Drop Shot Fishing on Delaware River
Delaware River · Pennsylvania / New Jersey · Northeast
The Delaware River spans over 300 miles and features a mix of slow pools, fast current sections, and rocky structure ideal for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Known for its healthy population of quality fish and scenic beauty, the river attracts anglers from across the region seeking productive bass fishing in a dynamic flowing water environment. The river's tidal sections near the lower Delaware provide unique fishing opportunities with varying water levels.
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 Delaware River
| 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 Delaware River
Lake: Spring brings aggressive bass to the shallower pools and current breaks as water temperatures rise, with spawning fish active around submerged timber and rocky areas throughout March and April. Early morning and evening topwater presentations produce excellent results during pre-spawn and spawn periods.
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 pools and current-break areas to escape heat, with early morning and late evening sessions offering the best action along rocky ledges and timber structure. Smallmouth bass dominate in the faster current sections while largemouth prefer the slower, deeper pools.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall is prime time on the Delaware River as cooling water temperatures trigger aggressive feeding along the transition zones between fast and slow current. Crankbaits and swimbaits work well around submerged structure 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 move to the deepest pools and slowest current sections where they hold tight to structure; fishing success requires patience and precision with slower presentations like jigs and drop-shots in the deeper holes.
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 Delaware River
Ready to fish Delaware River?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →