Description:
Lake Sinclair is located north of Milledgeville off Hwy 441. The reservoir covers more than 14,750 acres and stretches over Baldwin, Hancock, and Putnam counties. It is owned and operated by Georgia Power Company, but Georgia DNR (DNR) manages the fishery resources. This reservoir provides good fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and hybrids.
Catfish are both abundant and popular. The primary catfish species of interest is the channel catfish, however, both white catfish and bullheads are also common. Most channel catfish will be 1/2-2 lbs, with good numbers up to 5 lbs. The reservoir has trophy potential with some 20-30 lbs fish.
Crappie numbers will be down slightly from last year. However, the quality of the catch should be excellent this spring with some individuals more than 2 lbs. The catch in this spring will be dominated by fish over 8 inches with almost half of the catch larger than 10 inches. Late-winter trolling in the Beaverdam Creek arm or spring trolling in the upper ends of coves with crappie jigs or Halflys is usually productive for spring-spawning crappies. Toward late spring when the water begins to warm, try pitching jigs, small crank baits, or fishing minnows in submerged treetops and around docks with brush. When the water really warms up in the summer, try fishing with lights under bridges or around deepwater lighted-docks at night. In addition, do not overlook the fish attractors maintained by DNR for crappie fishing. These areas are marked by white buoys and are typically surrounded by sunken trees and brush that serves to attract all species of game fish.
Although not typically noted as a big bass reservoir, many harvestable sized largemouth bass are caught and released each year. The reservoir's popularity for largemouth bass fishing is evidenced
by the many bass tournaments held annually. Largemouth fishing
will continue to be good this year, with overall abundance at a seven year high. Quality will be similar to the last several years. There are good numbers of 15-20 inch fish in the population. The lake record is currently 13 lbs 2 oz..
Best fishing for largemouth bass in the early spring is on main points in deeper water or on underwater structure (humps). As the water warms, the fish move to shallow water to spawn. Anglers should try fishing drop-offs, deep brush piles, and lighted docks at night in the summertime. The edges of weed beds early in the morning or late in the afternoon can also be productive. In the fall
the fish move back into the shallows of the creeks. Many anglers report their best success during the generation or pump-back phase at Wallace Dam, when water movement occurs, especially in the Oconee River arm. Baits to try include spinner baits, crank baits, jig and pig, plastic worms, lizards, or buzz-baits.
Hybrid bass continues to be popular. Last spring, more than 369,000 hybrids were stocked (25/acre). Hybrids are scheduled to be stocked again this year. Good stocking success in 1999 and 2000, means that more hybrids will be available to catch over the next several years. Although many of those fish are initially smaller, they should reach 15-20 inches in less than two years. The catch this spring will be dominated by 2-4 lbs fish, with good numbers of fish up to 20 inches and longer.
White bass populations greatly declined following the construction of Wallace Dam, but have leveled off to consistent levels over the past several years. Look for both hybrids and white bass in the Beaverdam Creek arm during late winter. The action will move up in the major tributaries during the spring spawning run. Good locations include Little River and Murder Creek. Another traditional area for white bass and large hybrids in the spring is directly below Wallace Dam, although this area is not as productive as it once was. An area worth trying for large hybrids in the spring is the Oconee River below Sinclair dam.
Both bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) are present, but like most other middle Georgia reservoirs, sizes are generally small. Bluegill will average about 4-5 inches, with some individuals up to 6- 7 inches. Shellcrackers will be much bigger, with the average around 6 inches. Some up to 10 inches will be caught.
Public access is readily available through four GPC and USFS facilities and ten privately owned lakeside marinas. Many privately owned marinas offer boating access for a fee besides camping, food, bait, and tackle. A popular area for bank anglers is the Sinclair Dam tailrace area, which is owned and operated by GPC. The area is found immediately downstream of Sinclair Dam and is accessible from Sinclair Dam Road on the west side of the river. The tailrace has been improved with a fishing platform designed for persons with disabilities. A safety railing extends along the west side of the tailrace for a distance of 800 feet. Bank anglers can also fish the areas near and around most bridge and railroad overpasses. The bridge overpasses that are used most are along Hwy 441, Crooked Creek, Twin Bridges, and Hwy 212. For more information concerning the location of boat ramps, bank fishing opportunities, or other facilities, contact the GPC Land Department (706-485-8770).
Construction continues on a large, new access area in Putnam County just upriver of the Hwy 441 bridge on the Little River arm. This project is a combined effort of Putnam County, DNR, and GPC. The area is expected to be opened sometime in 2001. Eventually, the site will have six lanes for boat launching and parking for up to 300 boaters. The site will have the capacity to hold large tournaments without crowding out other anglers and boaters. A fishing pier has already been constructed. Additionally, there will be ample shoreline area for bank fishing. This area will be accessible off Twin Bridges Road and should be convenient to boaters and anglers from Macon, Eatonton, and Milledgeville.
Species: Largemouth Bass
Fish should be in the tops of fallen timber along the shoreline.
Catfish
The blue and channel catfish population is growing, and this is a great month to catch a stringer of fine eating cats. Bottom fishing works, but float fishing works better. Fish a Louisiana Pink worm about six feet under a float along the riprap on the dam. Good fishing is also available in the treetops along the airport island. Downed trees form natural cover for Mr. Whiskers. Shrimp and Georgia wigglers work if you can't find the Louisiana Pink worms.
