What colors do walleye see best?

Recently, a fishing study hit the news that got every angler buzzing. Researchers found out what colors do walleye see best. Imagine if you the knowledge that could make your fishing trip a huge success!

That's what knowing more about walleye vision can do for you. So, let’s uncover the colorful hue of walleye vision and find out what colors walleye see best. We’ll also explore which lure colors work best at night and give you some handy tips for choosing the right bait. Ready to become a walleye-catching pro? Let’s go!

 

The Science of Walleye Vision

Unlike humans with trichromatic vision (seeing red, green, and blue), walleyes have a slightly different visual setup. They possess dichromatic vision, meaning they primarily rely on two types of cones to perceive color – one sensitive to green and the other to a range of orange and red. This translates to walleyes seeing best in these spectrums, with some ability to detect yellows and blues, but with significantly less sensitivity. Colors on the far ends of the spectrum, like violet and deep blue, are likely invisible to them.

How Walleye See Colors?

Walleye have specialized eyes that help them spot prey in dim light conditions. Their eyes are adapted to see in low light, which is why they are often active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime. They have more rod cells than cone cells in their retinas. Rod cells are great for low light vision, but they don't help much with color.

So, what colors do walleye see best? Walleye are believed to see blues and greens most clearly. They have a high sensitivity to these colors, especially in low-light conditions. This makes blue and green lures especially effective when fishing for walleye.

What Colors Do Walleye See Best at Night?

At night, walleye rely even more on their ability to detect blue and green hues. This is because the colors blue and green penetrate the water better than other colors. So, if you’re fishing at night, you’ll want to use lures that are blue, green, or combinations of these colors.

Factors Affecting Walleye's Visibility

Even within their range of color perception, walleyes' ability to see lures is influenced by external factors. Water clarity is a major one. In clear water, sunlight penetrates deeper, allowing walleyes to distinguish details and natural baitfish colors more clearly. Conversely, stained or murky water filters out light, making it harder for walleyes to see details. Here, bright or contrasting colors become more effective.

Another factor is time of day. During bright daylight hours, walleyes rely more on color to identify prey. As light fades and night approaches, their vision shifts to depend more on movement and silhouette. So, while color selection remains important throughout the day, it becomes less crucial at night.

Walleye Lure Colors for Different Season

Walleye’s color preferences can change with the seasons. In spring and summer, when water is clearer, bright colors like yellow and chartreuse work well. In fall and winter, when water is often murkier, darker colors such as black and dark green can be more effective.

Using Variety of Lure Colors for Different Conditions

 

Daytime Walleye Fishing

When fishing walleyes during the day, consider water clarity to guide your color choices.

• Clear Water: In clear water, natural colors that mimic baitfish are a good starting point. Think whites, silvers, and translucent finishes with hints of green or blue. These colors blend well with the environment and appear realistic to walleyes. However, don't be afraid to experiment with a splash of chartreuse or firetiger (orange and black) – sometimes, an odd color out can attract curious fish.

• Stained Water: In murky water, where visibility is reduced, brighter and more contrasting colors become more effective. Chartreuse, firetiger, and even glow-in-the-dark options can be great choices. These lures stand out from the murk, attracting walleyes' attention with their vibrant presence.

Nighttime Walleye Fishing

As mentioned earlier, color selection becomes less critical at night. However, it's not entirely unimportant. Here are some tips:

• Silhouettes: Since walleyes rely more on movement and shape to identify prey in low light, choose lures that create a strong silhouette against the water. Black, dark blues, and even glow-in-the-dark lures with a slight charge can be very effective.

• Adding a Little Flash: While pure color might not be the top priority, a touch of flash can still be beneficial. Spoons or crankbaits with a bit of silver or gold can add a subtle shimmer that attracts attention, especially when the lure is moving erratically.

What are the Most Effective Walleye Lure Colors

While there's no single "magic" color that guarantees success every time, some general guidelines can help you pick winning fishing lures.

Natural vs. Bright Colors

The debate between natural and bright colors is a common one. Natural colors are great for clear water conditions, mimicking baitfish and appearing non-threatening. However, bright colors often outperform them in stained water, grabbing attention with their vibrancy. Ultimately, it's a good idea to carry a variety of both in your tackle box to adapt to different water clarities.

Impact of Water Clarity

As emphasized throughout this guide, water clarity plays a crucial role in determining which colors will be most effective. In clear water, start with natural, subtle colors and only switch to brighter options if the fish aren't responding. In murky water, begin with bold, bright colors and adjust if needed.

By understanding how walleyes see and considering environmental factors, you can make more informed decisions about your lure colors. Remember, experimentation is key – don't be afraid to try different shades until you find what works best on any given day.

FAQs About Walleye Vision and Lure Colors

Do walleye see red and orange colors?

Walleye can see red and orange, but these colors don’t penetrate water as well as blue and green. They are less effective in low light or murky conditions.

Can I use UV lures for walleye?

Yes, UV lures can be very effective because they reflect light differently and can be more visible to walleye, especially in murky water.

How does water clarity affect color choice?

In clear water, bright and shiny colors work well. In murky water, darker colors are usually better because they stand out more.

Are there any colors to avoid?

Generally, colors like red and orange are less effective in low light. It’s best to avoid these colors during nighttime or in murky water.

 

Summary on What Colors Do Walleye See Best

Understanding what colors walleye see best can give you a major advantage on your fishing trips. Walleye are more responsive to blue and green hues, especially in low-light conditions. By choosing the right color lures based on water conditions, time of day, and seasonal changes, you can improve your chances of a successful catch.

So, next time you’re out on the water, try experimenting with different colors and observe what works best for you.

What’s your go-to color for walleye fishing? Have you noticed any color patterns that seem to work better? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!