Drop Shot Fishing on Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake · Kansas · Midwest
Clinton Lake is a well-maintained Army Corps of Engineers reservoir located in Jefferson County, Kansas, covering approximately 4,500 acres with depths reaching 60 feet. The lake features diverse structure including rocky points, ledges, and submerged timber that hold both largemouth and smallmouth bass year-round. Its clear water conditions and productive fishery make it one of Kansas's most respected bass fishing destinations.
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 Clinton 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 Clinton Lake
Lake: Spring brings spawning bass to shallow coves and creek arms as water temperatures climb into the 60s. Focus on rocky transitions and brush-lined banks where bass move to shallow water to spawn.
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 thermocline zones, with productive fishing occurring around rocky ledges and channel drops 20-40 feet deep. Early morning and evening topwater action can be excellent near shallow structure.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall is peak fishing season as cooling water temperatures push bass to major points and creek channels where baitfish congregate. Crankbaits and jigs effectively target bass relating to rocky structure in 15-30 feet of water.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Winter fishing remains consistent on Clinton Lake with bass holding on deep ledges, channel breaks, and the main lake basin 35-50 feet deep. Slow-moving jigs and live shiners near deeper structure provide the most reliable winter success.
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 Clinton Lake
Ready to fish Clinton Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →