Yes..I change tactics..I go to another lake usually ,,or got to a river and fish SM /etc!
I fish Hudson several times each year and fish enough dirty water there ..
(usually toss surface prop baits if winds/clouds..Othrwise big blade spinner baits/bucktails that make lots of vibration …The upside is taht sun penetration les a factor in dirty water..) Occasionally catch a fish ..
.(but often on top water in those conditions blow ups where fish misses bait by several feet..! )
There was article in Musky Hunter (?) years back on fishing bloom as I recall (can happen on trip to LOTW etc also!)
I really hate fishing in low visibility, but when I do I have a plan that seems to work alright.
I cover far less water, only sticking to the best of the best structure and hopefully I have experience on the lake so I know what those areas are. But even if I don't, you can usually pick the best, obvious ones off the map. You don't necessarily have to change baits to go for more vibration, or bright/contrasting colors. Just slow down and completely pick apart every 3 feet or so of a piece of structure. Its painful, especailly if you like to run and gun. I like to fish shallower structure, because I think the fish feel more comfortable up there when the water is clouded than when clear. And, if there is a fish there, you know it is going to be within their range as opposed to the deep water where you are guessing how deep the fish are holding, and if its deep how far they will be able to see a bait above them, or if they will want to come get it. So basically its just eliminating a lot of water, sticking to shallow water on high percentage, good producing structure, and hope the fish are there. If they are not, troll!
Basically what Duke said slow down and pick it apart – except that I love to fish in a bloom. I fished a couple times in a medium bloom last week and could only fish a few spots in 5-6 hours. It might take me an hour to fish a 100yd section.
I will change colors sometimes but I don't know if it makes a difference to fish but I can see my bait better and therefore fish better (contrast, contrast, contrast). Baits that push water are important because if it's a thick bloom they're eating with their lateral line. Baits like most gliders, french blade tails, rubber, etc. – you know, the ones that are "easy" to reel in – these should never make it to your rod. Big bucktails, big cranks, lures with deep loud rattles – the ones that cramp your forearm but give a great target to a blind fish.
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