Stained water???

[DJ_Callahan_27]

Ok, I've been off the water for most of the year this year. Haven't had the boat out at all this summer. Well I have finally got a little time this weekend to go. I'll be heading out Sat. morning to the river. This is a small river that feeds into a small lake. River and lake together is about 30 miles long from the head waters to the dam.
Anyway, the ramp that I am putting in at is close to the head water. The rivers average depth is between 6 and 15 feet. Right now the water is stained, not muddy. (12" to 18" of vis.). It has some grass but not alot and tons of wood cover (ie. laydowns, standing and flooded, timber). Current is present but not strong.
The weather has been 10 to 15 degrees cooler than norm. for the past week and staying in the low to mid 80's. For the past few days we have had bluebird skys and will most likely be the same on Sat. I am going to be putting my boat in at daylight.

My question is how would you aproach this situation? What would you start out fishing (lures and location)? What colors do you use in stained water? And what techniques do you find works better this time of year in stained water?

Any tips or help will be appreciated
Thanks DJ