I like a natural color like Green Pumpkin in sunny clear water and a brighter color like a pink, purple, or baby bass light green color in dawn, dusk, and stained water or smallmouth

 

Fishing clear weedy water is one place I can speak pretty confidently in and my thoughts are the specific color doesn't really matter as long as its not too flashy/reflective.

 

IE I've never had good luck with pearl white soft plastics or bright reds with gold flake, spinnerbaits or bladed jigs with unpainted blades, metallic or bone color cranks/jerks etc.

 

I am usually very skeptical about the anecdotal effects of stuff like this but Ive had enough time on the water in those conditions were I can confidently say I specifically just do not get bit when fishing those in generally clear water, were as Ive never noticed a difference between colors like solid jet black or near translucent pumpkins/watermelons.

 

The waters I fish generally do not have shiny scaled fish like shad though.

19 hours ago, Lead Head said:

If I'm fishing unfamiliar water I usually start off trying to match the cover as close as possible. The harder for me to see the better. If I'm getting few bites or only small fish, I try some different flake. If I'm getting no bites I start contrasting from the cover, usually darker first and brighter second. 

 

I'll do the same when attempting to match whatever the bass are eating if I know what it is. Try to match as close as possible, add subtle changes, then contrast completely. 

yes think about it, natural prey will usually match the color of the habitat or at least be close. an old piece of fishing advise was when your fishing clear water try to match the color of the bottom.

Same experience as @Hogs_n_Logs.  Great Lakes Finesse is big on advertising they do matte finishes on their colors, and I think they're onto something with that as well.

 

scott

I fish mostly natural clear lakes with lots of grass. I have the most confidence in the two toned senkos, one tone being green the other either white or like a greeny-charstreuse. 

 

My theory is that it helps them stand out a bit in the grass. I haven't had as much luck on the senkos with Chartreuse dipped tails.

I feel like the classic green pumpkin is always a good choice if you’re unsure what to use.