Drop Shot Fishing on Burnsville Lake
Burnsville Lake · West Virginia · Southeast
This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control impoundment spans nearly 1,000 acres at summer pool, featuring a prominent river channel, numerous creek arms, and extensive standing timber in its upper reaches. It's a predominantly stained-water fishery where bass relate closely to cover and depth transitions, providing opportunities for various techniques.
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 Burnsville 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 Burnsville Lake
Lake: Prespawn bass push into creek arms and secondary points, often holding on flooded timber or rock in 8-15 feet as water temperatures climb into the low 50s. Jerkbaits and jigs are effective near staging areas.
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: Largemouth and smallmouth retreat to deeper water, congregating on main lake points, channel swings, and submerged timber in 20-35 feet, particularly where current is present. Drop shot rigs and deep crankbaits become key presentations.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: As water cools, bass follow shad into creek embayments and onto main lake flats, often schooling near baitfish activity. Spinnerbaits, topwaters during low light, and shallow crankbaits can produce excellent results.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Bass suspend in deep timber or along the main river channel in 30-50 feet, requiring slow, vertical presentations. Spoons and blade baits fished methodically can entice bites, especially on warmer, sunny days.
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 Burnsville Lake
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