What color attracts walleye?
Walleye are often attracted to specific colors, but what attracts them? This article will explore how walleye are attracted to certain colors and the best way to fish for them. What color is your favorite lure? Walleye have an affinity towards different colors, so you should use a bait that matches the color of their environment. For example, if you're fishing in freshwater lakes or rivers use wood-colored lures because they offer a similar background as fry which walleye prey on. If you're trolling open water with dark colored water around use white or silver lures because the glimmer from the sun's reflection will attract them. That's a question that has drawn some heat over the years. The long-held belief among anglers is red and gold are good colors to use when fishing for walleye during spring, summer and fall months. But thanks to solid research conducted by Fisheries Management Biologists, this may not be the case. Many of us have caught dozens, maybe even hundreds of walleyes using lures that are red or gold in color. And for many years, anglers assumed these colors were the best ones to use during certain times of the year. However, it wasn't until 2005 when Fisheries Management Biologists began putting some science behind the color theories. Drs. Steve Bortone and Bill Rose conducted extensive research on walleye movement patterns, with specific emphasis on their feeding habits in relation to the time of day and year. Their conclusions were based on data collected by North Dakota Game and Fish Department 's Fisheries Monitoring System. The researchers found walleye are less likely to feed during darker hours, regardless of the time of year. "The level of activity generally decreases throughout the day," says Bortone. "This is true for both summer and winter months." So what's important? To start, understanding walleye distribution and movements is critical to catching them. Bortone says that's easier said than done. "We don't really know all that much about where they spend their time." he says. "There are a lot of different variables involved with locating them, such as seasonal movement and water temperature." Even if you figure out where walleye are, timing is critical to having consistent success. Bortone says the best time for anglers to catch them is during their peak feeding times; typically 5:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. And while fish may feed in a variety of areas, it appears that walleye in clear water will tend to be located in the upper portion of the water column. Walleye in murky waters, though, will often suspend at about 20 feet below the surface. In addition to timing and location, Bortone says using artificials with natural baitfish colors will increase your success. "During the summer, walleye are typically feeding on small baitfish like shiners, dace and young yellow perch." says Bortone. "And these fish will range in color from silver to dark green or brown." Bortone recommends using lures with similar colors during this time of year. "When fishing from a boat, it's best to use artificials with natural baitfish colors." he says. "In-line spinner baits and crank baits that mimic bait fish are the most effective lures for walleye."
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