The CCBCO numbering system can be confusing. Lures produced before 1925 have a different  color code for each bait!  For instance, a 100 series Wiggler used “04” as the color number for Red Head/ White. The 500 series Open Mouth Shiner used “02’ for this color.

In 1925 a new system was devised whereas virtually all COLOR numbers were standardized. As an example Silver Flash color was always #18 (e.g. 1500 series Injured Minnow in Silver Flash is #1518). One of the notable exceptions is the “00” (zero, zero) designation used on twelve different colors. However, the “00” colors didn't overlap within a particular lure. For instance, the only “00” color on a #100 series Wiggler is Chub color. I hope this isn't too confusing. If so, see the following color chart.

By the late 1950’s the company began adding new colors to the line which often used numbers of colors that were NO LONGER MADE (known as “retired” numbers). These new colors were offered with existing “Classic” colors still in production.

• The lures listed here are from the “Classic Years”, NOT the early pre-1925 NOR the new series which used “retired” numbers.
• Some “Classic” colors, especially those introduced during 1950's, MAY NOT have been used on CERTAIN BAITS until the "modern era" (c.1961-1970's). They won't be listed.
• This listing is for WOODEN baits only in the baitcasting & spincasting sizes. No fly rod or Shur-Strike colors, except the fly rod series #1000, 1100, 1200, 1300. They are part of this study because they are numbered within the Classic series.
• The numbers listed are CATALOG COLORS.  Obviously, a listing of special order colors would be never ending.
• As a matter of interest there are approximately 682 possible color/lure combinations in this compilation. #05 color (Old Red Side, New Red Side, Dace) was counted only once for each applicable lure so there are several possible lures to add to this list.

Dr. Smith in his excellent book on CCBCO has segregated the “Classic” lure series numbers from the replacement numbered series. He also dedicated a special chapter to the c.1960 “New  Era” colors. This has defined a clear break between theses two areas of Creek Chub. For this reason I've decided to separate these & list only the “Classic Years”.

This compilation is a quick reference check if you decide to specialize in certain Creek Chub Company CATALOG colors & wish to know how many types were made in your favorite color.

Also, if you're wondering if a catalog color was standard on a particular series, this listing will solve the mystery. For instance, imagine you have a 600 series Husky Musky in Rainbow Fire (#31 color). A scan of the "31 Rainbow Fire" section shows you its NOT a catalog color for this particular lure. Although it's a fairly common color on many CCBCO baits, it's a SPECIAL ORDER on the Husky Musky series.

Incidentally, Red Head & White was painted on 74 different Creek Chub lures within this study, more series than any other CCBCO color. The Silver Flash pattern (#18) followed close with 72 different offerings.

Certainly there will be some errors, omissions & different interpretations of which colors should & shouldn't be listed here.  If you can substantiate any other catalog colors or lures that belong within this time period, please let me hear from you. I hope to publish inevitable changes in the future.

A LIST OF CCBCO LURES IS PLACED IN NUMERICAL ORDER AT THE END OF THE COLOR CHART TO REFRESH YOUR MEMORY OF LURE NAMES & CATALOG NUMBERS.