Lake Sinclair Fishing Report April 2016

Sinclair: Level: 1.2 feet below full pool. Temp: Low to mid 60s. Clarity: Stained over most of the lake.

Bass: Tournament angler Aaron Batson reports, “Bass fishing can’t get any better. I just fished an event and got the last check (11th place) with a limit that went 18.20. The event took in the 20s to win. Fish are coming off the spawn and eating anything thrown their way. Look for shallow seawalls, docks, blowdowns, etc. They are holding tight to cover and feeding. The size of Sinclair bass has been impressive. Expect the shad spawn to take off soon. Look on rip-rap and rocky seawalls at daylight. Try a Sammy or Spook on these fish.”

Crappie: Allan Brown reports, “Crappie fishing has been excellent trolling creek flats and coves off the river. April brings big changes as the spawn starts to taper off. Crappie can still be caught trolling jigs in shallow water. Bigger fish suspend over deeper water once the spawn is over. Dock shooting will be the way to limit out on some nice slabs. Target docks with deeper water close by or ones with brushpiles placed under the dock to attract fish. Brushpiles in deeper water usually hold concentrations of fish as they move deeper. Rig a 1/4-oz. sinker above a No. 2 hook with a minnow, and drop it down in the brushpile. Once you locate the brushpile with your electronics, move directly over it, and suspend your rig at the proper depth until you start catching fish.”