Lake Sinclair Fishing Reports – May 2023

Sinclair: Level: 1.3 feet below full. Temp: Mid 60s to mid 70s. Clarity: The lake is muddy to stained from the rivers all the way below Nancy Creek.

Bass: Karl Pingry reports, “The bass are on fire! Ed at Lakeside Chevron says it’s taking 23 to 27 pounds to win tournaments right now. There’s a shad spawn in the mornings where spinnerbaits, Pop-Rs, squarebill crankbaits and ChatterBaits will put bass in the boat if you get on the right stretch of rocky bank. When the shad spawn finishes, there are a multitude of options to try. A turtleback spinnerbait in chartreuse and white continues to work, as well as a squarebill 1.5 on rocky banks and blowdowns. A merthiolate Trick Worm is also producing well and the frog bite is just getting underway. Shad Raps and Bandit crankbaits are catching some, too. Over the weekend, the hot color was chartreuse and white with a red bill. Last but not least, flipping docks and blowdowns with an Ole Monster worm in junebug red and black emerald or a shaky-head Trick Worm (if the bite is tough) is another option. Ed mentioned the better areas to fish are in Little River, up the Oconee, the back of Rocky Creek and Nancy Branch Creek. Look for May to be a good fishing month, as well. Black or white buzzbaits early in the morning or frogs and popping frogs in the grass will be a great start. Follow that with spinnerbaits, a merthiolate Trick Worm (first half of May), crankbaits and flipping docks and blowdowns to round out your day. Ed also mentioned the hydrilla is already growing well up the Oconee and Little rivers. Frogs and swim jigs will work or a big lizard or Ole Monster worm fished near the edges of the hydrilla are good options. Finally, the mayflies will start to hatch and the bluegill and bass will be with them. Try a frog, bluegill-colored prop bait, a 1/4-oz. buzzbait, swim jig or a shaky-head worm with a chartreuse dipped tail, depending on how aggressive the bite is. Stop by Lakeside Chevron and see Ed for current info. Watch out for the pleasure boaters as more people start to hit the lake. Good fishing!”

Lake Sinclair Page: Archived Articles & Fishing Reports