I'm not saying that "matching the hatch" is critical; I'm saying that knowing what the "hatch" is plays a role in the overall equation and in the final working solution. Often it works well to match most of the hatch (most of the baitfish color pattern), then to add a contrasting color like a chartreuse, a red, or an orange to modestly heighten the overall contrast and visibility of the package. Such a touch of color may also play on a fish's curiosity, just enough to get it to sample a lure -- a tentative bite. At least this is true during the day. Dark-light paint patterning becomes more important after dark, as we'll discuss in a moment.

COLORS WALLEYES SEE WELL

Next, factor in the actual colors each fish species sees well. Our best scientific evidence suggests that, at least when light is present, walleyes see best in the red-orange-green portions of the spectrum -- substantially less well when colors bend toward blues. So, walleyes can be somewhat discriminating when it comes to reds, oranges, and greens. At least in daylight, they may see a touch of orange added to a lure. They can probably see subtle underlying hues in those portions of the spectrum, too.

Overall, though, walleyes are much less discriminating than bass, bluegills, perch, crappies, and many other fish. Those fish, you see, are adapted to doing all their "detailed visual work" during the day, when color is prominent. Their eyes also are filled with the type of cells (cones) that help determine minute color differences and details in color patterning.

Walleyes have far fewer cones in their retina. They can see the colors we mentioned earlier but probably don't discriminate between minute color variations that well. Intricate patterns probably aren't apparent to walleyes, although general patterns certainly are. Practically speaking, bass can note the difference between a clear plastic tube laced with red sparkle flakes and a clear tube with silver sparkle flakes. Walleyes probably see both lures as pretty much the same, although they may, in good sunlight, get a hint of color contrast.

The silver-minnow pattern, the gold-minnow pattern, and the perch pattern, three of the most consistent patterns for walleyes around North America.

On the other hand, walleyes have many more rods -- light-discriminating cells that work after dark to help see painted patterns on lures in shades of black and white. Rods don't allow detailed discrimination of patterns. Walleyes apparently can in dim light see general patterns well (much better than the other fish mentioned), but they still can't see fine detail in those patterns.

COLORS THAT PENETRATE WATER

Finally, we must also know a little about how different colors penetrate a column of water. In clear water, colors at the red end of the spectrum are quickly filtered and appear as black -- often within five feet of the surface. Blues and greens penetrate well in clear water. Walleyes, though, don't see blues that well; so the water probably has to be ultraclear before blues play a role for walleyes. Greens and chartreuses probably are the most overlooked color option for walleyes in clear waters. They penetrate well and walleyes also see them well. Most anglers reserve chartreuse for dingier water.

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