Drop Shot Fishing on Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Eagle River Chain of Lakes · Wisconsin · Midwest
This extensive chain of interconnected glacial lakes in Wisconsin features a varied aquatic landscape, ranging from shallow, weedy bays to deep, clear basins with abundant rock and timber. The system supports robust populations of both smallmouth and largemouth bass, providing diverse fishing opportunities in generally clear to moderately clear water conditions.
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 Eagle River Chain of Lakes
| 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 Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Lake: As water temperatures rise, smallmouth bass stage on rocky points and flats adjacent to spawning areas, while largemouth move into shallow, warming bays. Jerkbaits and bladed jigs are often effective during this pre-spawn period.
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: During the warmer months, smallmouth relocate to deeper humps, main lake points, and thermocline edges, often schooling on baitfish. Largemouth inhabit dense weed beds, docks, and lily pads, responding well to topwaters and flipping presentations.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Bass engage in an aggressive feeding period as water temperatures cool, with smallmouth often schooling heavily on deep main lake structures. Largemouth can be found relating to dying weeds and wood cover in transition areas.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Ice fishing dominates the winter, but in open water periods, deep suspending jerkbaits or blade baits can entice sluggish smallmouth positioned on significant structural features and channel swings.
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 Eagle River Chain of Lakes
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