Clear water

For these conditions, you want to use lures that are very realistic looking because the fish can see every detail much better than any other time. Flashy lures are also very good to use because they can reflect the sunlight a long ways. Examples: spinnerbait (black/blue), bucktails (black with silver blade), 8" shallow stickbait (silver/blue and very reflective fished with jerking method)

Stained/muddy water

In this type of water, the main idea is to get the fish's attention. To do this use bright baits with rattles and scent. Muskie usually hang out in shallower water in these conditions. Examples: Spinnerbait (black and blue, with rattle and scent), Mepps Muskie Killer or Giant Killer (red with tandem bucktails).

Overcast/windy

Muskie will become more active under these conditions. Their strike zone will enlarge so cover lots of water. You can do that by using the fan cast (click for demonstration) with our favorite muskie spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Use a fairly fast retrieve. Examples: spinnerbaits, bucktails, stickbaits, and crankbaits (shallower running), colours depend on water clarity

Bright/sill

The muskie's strike zone will shrink; making catching more difficult but it is still very possible. Use deep detailed crankbaits. Flashy baits are also good for these conditions because they get the attention of fish even with their small strike zones. You can choose to either fish deep, or to fish the shallower cover such as weeds and logs. If water is very muddy, use deep and very flashy crankbaits such as the Rebel (back and silver) and Riplin' Redfin (with silver).

Morning

Fish structure, which will most likely hold muskie, but if nobody is home the muskie will probably be hunting. So go and fish where the baitfish are. Muskie will probably be there too.

Noon

Fish cover and deeper areas. Fish all structures thoroughly or fish deeper.

Evening

Quite like morning in that muskie are feeding heavily. Pike's strike zones are now quite large. Cover lots of water and use quick retrieves. You may want to go topwater with frogs, large Super Spooks, and Suiks. Bright bucktails (chartreuse blade and bucktail) and Spinnerbaits work well too.

Night

Any noisy topwater baits. Black is a good colour because it shows the silhouette of the lure to the fish.