What Color are Trout Most Attracted To? Lure Color Chart For Trout!

Fishing for trout is an exciting adventure that combines both science and a bit of artistry. One of the secrets to success lies in the color of the lure you use. Many anglers have their favorite colors, often picked up from years of experience or tips passed down from experienced anglers. But there’s more to it than just tradition—there’s some interesting science behind why certain colors might work better than others.

So, what are the best colors to use to attract trouts? We’ll explore that next!

Understanding Trout Vision

For us to know the colors that attract trout the most, we need to understand how trout see. Unlike humans, who have three types of cone cells in their eyes (red, green, and blue), trout have four types.

This extra cone cell lets them see ultraviolet light, giving them a wider spectrum. This means trout can see colors we can’t, making it tricky to pick the right lure color.

Trout have great eyesight, which helps them find food and move around. They can see well in both bright and dim light, thanks to their special eyes.

So, the best lure color depends on the time of day and the water conditions. For example, some colors stand out more in bright daylight, while other colors are better in murky water.

The Importance of Color in Trout Fishing

The idea of “matching the hatch” is also essential when selecting lures. This concept involves choosing lure colors that mimic the natural food sources available in the environment.

By doing this, you can make your lure look more appealing and natural to the trout, increasing your chances of a successful catch. However, this isn’t the only consideration. The water’s clarity, depth, and the surrounding light conditions can all influence which colors will be most effective (We’ll talk about all of them later in this article).

For example, in clear water, natural colors such as brown, green, and silver, which resemble the trout’s natural prey, are often most effective.

On the other hand, in murky or muddy water, brighter colors like chartreuse, pink, and orange can be more visible and attract the trout’s attention. Understanding how trout perceive these colors can help you make smarter choices about which lures to use, making your fishing trips more successful and enjoyable.

So, the next time you head out to fish for trout, remember that their vision is quite different from ours. By understanding how they see and what colors stand out to them, you’ll be better equipped to select the perfect lure for any situation.

Popular Colors for Trout Lures That We & Other Anglers Use

Now, let’s dive into some of the most popular colors that anglers swear by and understand why they work so well.

Green

Green is a top choice for many anglers. It has a natural appearance that trout find enticing, making it seem like an edible prey item.

Green lures are highly visible, even in deeper waters, and their ability to contrast well with various shades in the water makes them effective during low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk.

Lures like the Panther Martin spinner and the Mepps Thunder Bug spinner are great green options that work well in both deep and shallow waters​.

Red

Red is another standout color for trout lures, especially in deeper waters or during low-light conditions. The red wavelengths penetrate deeper into the water, remaining visible when other colors fade.

Red is particularly effective during trout spawning periods when the fish are more aggressive. Using red lures, like red spinners or red-tipped nymphs, can provoke strong reactions from trout. Red wire in nymphs has been notably successful for many anglers.

Black

Black lures are known for their high contrast, making them one of the most visible colors under most conditions. This is especially true in low light and murky water.

Black lures work exceptionally well at night or in deeply shaded areas where their silhouette stands out against lighter backgrounds. When bright colors fail to attract bites, black is often a reliable choice.

You might wonder why black lures work best at night. The reason is that moonlight hitting the water makes black or other lures of dark color more visible than lighter ones.

Speaking of moonlight, we have a detailed guide on full moon effects on fishing. Do give it a read!

Fluorescent Colors (Chartreuse and Pink)

Fluorescent colors like chartreuse and pink are incredibly effective, particularly in deep or greenish waters. These colors reflect ultraviolet light, making them appear brighter and more visible to trout.

Fluorescent lures have shown great success in various conditions, especially when visibility is low. Their added brightness helps attract trout from a distance, increasing the chances of a strike.

White

White lures are excellent for stirred and dirty water conditions. Their high visibility ensures they stand out even in murky water.

White lures are particularly effective on overcast days or when fishing in cloudy water, as they provide a stark contrast that catches the trout’s attention. Using white lures can be a game-changer when other colors aren’t working as well.

Check our recommendations on Best Trout Lures – Top 10 Picks Reviewed

Personal Experiences and Community Insights

Through our fishing adventures, we’ve found that certain colors consistently attract trout. For example, green lures often catch both brown and rainbow trout.

Many anglers in the community also swear by the effectiveness of red and chartreuse lures. These entertaining fishing stories and shared experiences help us understand what color are trout most attracted to and why.

Factors Influencing Color Choice

Several factors influence the effectiveness of different lure colors:

Water Clarity: In clear water, trout can see more vibrant colors, making bright colors like chartreuse and pink effective. In murky or dirty water, darker colors such as black and brown, or fluorescent options, tend to work better because they stand out more.

You should also check our detailed guide on the Water Clarity Lure Color Chart

Depth: As you fish deeper, certain colors become less visible. Red lures, for instance, are highly effective in deeper waters because red wavelengths penetrate deeper into the water.

Lighting Conditions: The time of day and weather affect how colors appear to trout. In low light conditions, like early morning or late evening, darker lures or those with high contrast are more visible. On sunny skies, bright and reflective colors can catch the trout’s eye.

Experimentation and Adaptation

Experimenting with different colors is key to finding what works best. If a particular lure color isn’t catching fish, don’t hesitate to switch it up. Keep track of which colors work best in various conditions, such as low light or clear water, to refine your approach. Being adaptable and responsive to trout behavior can make a big difference in your success.