It is very clear water with a mud(black dirt)/clay mixture. Apparently the mud along the banks of the pond is the key to their survival for burrowing purposes or so I have been told. I also have a large rock jetty that juts out into my lake about 40 feet and I find alot of them in and around those rocks. I had a few crawfish and several years ago began stocking about 400-500 each spring and they are now well established. Hope this helps.