Drop Shot Fishing on Brookville Lake
Brookville Lake · Indiana · Midwest
Brookville Lake is a scenic 5,260-acre reservoir created by damming the Whitewater River in southeastern Indiana. The lake features rocky structure, submerged timber, and creek channels that attract both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Known for its clear water and stable population, Brookville Lake provides reliable bass fishing throughout the year with multiple public access points.
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 Brookville 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 Brookville Lake
Lake: Spring brings aggressive bass feeding as water temperatures warm, with spawning activity concentrated along shallow rocky banks and creek channels. Crankbaits and jigs near secondary points produce well as bass move shallow.
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 bass retreat to deeper structure and cooler water, with best fishing occurring early morning, late evening, and along shaded creek channels. Vertical jigging and deep crankbaits around the dam and channel ledges are highly effective.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall cooling water triggers aggressive feeding as bass move back to main lake structure and points. Topwater and transitional depth presentations work well as bass feed heavily in preparation for winter.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Winter fishing focuses on the deepest holes and creek channels where bass hold in 25-40 feet of water. Slow presentations like jigging spoons and vertical jigging near the dam produce 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 Brookville Lake
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