The backs of the creeks are a little muddy, but in comparison....Dale will never be Muddy like Nolin or Rough....and depending upon which end of the lake you are fishing does the clarity change. Up by Sunset and the Obey it probably is darker and visibility is two foot. I fished around Horse Creek and the **** and visibility is three-three and a half foot. A mixture of clear water and some stain actually helps target areas as the smallmouth will hide at the breaks and ambush bait swimming just past the more clear water. Its a good idea to fish those creeks with running water in the back and hammer the breaks in the creeks to get bit. Those are the creeks that will hold a little bit warmer water and hold a little bit more active fish. Heading dwn Friday morning til Sat night cause its HOT right now....alot of fishing and catching going on if you can find that pattern.