What Colour Attracts Pike

As an avid angler, you know that every detail matters when it comes to catching big fish. From choosing the right bait to selecting the perfect spot, there are many factors that can make or break your fishing trip. But have you ever considered the color of your lure?

When it comes to pike fishing, lure color is a hotly debated topic. Some anglers swear by bright colors like chartreuse or neon green, while others prefer more natural shades like brown or gray. It’s a question that has divided fishermen for years: what color really attracts pike?

As you set out on your next fishing adventure, understanding the science behind pike behavior and their visual perception will give you an edge over other anglers. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of pike fishing and uncover the secrets of lure color selection that will help you reel in your biggest catch yet!

Discovering the Natural Habitat of Pike

Pike is found all over North America, Europe, and Asia. These freshwater fish are commonly found in shallow lakes and slow-moving rivers with plenty of vegetation. They prefer clear water but can survive in murky water as well.

Pike tend to hide in underwater structures such as logs, rocks, weed beds, or other debris. These structures provide shelter for the pikes from their prey and predators. Pikes have a great ability to camouflage themselves with their environment; they blend into their surroundings and become invisible.

To find pike’s natural habitat, you should look for areas where there is an abundant supply of food such as small fish or frogs. Pikes also prefer colder waters so try looking for them in deeper waters during summer months.

Best Places to Find Pike

• Shallow Lakes
• Slow-Moving Rivers
• Weed Beds
• Underwater Structures (Logs and Rocks)
• Colder Waters during Summer Months

Pike’s Prey

• Small Fish
• Frogs

Bright or Dull Colors: What Attracts Pike?

The color of lures used in fishing has a huge impact on the success rate of catching pike. Generally speaking, bright colors like chartreuse or hot pink work best when fishing in murky waters while dull colors like brown or green work best when fishing in clear water.

According to studies, pike is able to see UV blue light which means that lures with UV reflection may work better than other types of lures. Another thing to keep in mind is that different colors work well during different times of the day.

Best Lure Colors for Murky Water

• Chartreuse
• Hot Pink
• Orange
• Red/White

Best Lure Colors for Clear Water

• Brown
• Green Pumpkin
• Natural Shad Color
• Black and Blue Combos (for darker water)

Lures with UV Reflections that Work Well for Pike Fishing:

• Silver or Gold Spoons with UV Accents Silver or Gold Bladed Spinnerbaits with UV Accents

  How Water Clarity Affects Pike’s Color Preference?

  The clarity of water has a big impact on pike’s color preference. In clear water, pike can see lures from further away, which means they are more likely to be picky about what they eat. In murky water, pike rely more on their sense of smell to find food, so they are less concerned about the color of the lure.

  In clear water, dull colors like brown or green work well because they blend in with the natural surroundings. Bright colors can scare away fish since it looks unnatural. On the other hand, in murky water bright colors work well because it helps attract fish from further away.

  Lure Colors that Work in Clear Water:

  • Brown Green Pumpkin Natural Shad Color Crawfish Lure Colors that Work in Murky Water:
    • Chartreuse
    • Hot Pink
    • Orange
    • Red/White

    Do Different Species of Pike Have Different Color Preferences?

    Different species of pike have different color preferences. For example, the Northern Pike tends to prefer bright colors while the Muskie prefers more natural colors. This is because Northern Pikes are active hunters who rely on their sight to hunt food, while Muskie is ambush predators who rely on blending into their surroundings.

    When fishing for a specific type of pike, it’s important to take note of its color preferences and adjust your lures accordingly.

    Northern Pike’s Color Preference:

    • Bright Colors (Chartreuse, Hot Pink, Orange)
    • Lures with UV Reflections

      Muskie’s Color Preference:

      • Natural Colors (Brown, Green Pumpkin)

        The Effect of Time of Day on Pike’s Color Preference

        The time of day can affect pike’s color preference when it comes to fishing lures. During early morning or late afternoon hours when there is low light, darker colors work better since they tend to look more natural in these conditions. On the other hand, during midday hours when the sun is high and water is clear, brighter colors tend to work better.

        It’s also worth noting that during dawn and dusk hours when the light changes quickly, it might be useful to use lures that change color depending on the amount and angle of light.

