A Day of Big Bites and Color Baits
From the very first cast, it was clear this wasn’t just another day on the water—it was a color factor walleye clinic. And so began a session not just of catching, but of deep insight into what triggers walleyes to bite, focusing especially on one critical element: color.
Why Color Matters in Fishing
Color selection, often dismissed as subjective or even superstitious, is rooted in both biology and confidence. Many anglers develop faith in specific colors based on past success. For instance, one angler recalls using a black and purple ribbon-tail worm for largemouth bass with consistent results. Another memory: Al Lindner, an industry legend, had astonishing success using pink cigar baits for smallmouths—despite the unnatural appearance of the lure.
It all comes down to experimentation and building confidence. “Try different stuff,” they urge, because sometimes, what doesn’t make sense visually works incredibly well underwater. 
Bold New Colors Are Making Big Waves
Over the past six years, the fishing industry has exploded with non-traditional, vibrant lure colors—far removed from anything you’d find in nature. Bright oranges, electric purples, wild greens—these aren’t just meant to catch the angler’s eye. When used in the right situations, they produce real results.
Whether it’s jigging raps or soft plastics, brands like Big Bite Baits are creating lures that stand out. And contrary to the old saying that “lures are made to catch fishermen, not fish,” these innovations are catching fish—big ones.
Seeing Through Walleye Eyes: Understanding Their Vision
To understand how color plays a role in catching walleyes, it helps to understand how walleyes see. Their eyes are equipped with large cone cells that excel at gathering light, giving them a major advantage in low-light conditions—sunset, sunrise, and moonlit nights. However, those same large cone cells mean that walleyes don’t see detail as sharply—think of a low-resolution camera.
Scientifically, walleyes see best in the orange, red, green, and yellow ranges of the spectrum. They don’t see ultraviolet (UV) light, but UV brighteners can still enhance a lure’s visibility, making it pop in murky or deeper waters.
It’s Not Just About the Bait—Line Color Matters Too
When it comes to color, don’t overlook the importance of fishing line. Brands like Sufix offer brightly colored lines for a good reason—enhanced bite detection. Whether it’s high-vis yellow or orange, the right line color can help you spot subtle bites, especially when jigging for walleye where precision matters.
Equipment for Jigging Success
Using the right rod and reel setup can make a world of difference, especially when pop-jigging along rocky Canadian breaklines. St. Croix’s Avid series has long been a favorite, delivering performance at a mid-range price. Paired with a Daiwa Fuego LT spinning reel, it’s a setup built for sensitivity and strength without breaking the bank.
Fishing in rocky terrain demands control and awareness. Without it, jigs get snagged, lines are lost, and the rhythm of the day gets broken. Using your eyes—both above and below the water with side imaging—helps you avoid those costly mistakes.
Jigging Tactics Based on Structure
Walleyes are found on a variety of structures—some roam slow-tapering flats, others hug sharp drop-offs. Each setting demands a different jigging cadence. On steep breaks, subtle pops are key, while on flatter terrain, exaggerated hops increase your strike zone.
Seeing a fish inhale a high-jumped jig and feeling that distinct head shake is one of the great thrills of walleye fishing. Paying attention to structure and how your bait moves through it is essential, no matter where you’re fishing.
The Color Revolution: From Tournaments to Tackle Boxes
The walleye world’s obsession with color began with professional tournaments. In the early days, spinners and bottom bouncers dominated, and anglers began experimenting with colors—wild ones. As these colors proved successful, bait companies responded by producing more colorful hard baits, hair jigs, and plastics.
Tournament pros—whether guiding on the Great Lakes or competing in Dakotas reservoirs—carry tackle boxes brimming with crankbaits in every shade imaginable. Why? Because color matters. One day it’s Wonder Bread; the next day, it’s purple. The pattern that works can shift in hours, so versatility is key.
Companies like Rapala may not release new lure shapes every year, but they always expand color lines. This is driven by demand from regional anglers who know what works in their specific waters and conditions.
Big Fish and Big Lessons
The excitement in the boat reached a crescendo as one angler landed a true trophy—a massive walleye that would turn heads even on the Great Lakes. “That’s a queen,” they exclaimed, capturing stills for social media before gently releasing the fish.
With growing pressure on lakes—walleyes, bass, crappies, and muskies alike—it’s more important than ever to adapt. One of the simplest, most effective adaptations? Expanding your color palette.
The Changing Landscape of Walleye Fishing
The final insight from the water speaks directly to today’s reality—there is more fishing pressure on our lakes than ever before. With increased angling activity across all species—from walleyes to muskies—modern anglers are having to evolve their approach to consistently catch fish. A big part of that evolution? Color selection.
Fishing hotspots can be productive for two or three years, but patterns shift. As pressure builds on these waters, fish become more selective. To stay ahead, anglers must adapt. That means not only relying on tried-and-true traditional colors but also experimenting boldly with new hues. The message is clear: don’t discard the classics, but diversify. Add a spectrum of vibrant and unusual colors to your arsenal and chances are your catch rate will climb.
