As with many topics concerning fishing, the answer is, it depends! However, there are rules of thumb you can follow when it comes to choosing the best lure color for bass when using either hard or soft baits. An adage you'll often hear on the dock or in the tackle shop applies: Match the hatch. In other words, ask around and find out what the bass are eating, and use baits that mimic that forage. Most often you'll hear that they're eating crawfish, shad, and bluegill/perch.Next, take into consideration the color of the water. When using soft plastics, if you're fishing in really clear water, consider more "natural" colors, or those that resemble things in nature. Browns, greens, and red tones are subtle and mimic popular bass prey like crawfish. Silver and subdued yellow tones do a good job imitating shad and perch. Bait colors have some wacky names, but the ones that produce most anywhere (and any time) are green pumpkin and any of its wealth of variations, watermelon red, and black/blue flake.In off-color (not as clear) water, consider adding a touch of color to your offerings, such as something with a chartreuse (bright yellow) or orange tail. This grabs the bass' attention and gives them something to key in on. Brighter oranges, yellows, and silvers work here depending on what is top on the bass menu.In dirty or stained water, colors such as chartreuse, bubble gum, and white work well in soft plastics. When using hard baits such as crankbaits and jerkbaits or wire baits like spinnerbaits, you want one that causes a commotion in the water. Crankbaits with a wide, wobbling action, spinnerbaits with big blades, and soft plastics with large tails are easier for bass to find in dirty water. Another proven winner in dirty water is a big black-and-blue jig with rattles and a big trailer.