I think that is a great question to put out there because I think a lot of us don't have a clear answer.
For me, I can't just check the TP because I don't have much CM to begin with, and my most fertile is just watery. I do not get EWCM, unfortunately. For me, I actually go up there with a finger and scoop carefully to find out what's up with me on any given day. Gross, yes. But you get used to it.