Lake Sinclair Fishing Report – December 2018

Sinclair: Level: 1 foot low. Temp: Mid 50s. Clarity: The water is mud red from just above the  Railroad Trestle north and stained from the railroad trestle to Little River Marina. The water is stained up the Oconee above Shoulderbone and in the backs of a lot of creeks and pockets—even the back of Rooty Creek.

Bass: Tournament angler Karl Pingry reports, “Start in the pockets all the way in the back, and work your way out. The back third of the pockets and shallow water has been holding a majority of the fish. Black buzzbaits, ChatterBaits and spinnerbait with a lot of vibration are your best moving baits to use in the stained and muddy water.  Plastic worms in dark colors, including black and junebug red or jigs in black and blue are your best bet on the docks in stained water.  Green pumpkin will still work on the south end of the lake in the clearer water.”

Crappie: Allan Brown reports, “Crappie fishing is good with cold weather here and the water finally cooling off. Trolling is working good in creeks and coves off the river. Troll different weight jigs or grubs locating schools with your electronics. Dock shooting continues to produce slabs, as well. Once water gets really cold, I like to tip jigs with minnows. Rooty Creek, Little River and Nancy Branch are good areas to try. Vary jig weights and trolling speed to lock in on the presentation needed.”