I keep it real simple when it comes to fishing colors. We have Purple lakes, Green lakes and Brown lakes. Meaning: Those are the colors that work best on those lakes. Sure all colors will work on all lakes but for the novice as well as pro anglers there are some tell tale signs that can help you. When you get to a spot you feel should hold bass take a good look at the bottom (if you can). If it is covered in green moss or plant life you are going to start with green. If the bottom is covered with dead brown vegetation brown is your color. Clear water, purples and shad colored baits have always done the trick for me. If you find yourself in a dingy, coffee colored lake my favorite is Smoke-Copper, Hunters Magic or Blacker-Cracker.