Lake Sinclair is a

man-made lake A reservoir (; from French ''réservoir'' ) is an enlarged lake behind a dam. Such a dam may be either artificial, built to store fresh water or it may be a natural formation. Reservoirs can be created in a number of ways, including control ...

in central

Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States Georgia may also refer to: Places Historical states and entities * Related to the ...

near Milledgeville. It is operated by

Georgia Power Georgia Power is an electric utility headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was established as the Georgia Railway and Power Company and began operations in 1902 running streetcars in Atlanta as a successor to the Atlanta Consolida ...

. The lake was named after Benjamin W. Sinclair, a Georgia Power official.

Location

Located in the central region of Georgia, on the

Oconee River The Oconee River is a U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline dataThe National Map Accessed April 21, 2011 river in the U.S. state of Georgia. Its origin is in Hall County and it terminates where it joins ...

, Lake Sinclair stretches through the counties of Baldwin,

Hancock Hancock may refer to: Places in the United States * Hancock, Iowa * Hancock, Maine * Hancock, Maryland * Hancock, Massachusetts * Hancock, Michigan * Hancock, Minnesota * Hancock, Missouri * Hancock, New Hampshire ** Hancock (CDP), New Hampshir ...

, and Putnam. Lake Sinclair was created in 1953. With approximately of scenic shoreline, winding coves and inlets as well as several vast stretches of open water, Lake Sinclair offers recreational boating pleasure. The lake is made up of a area of water and provides both electricity and recreation.

Milledgeville, Georgia Milledgeville is a city in and the county seat of Baldwin County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is northeast of Macon and bordered on the east by the Oconee River. The rapid current of the river here made this an attractive location to buil ...

, is the largest city on Lake Sinclair, though most of the lake is located in Putnam County. 20100119 0596MilledgevilleGa

Recreation

Lake Sinclair is largely used by lake residents and people who live and house their boats, watercraft and RVs on the lake. There is easy access to the water with two public boat ramps provided by Georgia Power. There are also marinas and boat storage areas located on the lake. Other areas of access to the lake includes

Oconee Springs Park Oconee may refer to: Places in the United States *Oconee, Georgia *Oconee, Illinois *Oconee, Nebraska *Oconee County, Georgia *Oconee County, South Carolina *Oconee River, Georgia *Oconee Township, Shelby County, Illinois *Oconee Township, Nebraska ...

. Lake Sinclair is the site of several fishing tournaments—both local and national—and attracts fishermen of various skill levels and interest. Visitors find fall and winter fishing at Lake Sinclair a special treat due to the mild climate and activity. There is also a popular fishing area below the dam near Milledgeville. Several recreation areas, such as Oconee Springs Park and Rocky Creek Park, provide day-use facilities that include picnic tables, grills, boat ramp and a small beach. There is camping and even cabin rentals provided at Oconee Springs Park, but not Rocky Creek Park.

Hydroelectric generating station

Lake Sinclair was created in 1953 when the waters of the Oconee river were dammed to create a hydroelectric generating station. Development of this lake as a recreational area began through a planned cooperative program. Participants included the Oconee Area Planning and Development Commission, the U.S. Forest Service, The Georgia Game and Fish Commission, Georgia Power Company and several independent businesses.

Tributaries

Lake Sinclair is fed by several creeks and rivers, including Beaver Dam, Crooked, Rooty, Sandy Run, Shoulder Bone, Potato, Island, Rocky, Nancy Branch, Reedy Branch, and Little River. The lake covers and has of shoreline with a maximum depth of .

Sinclair Dam

The Sinclair dam is approximately high and long.

Notes

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sinclair Reservoirs in Georgia (U.S. state) Protected areas of Baldwin County, Georgia Protected areas of Hancock County, Georgia Protected areas of Putnam County, Georgia Bodies of water of Baldwin County, Georgia Bodies of water of Hancock County, Georgia Bodies of water of Putnam County, Georgia 1953 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)