Sorry FishingfellaS, it's not chironomids. If it was then the fish would be fine in late summer after feeding on scuds, damels, callibaetis, caddis, and whatever else they can find. Chironomids are usually all the fish feed on during winter.

I don't know what actually causes the muddy taste, but it does seem related to warm water. Every trout I've caught in cold alpine lakes tasted good, even in late summer, as long as the water was cold. Whether it is a direct cause or an indicrect cause could be tested, but I'd just a soon let them all go. I'd rather fish C&R water and catch big fish than fish open reg water and catch the gimmie planters.