Picking the right jig color for walleye can make or break your fishing trip. I’ve spent years testing different colors and patterns to figure out what works best. The best jig colors for walleye depend on water clarity and light conditions. In clear water, natural colors like white, silver, and gray often work well. Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink can be more effective for murky water.
One of my go-to jigs for walleye is the Northland Fishing Tackle Deep-Vee Jig in a bright orange color. This jig’s shape and color make it stand out in stained water, which is perfect for attracting walleye. I’ve had great success using this jig in various conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Jig color choice depends on water clarity and light levels
- Natural colors work best in clear water, and bright colors in murky water
- Jig shape and size are also important factors in walleye fishing success
Choosing the Right Jig Color
Picking the best jig color for walleye fishing can make a big difference. I’ve found that water conditions and light levels play a key role in color selection.
Natural Versus Bright Colors
Natural colors work well in clear water. I prefer earth tones like brown, green, and white. These mimic baitfish and blend in with the surroundings.
Bright colors shine in murky water. Orange, chartreuse, and pink stand out and attract walleye. On cloudy days, I use brighter jigs to increase visibility.
Walleyes see yellow and orange best. But that doesn’t mean I only use those colors. Water clarity matters more.
I change colors if I’m not getting bites. Sometimes a switch from natural to bright (or vice versa) is all it takes.
Best Colors for Lake Erie and Similar Waters
For Lake Erie walleye, I’ve had success with specific colors. Purple and black work great in deeper water. Green pumpkin and watermelon are top picks for shallower areas.
In stained Lake Erie water, I use bright colors like chartreuse or orange. These pop in low visibility conditions.
Gold and silver jigs are my go-to for sunny days. They flash in the light and imitate baitfish.
I always carry a mix of colors. Lake conditions can change fast, so I stay ready to switch it up.
Seasonal Color Selection
Jig colors for walleye change with the seasons. I’ve found that adapting to water temps and baitfish patterns is key to success.
Spring and Fall Walleye Fishing
In spring and fall, I use brighter jig colors. Chartreuse, orange, and pink work well as the waters warm up. These bright colors stand out in stained spring waters.
I often pair these with white or silver to mimic baitfish. As the water clears, I switch to more natural tones. Gold and brown jigs imitate common forage fish.
For fall fishing, I return to brighter hues. Orange and chartreuse jigs attract walleye in cooling waters. I’ve had great luck with fire tiger patterns too.
Adapting to Water Temperatures and Baitfish Patterns
Water temperature guides my color choices. In cold water, I use subtle colors like black, blue, or purple. These match slower-moving prey.
As the water warms, I switch to brighter colors. Chartreuse and orange mimic active baitfish. I watch for shad or minnow activity to match my jigs.
In clear, warm water, I opt for natural colors. Silver, gold, and green pumpkin imitate local forage fish. I adjust my jig size based on water depth and current.
I always carry a variety of colors. This lets me adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Walleye Lures Beyond Jigs
Jigs aren’t the only lures that catch walleye. Crankbaits, spoons, and spinners offer different actions and color options to entice these fish.
Crankbaits and Their Colors
I’ve found crankbaits to be very effective for walleye fishing. These lures come in various shapes and diving depths. For walleye, I prefer minnow-shaped crankbaits that dive 10-20 feet deep.
Color choice is key. In clear water, I use natural patterns like silver and gold. For murky conditions, I switch to brighter colors. Chartreuse, orange, and pink can grab a walleye’s attention in low visibility.
Some top crankbait colors for walleye:
- Silver/blue
- Firetiger (green/orange)
- Purple/chartreuse
- Gold/black
The Role of Spoons and Spinners
Spoons and spinners add flash and vibration to my walleye arsenal. These lures work well when fish are active and chasing prey.
For spoons, I like models weighing 1/4 to 3/4 ounces. Colors that I have produced for myself include:
- Silver/blue
- Gold/red
- Copper/orange
Spinners with silver or gold blades are my go-to choices. I often use them with live bait like nightcrawlers or minnows for added appeal.
