fish color/water clarity and depth

[jason grimm]

Dear BBGillers Ive noticed pics of dark colored fish and light colored fish on here from some of your pics, Im wondering if I catch a light colored fish in my waters that I can determine water clarity and depth. I think these play rolls on the fish's color and location in the water column, and is this true for other sunfish species as well to find out what the fish are doing and what colors would work.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Hmmmm, I dont think the fishes own color can be considered a sure  indicator of water clarity and depth.

Some of the elements in the water itself, minerals or tannins for example, may lend the fish what might be called a color unique to those waters. But, this can vary widely. I catch bluegill each time I'm out that run the gamut from dark to light, from large to small - with little to no consistency.

Some species are obviously colored in a way that is unique to them. Red ear come to mind here - they are easily distinguished . And as a fish grows larger, it's my observation that the colors become more vibrant and bold. Larger fish also generally congregate in deeper waters, so that may add to the depth - color effect.