The Best Colors of Light to Attract Fish at Night: 1 Minute to Learning How to Choose the Right Fishing Light

Choosing the right color of light can make a significant difference in your nighttime fishing success. Fish are attracted to light sources at night for several reasons: it illuminates the water, draws in smaller baitfish, and thus attracts larger predators. But not all colors of light are equally effective. Here’s a professional designer’s breakdown of the best light colors for night fishing and how you can incorporate these insights into your angling—and even into designing waterside spaces or fishing environments.

Green Light: Green is widely considered the most effective color for attracting fish at night. This is because green LEDs penetrate deeper and are highly visible under water, attracting plankton, which subsequently draws in baitfish and predators. Green also has the ideal wavelength for water clarity and doesn’t spook fish as much as other colors.

Blue Light: Often used in saltwater settings, blue lights can attract fish, but they are not always as efficient as green. Blue light works especially well in very clear water, shining through deeper layers and attracting some species like squid and small baitfish.

White Light: White LEDs spread broadly and make it easier for humans to see above and below water. While white can attract baitfish, it sometimes drives larger game fish away, as it can be perceived as unnatural in darker environments.

Other Colors: Red is less effective for attracting fish because it is quickly absorbed in water and thus isn’t visible at depth. Occasionally, a mix of colors may be used, but green remains the go-to for most locations and species.

As a designer, I often find insights from natural settings influence indoor and outdoor environments. When planning lighting for waterside patios, boat docks, or even themed aquatic spaces, replicating the soothing effect of green underwater illumination creates a calming, focused ambiance reminiscent of a fishing night. Tools like AI Interior Design solutions allow you to visualize how these lighting colors will interact not just beneath the water but within the overall experience of the space, ensuring the final result is functional and aesthetically pleasing for all night-time activities, fishing included.

Tips 1:

For optimum results, place your fishing light just below the water surface and allow it time to attract plankton and baitfish before you start fishing. Remember, patience is key—larger predators follow once baitfish gather.

FAQ

Q: Why does green light attract more fish at night?

A: Green light penetrates deeper, attracts plankton and baitfish, and is less likely to alarm larger fish, increasing your catch chances.

Q: Can I use regular white lights for night fishing?

A: Yes, but white lights are generally less effective than green in attracting fish and may spook larger game fish.

Q: Is blue light better than green for saltwater fishing?

A: Blue can work well, especially in clear saltwater, but green is still typically the most effective overall.

Q: Are red lights useful for night fishing?

A: Red lights are not ideal since they’re quickly absorbed in water, making them ineffective at attracting fish at significant depths.

Q: How does light placement influence fish attraction?

A: Submerging the light just below the surface helps maximize its effect by concentrating plankton and baitfish in your targeted fishing area.