Lake Sinclair Fishing Reports – April 2024

Sinclair: Level: 1.1 feet below 340. Temp: 62-64 degrees. Clarity: Up the creeks and rivers the water is stained to muddy. It’s a little clearer near the dam.

Bass: Karl Pingry reports, “Big Ed at Lakeside Chevron reports that the ABA tournament took 20 pounds to win. The winning baits were black frogs and black buzzbaits fished in the backs of the pockets. Other baits used for the bigger bags were swim jigs and merthiolate Trick Worms for bedding bass. The recent Mid Georgia tournament took 20 pounds for first and second place. One primary bait used was a turtleback-bladed spinnerbait with a chartreuse-and-white skirt up the Oconee and Little River arms. Ed commented that all the big bags were caught in extremely muddy water. Other notable baits to have tied on are a squarebill in crawfish pattern, a Bandit 200 series and an Ol’ Monster worm in junebug red. With the full moon in March, the bass beds are visible in the grass because the beds are very shallow and the grass has a circular pattern that stands out from the rest of the grassbed. There may be some visible beds on the south end, but Ed wasn’t sure about that tidbit. The end of March and all of April will be wide open. Bass will spawn any time they want, but look for an increased number of bedding bass on the new moon and especially the next full moon. Look for holes or circular openings in the grass. If you can find clearer water, look for spots that are a lighter color than the surrounding bottom. If you’re in stained water, throw a buzzbait, frog or spinnerbait. If you get a blow-up, but not a hookup, have a worm, tube, merthiolate Trick Worm, Senko or a small Texas-rig lizard ready to throw right where the bass hit your bait. There’s a good chance you have a bass guarding a nest. On the main lake or going into the pockets, moving baits will still work as you intercept bass moving in to spawn. Topwater, ChatterBaits, spinnerbaits, a crankbait of multiple styles and a Caroling rig will all find bass. If you’re  patient, a Senko or merthiolate Trick Worm will also work. Pay attention to the depth you are getting bit, so you can duplicate that pattern. Near the middle to end of April, Ed says to get on the water early because the shad spawn will start up. Look for them to spawn on hard bottoms, such as rock, red clay  and dock pilings until the sun hits the water. Both prespawn and postspawn largemouth will look for easy meals. Spinnerbaits and shallow cranks will be the go-to baits when this starts up. There’s plenty of parking at Lakeside Chevron, and Ed is happy to keep you up to date on the current conditions. Enjoy a great month to be on the water.”

Lake Sinclair Page: Archived Articles & Fishing Reports