Drop Shot Fishing on Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake · Arizona · West
Bartlett Lake is a 2,830-acre reservoir located northeast of Phoenix in the Mazatzal Mountains, known for its crystal-clear water and abundant rocky structure ideal for bass fishing. The lake's steep canyon walls, rock ledges, and deep drop-offs create excellent habitat for both largemouth and smallmouth bass throughout the year. With minimal development and strong forage bases, Bartlett Lake consistently produces quality bass and attracts serious anglers seeking a remote desert fishing experience.
The drop shot suspends a soft plastic bait above the bottom on a fixed line, keeping it in the strike zone longer than any other rig. Originally a West Coast technique, it now dominates clear-water and finesse situations nationwide. Works vertically over structure or on a long cast.
Drop Shot Setup for Bartlett Lake
| Rod | 7' medium-light to medium spinning rod, fast action |
| Reel | 2500–3000 size spinning reel, 6.2:1 or higher |
| Line | 6–8 lb fluorocarbon main line or 10 lb braid + 8 lb fluoro leader |
| Weight | 1/8–3/8 oz tungsten drop shot weight (heavier in current or deep water) |
| Hook | #1 or #2 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap, 6–18 inches above weight |
Seasonal Tactics on Bartlett Lake
Lake: Spring brings excellent topwater and transition bite as water temperatures warm into the 60s. Bass move from deep winter structure to shallow banks, making crankbaits and soft plastics effective around rocky points and coves.
Drop Shot: Target staging fish on points and drop-offs in 8–20 feet. Nose-hook a 6" Roboworm or Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm.
Lake: Summer heat pushes bass deep into rocky channels and drop-offs where water remains cooler. Early morning topwater and deep-water finesse techniques produce best results as fish retreat to structure in 30-60 feet of water.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall cooling triggers aggressive feeding with bass returning to shallower structure and points. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and jigs around rocky shelves produce excellent catches as bass prepare for winter.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Winter bass suspend and school around deeper rocky structure and channel ledges. Slow-moving presentations like drop-shot rigs and vertical jigging in 40-60 feet of water produce the most consistent winter catches.
Drop Shot: Slowest presentation of the year. Dead-stick a 4" finesse worm at the bottom. Let it sit 10–15 seconds between shakes.
Best Conditions
Clear to stained water, pressured fish, cold fronts, post-spawn suspended bass, deep structure in summer
Use a Palomar knot and leave the tag end pointing up to keep the hook riding correctly. Most anglers tie it wrong.
More Techniques for Bartlett Lake
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