        Lure Colors That Work Best During Low Light Conditions (Early Morning/Late Afternoon):

        • Black
        • Brown
        • Dark Green/Blue Shades
        • Natural Shad Colors

        Lure Colors That Work Best During Midday Hours:

        • Chartreuse

          Seasonal Changes in Effective Colors for Attracting Pike

          The color of lures that work best when fishing pike can also change with the seasons. During the spring, fish are more active and aggressive, so brighter colors tend to work better. As the water warms up during summer months, fish become more sluggish and prefer slower moving lures with natural colors.

          During fall and winter months when water becomes colder, pike’s metabolism slows down and they become less active. In these conditions, it’s best to use lures that move slowly with natural colors like brown or green pumpkin.

          Lure Colors That Work Best During Spring Months:

          • Bright Colors (Chartreuse, Hot Pink, Orange)
          • Silver or Gold Spoons with UV Accents

            Lure Colors That Work Best During Summer Months:

            • Brown

              Lure Colors That Work Best During Fall and Winter Months:

              • Brown

                The Influence of Weather Conditions on Pike Fishing Colors

                Weather conditions can also influence pike fishing colors. On cloudy days when there is low light, darker colors work better since they look more natural in these conditions. On sunny days when there is plenty of light, brighter colors tend to be more effective.

                It’s also important to take note of the wind when fishing for pike. During windy conditions, it’s a good idea to use lures that can create a disturbance in the water and make it easier for fish to locate them.

                Lure Colors That Work Best on Cloudy Days:

                • Black
                • Brown
                • Natural Shad Colors

                Lure Colors That Work Best on Sunny Days:

                • Chartreuse

                  Mimicking Natural Colors to Attract Pike with Artificial Lures

                  When it comes to fishing pike with artificial lures, mimicking natural colors is key. This means using lures that closely resemble the look and movement of prey that pike are used to eating.

                  For example, using lures that mimic small fish or frogs work well since they are common prey for pike. Using lures with natural colors like brown or green pumpkin also work since they blend in with the environment.

                  It’s also important to use lures that move realistically in the water. This means using lures that have a realistic swimming action or can create a disturbance in the water like spinnerbaits.

                  Lure Types That Mimic Realistic Prey:

                  • Swimbaits (Small Fish)
                  • Surface Frogs/Topwater Lures

                    Lure Types With Realistic Swimming Action:

                    • Crankbaits

                      In conclusion, the color that attracts pike may vary depending on various factors such as water conditions, time of day, and location. However, it is generally believed that bright colors like red, yellow, and orange tend to catch their attention more than other colors.

                      Frequently Asked Questions about What Colour Attracts Pike

                      Are pike attracted to blood?
                      These creatures are migratory and spend most of their lifespan in the ocean before returning to freshwater to breed. Although they are not typically used as bait, they are very bloody due to their parasitic diet of other fish in the sea. This makes them highly desirable to pike when defrosted as they release a lot of blood.

                      What fish attractant for pike?
                      The most effective dead baits for catching pike while fishing are typically fish that have a high amount of natural oils in their skin and flesh, such as smelt, alewives, small whitefish, chubs, and sucker. These oils are released into the water and can attract pike that are nearby.

                      How do you attract pike?
                      There are three primary methods for catching pike: deadbait, livebait, and lures. Deadbaiting involves using still bait and is most effective during colder months when pike are less active and less likely to pursue moving prey.

                      What attracts pike most?
                      Pike are attracted to bright colors, making high-visibility options like white, chartreuse, and bright orange effective choices. Baits that produce strong vibrations or sounds are also particularly appealing to these visually-driven feeders.

                      What do pike like to bite on?
                      Spoons, spinners, hard plastic baits, and jigs are commonly used to catch fish, with spoons being particularly effective thanks to their shiny surface reflecting sunlight and resembling the white underbelly of some fish that are preyed upon. However, jigs may only be useful in catching smaller fish, due to their smaller size.

                      What is the best time of day to catch pike?
                      Typically, the best times of day to catch pike are during sunrise and sunset. However, during the spring when the temperatures are not as extreme and the water temperatures are suitable for pike hunting, you may be able to catch them successfully throughout the day.

                      See Also  How to Fish for Pike in a River