Understanding Water Clarity Impact on Bass

Water clarity refers to the degree of visibility or transparency or how far light can penetrate through the water column. The actual term of “clear water” is a relative term that can range in depth based on geography norms. For example, what is considered clear water in the north can be different than what is considered clear water in the south. Water clarity is one of the four components of lure visibility. 

Why is understanding Oxygen Level Impact on Bass Important?

It is important to understanding water clarity impact on bass to:   

  • Establish Presentation Distance: In clear water it is suggested that a much further distance between the angler and the bass is important to avoid spooking the bass.
  • Cover Water Distances Between Casts: Some suggest the distance between casts when covering water can be much higher in clear water than murky water as the bass can see much further.
  • Lure Visibility: Water clarity is one of the key considerations when establishing lure visibility and thus in lure selection.
Understanding Water Clarity Impact on Bass
  • Clear Water: Clear water is a low concentration of suspended sediment and/or algae.
    • High Lure Visibility: Clear water is the key factor in high lure visibility increased by limited waves, brightness and shallow water.
      • Clear Water Depth: Some suggest clear water is visibility beyond 5 feet, in other words, you can see the bottom up to 5 feet in calm, bright conditions. In some lakes clear water can be very clear seeing bottom at over 10 ft. 
    • Bass Move Deeper: Some suggest that bass are more inclined to go deeper in clear water presumably resulting from increased visual range.
    • Easily Spooked: Some suggest that bass are more aware of their surroundings due to seeing long distances and are more easily spooked by boats and other potential threats.
    • Thick Grass Cover: Some suggest bass will tend to move to thickest cover. 
    • Docks/Shade: Some suggest bass will use shade produced by docks and other larger objects more in clear water regardless of brightness.
Clear Water courtesy of Carolina Sportsman
  • Murky Water: Murky water is turbid water with high concentrations of suspended sediment and/or algae. Murky water includes stained water, muddy water, dingy water and tannic water.
    • Source: Algae, or more specifically an algae bloom, suspended tannic acid, suspended sediment, and water mixing sediment including rain runoffs.
    • Low Lure Visibility:  Murky water results in low light penetration which is further reduced if there is wavy water, low brightness or deep water.
      • Depth: Some suggest murky water is between 2 to 5 feet visibility.  For example, when dropping a lure in the water and losing sight of the lure between 2 and 5 feet. Some use the clarity of the trolling motor as an indicator of murkiness. 
    • Bass Move Shallow: Some suggest bass move shallow presumably due to baitfish also moving shallow and less distance in the water column.
      • Very Murky – Very Shallow: Some suggest in very murky water bass will locate in 6 inch to 1 foot of water possibly due to affixing themselves to a location (bottom and surface) or warmest water.
    • Bass Off but Near Cover (medium murky): Some suggest bass will locate near cover but not use it for ambush locations, shade or shelter. In other words, locate near cover but not use cover.
      • Very Murky – Tight to Cover: Some suggest in very murky/muddy water, less than 6 inches visibility, bass will be tight to cover, possibly to affix themselves to a single location.
    • Reduced Oxygen: As less sunlight gets to plants less oxygen is produced.==
Murky - Stained Water
Additional Considerations
  • Establishing Depth and Distances: Some suggest first measuring/estimating how deep you can see the lure and using that distance as a guideline as to the depth or distance that a bass can see the boat. 
  • Select Water Clarity: Some suggest, if desired, finding locations on lakes that have desired water clarity for fishing, for example, some avoid ultra clear water.
  • Cast Distance: Some suggest focusing on backing off targeted spots and making long casts. 
  • Wind: Some suggest that in clear water it is more important to target areas with wind. 
  • Mud Lines: Some suggest fishing the light side of a mudline as the bass will reside in the muddier water looking to ambush forage.
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