Lake Sinclair Fishing Report – January 2020

Sinclair: Level: 0.6 feet low. Temp: 50 degrees. Clarity: Most of the lake has become muddy (all the creeks north of the railroad trestle) to stained with all the recent rains. Only the south end and part of Rooty Creek will have clear water, and even the backs of those pockets may have some stain.

Bass: Tournament angler Karl Pingry reports, “According to Ed at Lakeside Chevron, prior to the cold front the week before Christmas, the stained water had the better bass fishing with a Little Earl crankbait and spinnerbait. The other pattern was jigs and plastic worms around the docks. The normal rule is cold, stained water is a situation to avoid when bass fishing. Keep in mind the water was stained prior to the cold front, so you may have to search a little and find the area in the pocket that the bass are staging. In January, a Little Earl, a flat crankbait, a Shad Rap and a ChatterBait, are my preferences. However, a spinnerbait will be one lure to have on a rod. Of course, never leave the dock without a jig and a shaky head, as well. Also see the Oconee report for two winter fishing recommendations to help on Sinclair in January.”