I often read that the water was muddy on top but underneath it was clear? I always read water color for the baits I throw. If im flipping i might use 4 different colors for different areas of the creek.

My question is How can you tell when the water is only muddy in the first 2 to 3 feet of the water column and not all the way through.

Have somebody hold your ankles while you stick your head over the side of the boat (Sorry couldn't resist).  I have never heard this and will be interested to see what you find out.

Have somebody hold your ankles while you stick your head over the side of the boat (Sorry couldn't resist). I have never heard this and will be interested to see what you find out.

LOL    I was going to say "get out the scuba gear"!

I have heard that when the lake "turns over" in the spring that the top few feet will be off colored.....is this what you are talking about?

I have heard this as well.  Maybe something to dow with the new muddy water having a different temp than the lake itself?  

Only way I would know would be to use an Aqua Vu type camera maybe?

The pros talk about this alot. I think it happens more in current. The top layer of the water will be muddy and underneath it will clear up. Kind of like a mudline on its side. Not just during the spring but all year.

I have seen it in one area and how I knew it was happening is I was in the clear water looking at the mudline. I could actually see under the mudline that it was clean. Then I proceeded into the cove and I spun the trolling motor around and swirled the water and you could see the clean mixing with the dirty.

This is the only time I have experienced this thinking they have a secret way to tell.

Cold water is thick and warm water is thin. The mud mixes better with the warm water and stays on top of the cooler water. You can find out where the muddy water ends with a temp gage or with one of those color selectors. When the color changes big time on the gage thats where it changes clarity. Ph meter can be used also.