Drop Shot Fishing on Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake · Virginia · Southeast
Claytor Lake is a scenic 4,500-acre reservoir created by a hydroelectric dam on the New River, featuring rocky banks, standing timber, and deep creek channels that hold quality bass throughout the year. The lake's steep shoreline and abundant natural structure make it a prime destination for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Known for producing solid catches and occasional trophy fish, Claytor Lake attracts anglers seeking a less crowded Appalachian bass 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 Claytor 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 Claytor Lake
Lake: Spring spawning activity concentrates bass in shallow coves and around rocky points as water temperatures climb. Crankbaits, jigs, and topwater presentations produce excellent results during pre-spawn and spawn phases.
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 move to deeper structure including creek channels and rocky drop-offs where they suspend in cooler water. Early morning topwater and deep-diving crankbaits near main lake points are most productive.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall cooling trends push bass onto shallower feeding zones along rocky banks and creek channel ledges. Jigs and soft plastics around current breaks yield consistent catches as baitfish concentrate.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Winter bass retreat to the deepest holes and creek channels where they form tight schools. Slow-moving presentations like jigging spoons and drop-shot rigs near submerged structure produce the most consistent bites.
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 Claytor Lake
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