Water clarity and sunlight can have a dramatic impact on what presentations and colors walleye are likely to feed on. In this video, Joel Nelson breaks down when and where he uses various jig colors when he’s chasing walleye depending on the current conditions.
When it comes to jig fishing for walleye, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of those factors is color selection. While I believe that there are other variables that are more important in determining success, color can still make a difference in certain situations. In this article, I will discuss my strategy for choosing jig colors based on water clarity and available light.
Water Clarity
The first thing I consider when selecting jig colors is the water clarity. If I’m fishing in a tea or tannin stained bog-type system where there is always some color to the water, I tend to lean towards brighter colors and UV. UV colors, like the top-selling walleye jig of all time, the fireball jig, can be highly effective in these stained waters. UV colors absorb and reflect light, making them stand out even in cloudy conditions. They are a great choice for staying systems.
On the other hand, if I’m fishing in clear water, I prefer to stick with more natural colors. In clear water, I find that using live bait or earth-toned natural colors on my plastics works best. The jig head can be shiny or of a single color, but I try to keep the overall presentation as natural as possible. This approach tends to be more effective in clear water situations.
Available Light
Another important factor to consider is the amount of available light. If it’s a bright sunny day, I adjust my jig selection accordingly. On these days, I like to use brighter colors and UV. Bright oranges, chartreuses, and greens are great choices for imitating crayfish or other baitfish. UV colors really stand out in overcast conditions and can help attract more fish.
On dark overcast days, I double down on the UV and bright colors. The lack of sunlight makes it harder for fish to see, so using colors that stand out can increase your chances of getting a bite. In these conditions, I often opt for UV colors in order to maximize visibility.
In terms of specific baits, metallic colors work well on bright sunny days, regardless of water clarity. Anything metallic, such as blue chrome or gold, can catch the light and attract fish from a distance. These colors are especially effective in clear water on bright days.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing jig colors for walleye fishing, it’s important to consider both water clarity and available light. In stained or darker water systems, brighter colors and UV can be highly effective. In clear water, sticking with natural colors is often the best approach. Paying attention to the amount of available light and adjusting your jig selection accordingly can also make a difference in your success.
Remember, color is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to have the right presentation, be in the right location, and have the fish feeding in order to maximize your chances of catching walleye. But by considering water clarity and available light, you can increase your odds of catching more fish. So next time you’re out on the water, take a moment to assess the water clarity and the amount of available light, and choose your jig colors accordingly. Happy fishing!
