to use natural colors like green, brown, and silver. Baits with a touch of flash, such as those with a metallic or holographic finish, can also be effective in attracting walleye in the bright light.

Cloudy/Overcast Walleye Fishing: Color Selection

On cloudy, overcast days, walleye are often more active and can be caught with brighter colors. Fluorescent colors like chartreuse, pink, and orange, as well as darker colors like black and blue, can be effective in these conditions.

Night Walleye Fishing: Color Selection

For nighttime walleye fishing, using brightly colored baits that can be easily seen in low-light conditions is recommended. Some effective colors for walleye at night include chartreuse, fluorescent orange or green, and glow-in-the-dark colors. Additionally, adding a scent or flavor to the bait can help attract walleye in the dark.

Walleye Behavior & Bait Colors

It is important to select visible baits that can grab the attention of walleye based on their behavior and activity levels. For example, using bright colors or lures with a lot of flash can be effective when targeting active, aggressive walleye, while more natural colors or subtle presentations may be better for targeting more passive or cautious fish.

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

During peak walleye fishing windows, such as dawn and dusk, it’s best to use natural colors that mimic the baitfish. Shades of silver, white, and chartreuse can be effective choices. Lures or jigs with a touch of flash can also help attract fish in low-light conditions.

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

During less active walleye fishing windows, it’s best to use natural colors such as green, brown, and silver to imitate the prey in the water. Smaller lures and baits, as well as slower retrieves, may also be more effective in enticing less active walleye to bite.

Natural Colors for Walleye

Natural colors can be very effective for walleye fishing as they imitate the natural prey in the water. For clear water, natural colors such as silver, white, and light green can work well. In murky water, darker natural colors like brown, black, and dark green can be effective.

To use natural colors effectively, match the color and size of the bait to the natural prey in the water, and vary the retrieve speed and pattern. Also, pay attention to the time of day and feeding behavior of the fish to determine the best natural colors to use for successful walleye fishing.

Bright/Bold Colors for Walleye

Bright colors can be effective in attracting walleye, especially in low-light or murky conditions. Chartreuse, hot pink, and fluorescent orange are popular bright colors for walleye fishing, particularly when fishing deep or in stained water.

When using bright colors, it’s important to vary the speed and depth of your retrieve to create a more realistic presentation. Additionally, adding a flash or vibration to your lure can also help to attract fish to the bright color.

When fishing in clear water or during high sunlight, it’s best to use more natural colors. However, bright colors can be effective during dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions.

UV Colors for Walleye

UV colors can be highly effective for walleye fishing, especially in low-light conditions. UV lures and baits create a glow that can attract fish from a distance, and the UV light penetrates deeper into the water, making them visible to fish even in murky water.

The best UV colors for walleye fishing include chartreuse, pink, and purple. Techniques for using UV colors effectively include using them in conjunction with other colors, experimenting with different UV shades, and targeting areas with low-light conditions or deep water.

12 Bait Color Selection Tips for Walleye

1. In clear water, use natural colors such as silver, gold, brown, or green.
2. In murky water, use brighter colors such as chartreuse, pink, or fluorescent orange.
3. Use UV-reflective colors on sunny days.
4. For overcast days or low-light conditions, use darker colors such as black, purple, or dark blue.
5. Use lures that have contrasting colors, such as a dark back and light belly.
6. Use a red or orange lure when walleye are feeding on crayfish.
7. Use a yellow or gold lure when walleye are feeding on perch.
8. Use a green or brown lure when walleye are feeding on leeches.
9. Use a white or pearl-colored lure when fishing in deep water.
10. Use a black or dark-colored lure when fishing in shallow water.
11. Use a fluorescent-colored lure when fishing at night.
12. Use a glow-in-the-dark lure when fishing in low-light conditions.

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 trout 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 catfish fishing, check out this guide. To learn the best barometric pressure for walleye, check out this article. Click here for a complete guide to crayfish as a walleye bait.