As far I know, I've never caught anything but northern strain LMB. My experience with LMB has only ranged from Northern Minnesota to Southern Virginia, to the Canadian border, so...
I've never tracked color. But, from casual observation, it sure seems that water clarity and temperature really has an effect on the color and contrast of LMB, BG, SMB, RES, black crappie, and CC. In cold water (less than about 40 F degrees), or in water with extremely low clarity, all of these fishes significantly change to very muted colors. I've not seen it with trout, yellow perch, walleye, pike, or musky.
From late spring through early autumn when temperatures are above about 60 F degrees, LMB seem to have green backs. This time of year, when the water is in the 30s and 40s, their backs are much closer to black.
Anyway, just one observation...
Last edited by catmandoo; 12/10/12 07:57 PM.
