Bill,

I think you're right on the fish and wind being the culprits. It's just logical.

I notice when it gets really cold and the fish slow down the water clears up a little.

I did somewhat of an experiment last winter. I shut down the diffuser (suspend it this time of year to keep water open for feeding), and let the pond freeze over for about a week. The water did clear up quite a bit probably due to no wind and the fish movement had substantially slowed down.

I still hope to afford a liner if I put in another pond. I've had exellent luck with greenhouse plastic but it is not made large enough. I've purchased 100 buy 40 foot pieces for my holding pond. Talk about gin clear water after the iron has settled. It's breathtaking!

If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.