Water Temperature Fish are cold blooded and their metabolism changes along with temperature. When the water is cold, metabolism is the lowest and fish react more slowly. At this time a bright lure is more likely to stimulate a strike. Inversely, as the water warms lure offerings can be toned down.
Water Clarity Water is rated clear (blue), moderate (green), or turbid (brown or gray). Fish must see through these conditions much like see through colored glass. In order for them to see the lure, you need to select what reflects through their environment. Obviously, you’ll need to select the brightest attractor for the darkest conditions. The clearer the water becomes, the less reflective intensity is needed. In general, the rule of thumb is this: light lures for dark conditions and dark lures for bright conditions. Pick your light lures for the overcast days, and use your darker ones for the bright sun.
Color Filtration Some colors change markedly once they reach operating depth. Fish will see red as black under just a few feet of clear water, while other colors like silver, gold, blue and green seldom change. And to make it even more confusing, colors reflect differently in open sea as compared to tight streams. Fret not. The following color guidelines seem to work best in Alaska’s varied opportunities:
• Trolling for salmon in open water. Silver, gold, chartreuse, fluorescent green and the color blue do well.
• Fishing moderate water. Silver, fluorescents in pink, red, and orange, and chartreuse will suffice. Glacial runoff is rated as moderate water clarity. (green)
• Fishing clear water in low light. Combine reflective metallic with dark colors.
• Fishing clear water in high light. Tone it down completely.
• Fishing turbid water. Combine gold with blacks and fluorescents.
• Using the salmon egg attractor. Match your presentations to the spawn; new eggs are bright and old eggs are pale.
• Fishing at night. Go with black.
• Fishing turbid water. Again with black.
Note that Alaska fishermen have a
tendency to overuse the fluorescent colors of reds, oranges, and pinks.
They are fine during the immediate spawn, but afterwards when the eggs
pale in the stream, so should your color selections.
Be advised! New technology has brought artificial luminescence to the
lure via chemical or battery operated light. Results from these
attractors are still being investigated, with promising results.
And most importantly remember this, tackle manufacturers package
products to tempt you and not the fish. Buy what appeals to you, but
never forget that it must appeal to your quarry when you cast it.
This month's tip is by Bernard
Rosenberg, an Alaska fishing enthusiast and author. Rosenberg has been a
prolific poster on the
Alaska Fishing Forum,
and author of
Alaska Fishing on A Budget.