When it comes to trout fishing, having the right fishing line can make all the difference in your success on the water. Trout have excellent vision and can easily detect fishing line above or in the water. Choosing a fishing line color that blends into the environment you are fishing in helps prevent spooking wary trout. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the pros and cons of different colored fishing lines for trout and provide recommendations on the best options.
How Trout See Fishing Line
Trout have complex vision that allows them to see color, detect motion, and view objects above and below the water’s surface. Their eyes have rod cells that detect low light conditions and cone cells that distinguish color. Trout primarily use their vision to find food, detect predators, and look for mates.
While trout don’t see color exactly as humans do, they are especially sensitive to contrasts and movement. Lighter colored fishing lines can look unnatural sitting on top of the darker water. Trout eyes will pick up on the lighter shade and outline of the line. Darker natural colored lines blend into the environment better. Trout are also keenly aware of overhead threats like birds and carefully inspect anything crossing over the water.
The way a fishing line enters the water can also spook trout. A noisy, splashing line will immediately alert trout something is wrong. Quietly slipping a line into the water allows it to land softly without sending ripples across the surface. The right colored line helps mask the line’s presence while entering and suspending in the water.
Best Color Fishing Line for Trout
Choosing the best color fishing line for trout depends on the water conditions you are fishing in. Trout inhabit both still and moving waters that can range from crystal clear to turbid. We’ll break down top fishing line color options for different fishing environments.
Clear Fishing Line
Clear or translucent fishing line is the top choice for many trout anglers. The see-through line all but disappears when in the water. This helps prevent spooking trout in shallow, calm waters where the line is clearly visible.
On bright days, clear line will be harder for trout to detect. It also works well in streams and rivers with minimal debris. However, in low light conditions, stained or muddy water, clear line becomes more visible. It can reflect light waves and take on a shiny, easy-to-see appearance.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon line is another popular optically clear choice. It sinks faster than standard nylon monofilament and has light refractive properties that make it practically disappear in water. This makes it an excellent option for downriggers, float fishing, and getting lures and bait down to the strike zone quickly.
The refractive index of fluorocarbon is similar to water, so it won’t refract and shine light. It’s ideal for clear low light scenarios where it’s nearly invisible to trout. Fluorocarbon does cost more than standard nylon line, but it’s a favorite for tricky trout.
Green Fishing Line
Different shades of green fishing line are very effective at mimicking the natural environment trout live in. Algae and aquatic vegetation found in lakes, ponds, and rivers are green. A green line will blend into the underwater surroundings.
Dark green works well on overcast days or in stained waters where there is reduced visibility. In clear water conditions, lighter green can closely resemble the water’s hue. For an even more natural appearance, use a translucent green line to further avoid standing out.
Brown Fishing Line
For rivers and streams with rocky, gravel bottoms, a brown fishing line is a wise choice. It will closely resemble the predominant earthy tones of the environment. Browns and other neutral shades like tan or gray get lost against naturally dark backgrounds.
Make sure to match the darkness or lightness of the brown with the water’s clarity. Murky waters call for darker brown and extremely clear conditions warrant a lighter brown line. Use matte finished lines which cut down on light reflection.
Best Line Color for Common Fishing Conditions
To further help anglers choose the best fishing line color for common trout fishing scenarios, here is a quick reference guide:
| Fishing Condition | Recommended Line Color |
|---|---|
| Crystal clear water | Clear, Light Green, Fluorocarbon |
| Slightly stained water | Clear, Light Green, Light Brown |
| Muddy, turbid water | Dark Green, Dark Brown |
| Night fishing | Clear, Fluorocarbon |
| Fishing near vegetation | Green |
| Fishing in shadows and overhangs | Clear, Fluorocarbon |
Other Considerations for Picking Line Color
Beyond just matching the fishing line color to water clarity and bottom structure, here are some other factors to consider:
Fishing Style
Think about the presentation method you are using. Lines that lift up off the bottom frequently like crankbaits and topwater lures benefit from low visibility options. Live bait rigs that spend more time down low can get away with slightly more visible lines.
Weather Conditions
Overcast days allow you to use lighter more visible lines than bright, sunny days. Look for colors that naturally occur like light greens in stormy weather. Bright fluorocarbon lines shine on sun filled days.
Line Diameter
Thicker lines are more visible so take extra care selecting a color that blends into the environment. Heavier pound test lines require darker, low-visibility colors to compensate for their larger profile.
Depth
In shallow water, lighter colors like clear line easily stand out and should be avoided. At depth, low light conditions let you get away with more visible lines. Focus on blending in lines when fishing down to 15 feet.
Best Trout Line Color Recommendations
While trout line color selection depends on specific conditions, here are some all-around excellent options to consider:
- Clear: Great for shallow to moderately deep water. Hard to beat when stillness and invisibility are key.
- Green: Adapts well to a variety of stream and river environments. Use light green in clearer water.
- Fluorocarbon: A favorite for perfectly clear water thanks to its refractive properties.
- Brown: Allows lures and bait to blend into earthen river bottoms and perform naturally.
Avoid heavier test lines over 8 lb that require dark colors not ideal for trout in most settings. Carry an assortment of leaders and lines so you can adapt to changing conditions and optimize stealth.
Conclusion
Selecting the best fishing line color for trout requires carefully evaluating the water clarity, depth, weather, and structure where you’ll be casting. Clear lines work well across many different scenarios but experiment with green, brown, and fluorocarbon lines to match specific conditions. Avoid fishing bright, highly visible lines that will spook trout. Carry a variety of colored lines and leaders so you can quickly change as needed. With practice, you’ll hone in on the perfect line colors for different trout fishing environments.