I fish in Ohio at three main lakes, Tappan Lake, Clendening Lake, and Salt Fork State Park Lake. The closest and the one I fish the most is Tappan Lake. How can one tell if the water is stained, muddy, or clear??? I have been reading and still do not know how to tell the difference. Any help would be welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

I don't know if there is a rule about this or not.  Where I fish it is very clear most of the time and I can see the bottom in 10 fow.  When I can only see 3 or so feet down I called it stained.  Muddy to me would be not seeing a chartruse spinnerbait more than a few inches down.

I don't know if there is a rule about this or not. Where I fish it is very clear most of the time and I can see the bottom in 10 fow. When I can only see 3 or so feet down I called it stained. Muddy to me would be not seeing a chartruse spinnerbait more than a few inches down.

That's pretty close to my rule of thumb as well

Clear- Tap water

Slightly stained-sweet tea

Stained- weak black coffee

Muddy- Chocolate milk

shootermcbob   > sending you a PM

clear, stained, muddy??? how to tell

If you understand,....it's clear

If it's white linen and that's red wine..,...it's stained

If it's going in circles to the right,.....IT'S MUDDY!!!  ;D ;D