Alright James, here is the situation that unfortunately, I have to deal with alot. 

 

It's mid summer. Morning (5 am until about 10). Bright blue bird skies. None to very little wind. Humid and outside temps are 78-90). Water is stained to muddy from recent rains. It also seems to be stagnant. These are strip mine lakes, and because of this the depth ranges are all over the place.  There is alot of laydowns etc, but they just do not seem to be where you would think they would be.

 

How would you approach fishing in these conditions and what would you be throwing because I tell ya. If we do catch anything, it's nothing to write home about ?

The scenario isn't all that unfamiliar to most people in the middle of summer, however I can't say that I've ever fished a strip mine for bass or that I remember anyway.  When I think strip mine I think box or rectangular shaped, however if there is any type of creek or area where the water flows in that is where I would look.  The flow of water from recent rains causes current that also carries oxygen and the baitfish / fish will gravitate towards that regardless of the water color.  Other than that a tougher and less desirable approach that I would look for is some type of baitfish congregation out over deeper water even if they are suspended over 40, 60 or 100'.  If there is bait there is definitely going to be bass nearby.  You may try throwing baits and letting them fall or pendulum through and below the clouds of bait.  Hope that helps...Love to hear if that works for you.   All the best!