When fishing deeper water, I opt for heavier spoons or add weight to my spinner rigs. This helps maintain contact with the bottom, where walleye often feed.
Tactical Considerations for Jig Fishing
When fishing for walleye with jigs, I’ve found that paying attention to key details can make a big difference. The size and style of jigs, as well as color choices, play important roles in different fishing techniques.
Effect of Size, Style, and Jig Heads
I always consider the water depth and conditions when picking jig sizes. For deeper water, I use heavier jigs, like 3/8 or 1/2 oz, to reach the bottom. In shallower areas, 1/8 or 1/4 oz jigs work well.
Jig head shape matters, too. I pick round heads for a slow fall and football heads when I want to cover more ground. For vertical jigging from a boat, I prefer a 6’3″ to 6’9″ rod. When casting from shore, a longer 6’9″ to 7’2″ rod gives me a better distance.
The hook size is crucial. I match it to my bait size – bigger hooks for minnows, smaller ones for leeches or pieces of nightcrawler. This ensures good hooksets on bites.
Color Choices for Different Fishing Techniques
I change jig colors based on water clarity and light conditions. In clear water, natural colors like white, brown, or green work best. For stained water, I go with brighter colors like chartreuse or orange.
When trolling, I often use metallic colors to create a flash. I’ll troll 15-25 feet below the surface, adjusting depth until I find active fish.
For night fishing, I’ve had success with glow-in-the-dark jigs. Black jigs also work well after dark, creating a strong silhouette.
I always carry a variety of colors. Some days, walleye prefer subtle earth tones. Other times, bold UV colors trigger more strikes. It pays to experiment until you find what works.
The Best Jig Colors for Walleye: FAQ
Walleye fishing can be tricky. Many factors affect jig color choice and fishing success. Let’s look at some common questions about walleye jigs and fishing techniques.
What time of day is walleye most actively feeding?
Walleye tend to feed most actively during low light conditions. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. I’ve had great success fishing in the early morning and late evening hours.
Nighttime can also be productive for walleye fishing. These fish have excellent night vision, giving them an advantage over their prey in dark conditions.
How does water clarity affect walleye jig color selection?
Water clarity plays a big role in choosing jig colors for walleye. In clear water, I stick to natural, subtle colors that mimic baitfish. Think silver, white, or light green.
In murky or stained water, I opt for brighter colors. These stand out better and help walleye locate the jig. Chartreuse, orange, or bright green work well in these conditions.
Which jig colors are most effective in cloudy or murky water for walleye fishing?
In cloudy or murky water, I’ve found that bright, high-contrast colors work best. Chartreuse is a top choice. It’s visible in low-light conditions and dirty water.
Orange and bright green are also effective. These colors stand out against dark backgrounds. I often use jigs with glow-in-the-dark paint for extra visibility in murky water.
Can walleye color vision impact jig color choice during different seasons?
Walleye color vision does change with seasons. In spring and fall, I use brighter colors. Walleye are more aggressive during these times and respond well to bold jigs.
In summer, I switch to more natural colors. Walleye become warier in clear, warm water. Subtle hues that match local baitfish tend to work better.
What jig head weights are preferred for targeting walleye in various water depths?
Jig weight depends on water depth and current. In shallow water (1-10 feet), I use 1/16 to 1/8 ounce jigs. These allow for a slow, natural fall.
For deeper water (10-30 feet), I step up to 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jigs. In very deep water or strong currents, I might use jigs up to 1 ounce to maintain bottom contact.
How do different weather conditions influence the choice of jig color for walleye?
On sunny days, I use natural colors like gold or silver. These mimic the flash of baitfish in bright light. In overcast conditions, I switch to brighter colors like chartreuse or orange.
Wind can stir up sediment, reducing visibility. In these conditions, I use brighter colors or add a bit of flash to my jigs to help walleye locate them.
Recent Posts
Walleye fish dip is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of this popular freshwater fish without needing to fire up the grill. Whether you're planning a casual gathering with friends or looking for a...
Ice fishing brings the thrill of catching fish during winter months when lakes freeze over. A good ice fishing sled makes it easier to transport gear across frozen lakes and keeps equipment...