However, everything I've found has discussed one or the other, not combinations. But, I feel it's safe to say that the lure color change was a winning factor here, especially considering that few boats in the vicinity, if any at all, landed comparable catches, even those using live shrimp. The best color for cloudy or overcast day bass fishing would be a more solid color like black, gray, white, or chartreuse. Dark Water, Dark Lures. The most important factors under these conditions are lure size, shape, action – and contrast. The same applies in saltwater. “If it’s cloudy I like more of … Choose lures that closely look like the bass’ primary forage is always a smart decision. These colors will really stand out against the backdrop and even in limited visibility water, bass will find them. In very murky or turbid water, a bright color like orange is going to be more visible to a fish in shallower water than blue or purple. Water Clarity. Brighter colored lures in shad or bluegill colored patterns were great in stained water. Here is our guide to clear water and stained water crankbait color selection. Guideline #6: Color selection…bright and bold in dingy water -- Stained, dark and dirty water calls for bolder, brighter colors. For that reason, the name of the game in clear water is matching the hatch. But, bass anglers proved a long time ago that black is the best color for night-fishing, overcast skies and muddy water. I've read numerous different sides to the story of what color to use in certain water conditions. … Don't know of any system yet, but what I do is try to use a lure that closely resembles the water color......clear/silver/black/blue in clear water, chart/orange/craw/brown in muddy water, black or dark versions of other colors in clear water with overcast. The only color I really pay attention to is the color of the sides of the lure, especially if it is a plug that “walks-the-dog” on the surface. In other words, the clearer the water, the more natural the bait should appear. Sunny—Dirty water has more sediment than clear water, resulting in lower light penetration. The general rule for lure color is "bright day, light colors; dark day, dark colors." In sunny conditions in dirty water, Christie opts for oranges, blue/chromes and fire tiger finishes. To simplify the elimination process, base lure color selection there is a formula to make it easier. When fishing topwater lures, here, too color is … See if this helps you with some general ideas of when to throw what baits. The general rule for lure color is "bright day, light colors; dark day, dark colours." There is plenty of information available online relative to color penetration in water, and Google will find plenty of reading material if you want to read more about the science behind it. Black is generally the most visible color and creates the best contrast in low visibility. On bright, sunny days and in clear water conditions, choose lures that are light in color and mimic natural patterns. In dirty water or low-light situations, more contrast is better. When using lures deep, use blues and greens as they are the last colors absorbed. The generally accepted rule, and this applies everywhere in freshwater and salt, is to fish dark colors in stained water and more natural colors when the water is clearer. The big debate: Water conditions & lure colors? Knowing the perfect lure color for every situation will save you the humiliation of getting skunked again, and provide you with more bass to brag to your buddies about. Clear Water Crankbait Color Selection. Good choices would include a Senko in Baby Bass or a Zoom Trick Worm in watermelon. Bright clear conditions call for less contrast. White is even more visible. Contrary to popular belief, however, bass can still see fairly well in murky water, especially in sunny conditions. 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