Do Colors Matter?
Ask ten anglers whether lure color matters, and you’ll get ten different answers. Some say it’s all about presentation; others swear by natural colors only. But here’s my honest take: color absolutely matters, especially when you know how to use it as part of your strategy.
One of the simplest and most effective systems I’ve learned comes from Forest Spoons, and it’s changed the way I approach color selection.
The Forest Approach: Start at Color #1 and Work Your Way Up
Forest doesn’t just sell colors randomly; they use a simple, intuitive progression. When you’re choosing spoons:
Start with Color #1, assuming trout are active and feeding. These first colors are usually bold and aggressive—think red, blue, silver, or orange.
If those don’t get attention, move to Color #2, #3, and so on. Each step up tends to be slightly more subdued and natural.
As you climb the series, you’re shifting from triggering aggressive strikes to attracting more cautious or pressured fish.
I love this system because:
- It simplifies decision-making.
- You’re methodically testing what trout respond to.
- It helps you remember which color worked last time in similar water or light conditions.
Natural Colors Work—But Not Always
Classic baitfish tones—silver, gold, olive, browns—are popular for a reason. In many waters, these colors closely match what trout naturally see and feed on, whether that's small minnows or aquatic insects.
But “matching the hatch” doesn’t always mean perfect imitation. Sometimes, just echoing the general tone of local prey can be enough to build confidence. A lure that reflects light like a minnow, or carries the olive-brown tone of an insect, can draw strikes without being a perfect replica.
Subtle shifts also matter. A silver spoon with a blue back might do better than plain silver when trout are locked onto small baitfish. Matte colors can outperform metallics in clear or heavily pressured waters.
I try not to overthink it, but I do pay attention to the basic question: does this color fit the mood of the water?
Don’t Overthink the Oddball Colors
Here’s the surprise: sometimes, something unexpected works.
In my experience, light pinks with red dots or flakes have been one of the strangest but most reliable “breakout” colors. Not a flashy, neon pink, but a soft pink (almost subtle) with just enough accent to catch a trout’s eye.
Why does it work? Maybe it’s curiosity, maybe it’s frustration. Or maybe, to be honest, it’s confidence. Sometimes when I tie on that oddball lure, I fish it with more focus, more patience, and better retrieves, because I believe in it. That could be a factor, too.
Either way, it’s proof that even with a system, trout can surprise you. Following a method works, but being open to the unexpected can work, too.
A Quick Thought on Minnow Colors
Recently, a customer shared a video with me that brought up an interesting point about minnow colors. Apparently, anglers in the U.S. often see better results with gold-colored plugs, while in Japan, trout tend to respond more to silver-based colors.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this, and I’d love to hear if others have noticed the same. Have you seen this pattern play out in your waters? Feel free to drop a comment and share your experience.
Final Thoughts
Color matters. Just not always the way we think.
Start aggressively.
- Work your way toward subtle.
- Pay attention to how trout respond.
- And when nothing seems to work? Don’t be afraid to try something new. Trout don’t read the rulebook, and sometimes, neither should we.
Thanks for reading!