The best lure colours for catching pike: a complete guide for anglers
The choice of lure colour plays a crucial role in pike fishing. We've tested a multitude of shades and combinations to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best lure colours for catching pike. You'll find the colours we think are essential, as well as the conditions you need to take into account when choosing the right lure colour for your pike. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, these tips are sure to help you maximise your catch once you're on the water.
Our article in brief
Here are the essential points to remember when choosing the colour of a pike lure:
- Six essential shades : chartreuse yellow, brown, orange, green, blue and transparent
- The Fire tiger, a combination of green, yellow, orange and often very black, is THE pike colour par excellence
- Match the colour of your lure to the fishing conditions water clarity, light and season
- Vary the colours to find the one that will make the difference on D-Day
The essential colours for pike fishing
Our experience in the field has enabled us to identify six essential shades to have in your lure box for pike fishing. Here they are:
- Chartreuse
- Brown
- Orange
- Green
- Blue
- Transparent
Of course, each colour has its own specific characteristics and its effectiveness varies according to the conditions. For example, the chartreuse is a safe bet in many situations. Wherever we've been, in France or abroad, we've noticed that this tint is particularly effective in murky water.
The fire tigerA combination of green, yellow and orange has proved to be a real pike magnet. This colour is very versatile and works remarkably well in all conditions. For us, it's a must-have colour for any pike angler.
Here is a summary table of the colours of pike lure and their effectiveness depending on the conditions :
| Colour | Clear water | Cloudy water | Sunny weather | Overcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chartreuse | Good | Excellent | Good | Very good |
| Brown | Very good | Average | Excellent | Good |
| Orange | Average | Very good | Good | Excellent |
| Fire tiger | Good | Excellent | Very good | Very good |
How do you choose the right colour for your fishing conditions?
We have identified five key elements to consider when choosing your pike lure colour:
- The colour of water
- The level of visibility
- Available prey
- The colour of the sky
- External luminosity
When the water is clear, we advise you to opt for natural colours such as green, brown and transparent. These colours are more discreet and often fool even the most educated pike. Don't hesitate to use colours that mimic local prey (roach, bleak, perch).
Conversely, when water is tinted, opt for bright, contrasting colours. Fire tiger or chartreuse are perfect examples. These colours will stand out in the water and help pike to target your lure.
Here is a video to corroborate our statements.
Brightness is also a key consideration. On a sunny day, opt for natural to metallic colours. These create attractive flashes that are easy to spot without being too aggressive. We've had excellent results with brown lures sprinkled with silver glitter, which seem irresistible to pike in good weather.
Finally, don't overlook contrasts when fishing for pike. A lure combining a dark back and a light belly can trigger a pike's predatory instinct. We recommend having two-coloured lures in your arsenal, with the colours we mentioned earlier.
Seasonal colour strategies
The effectiveness of colours varies with the seasons. Our years of experience have enabled us to establish an optimal strategy for each period of the year:
Pike fishing at the start of the season (spring)
The waters are clear and the pike are close to the banks where the white fish spawn. In this context, we generally opt for natural colours. White, grey, blue or green backs, for example. These colours perfectly mimic the fish that pike feed on at this time of year. We have noticed, for example, that lures imitating roach or bleak are particularly effective during this season.
Pike fishing in étee
The sun is high in the sky and the water is warming up. This combination of conditions makes the pike more active. For us, it's the perfect time to bring out bright, contrasting colours. We've had excellent results with chartreuse yellow and bright orange lures on hot summer days.
Pike fishing in aFall
This is the season to use colours like fire tiger. These contrasting colours are ideal at this time of year when pike are very active and aggressive as winter approaches. During our autumn sessions these colours enabled us to make some great catches.
Pike fishing in hiver
The waters are cold and clear. As for the pike, they are often wedged in and difficult to move. In this case, we don't necessarily have any rules. We often start with transparent lures with shiny reflections or tints imitating very slowly moving forage fish. If we can't make up our minds about a pike, we'll go for the complete opposite and go for very bright colours that stand out. UV or fluorescent lures can also be effective in low light conditions.
The art of adapting lures to changing conditions
The key to success in pike fishing lies in your ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Here are a few tips that we've perfected over the years:
Vary the colours Don't hesitate to change lure and colour if you don't get a bite quickly. Pike preferences can vary from day to day and even from hour to hour.
Observe the environment The colour of the sky and the clarity of the water are valuable indicators. For example, on a cloudy day in murky water, we've had great success with brightly coloured lures like orange or chartreuse.
Test different depths Optimum colour can vary according to depth. On the surface, natural colours are often more effective, while at depth, bright or UV colours can make all the difference.
Adapt to the seasons As mentioned above, each season has its own favourite colours. Don't hesitate to change your lure box depending on the time of year.
Choosing the right lure colour for pike fishing is a subtle blend of science, experience and intuition. By following this advice and keeping a close eye on current conditions, you will considerably increase your chances of success. Don't forget that patience and perseverance are your best allies in this adrenalin-fuelled sport. Happy fishing to you all!
