If you’ve ever stood in front of a tackle wall wondering “Which color should I throw today?” — you’re not alone.
Bass see color differently than humans, and matching your bait to the water, light, and region can make the difference between getting skunked and catching a monster.
At DeLong Lures, we’ve spent over 75 years hand-pouring baits that catch fish in every condition imaginable.
Here’s how to pick the perfect lure color for your next trip.
Bass rely on sight, vibration, and scent to find food — but visibility changes everything.
When in doubt, remember this:
🎯 Match the water color when it’s clear — contrast it when it’s dirty.
| Color | Best Conditions | Description & Tips | Regional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Tiger | Cloudy days / stained water | Bright orange-green pattern mimics sunfish and triggers aggressive strikes. | Midwest favorite (OH, MI, WI, IN) |
| Pumpkinseed | Sunny days / clear water | Subtle green-brown-gold combo — perfect for natural sunfish imitation. | Great in northern lakes |
| Black Blue | Cloudy or low-light / muddy water | High-contrast silhouette that bass can see even in thick cover. | Tournament proven in Florida |
| Green Pumpkin | Sunny days / clear to lightly stained | A classic all-around color that works in nearly any condition. | Tennessee’s favorite |
| Junebug | Cloudy days / stained water | Purple-green flash adds visibility in darker conditions. | Works everywhere |
| Junebug Blue | Cloudy days / dark water | The go-to color in Florida’s tannin-stained lakes. | Florida’s top tournament color |
| Watermelon | Sunny days / clear water | Natural transparency mimics baitfish and bluegill. | Excellent nationwide |
| Dirty Watermelon | Cloudy days / lightly stained | Perfect blend of natural + contrast for mixed clarity. | Popular in Florida and Texas |
| Classic Purple | Sunny days / clear water | Vintage DeLong color that older anglers swear by. | Excellent in deep, clear reservoirs |
| Swamp Snake | Cloudy days / heavy vegetation | Mimics real snakes — perfect for southern swamps and lily pads. | Southern states |
| Glow | Night or deep water | Emits subtle glow for visibility in low light or murky depths. | Great for night fishing |
| Black Chartreuse | Cloudy or muddy water | Sharp contrast catches bass attention in low-visibility lakes. | Carolinas favorite |
| PB&J | Sunny / clear or rocky lakes | Brown-purple combo imitates crawfish on rocky bottoms. | Popular in CA & MS |
| Black | Night / low light | The best silhouette color — stands out against bright sky background. | Works everywhere |
| Mud | Sunny / clear or lightly stained | Natural brown — perfect for subtle presentations in calm water. | Strong in southern states |
| Okeechobee Craw | Cloudy / muddy water | green-blue flash pattern mimics crawfish. | South Florida specialty |
| Condition | Best Colors |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Sunny + Clear Water | Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, Pumpkinseed, PB&J |
| 🌤️ Sunny + Stained Water | Dirty Watermelon, Fire Tiger, Okeechobee Craw |
| ☁️ Cloudy + Clear Water | Junebug, Classic Purple, Black |
| 🌧️ Cloudy + Stained Water | Black Blue, Junebug Blue, Black Chartreuse |
| 🌑 Night or Deep Water | Black, Glow, Black Blue |
| 🌿 Heavy Vegetation / Pads | Swamp Snake, Green Pumpkin, Junebug |
| 🏞️ Rocky Bottom Lakes | PB&J, Pumpkinseed, Watermelon |
If you’re unsure where to start:
Sometimes just changing color — not size or speed — can double your success.
Lures like the 6″ Bass Witch pair perfectly with natural tones like Pumpkinseed and Green Pumpkin when fishing clear water. try weedless or our unrigged 6″ bass witch for wacky rigs.
Every DeLong bait is hand-poured in the USA and infused with anise scent to attract fish even when visibility is poor.
Color helps bass locate your lure — scent convinces them to bite and hold on longer.
That’s why DeLong anglers can adapt to any water condition and still catch fish that others miss.
Want to know which lures work best during each season of the year?
Read our Best Bass Lures by Season Guide to combine color + seasonal presentation for maximum results.
About the Author
Stephen Ziegler is an outdoor writer, entrepreneur, and owner of DeLong Lures—America’s oldest soft-plastic lure brand. He has published more than 500 articles on hunting, fishing, wildlife law, and public-lands policy, and his work has appeared in national outlets including Full Draw Magazine. Stephen also runs one of the largest hunting and fishing social-media networks in the country, reaching more than 300 million people per month.
➡ Read more from Stephen here: Stephen Ziegler – Author Page
Email: Sales@delonglures.com
Phone: 234 -788-9308
Address: 2381 Locust St
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614
