Drop Shot Fishing on John Martin Reservoir
John Martin Reservoir · Colorado · West
John Martin Reservoir is a large, scenic impoundment located in Bent County, Colorado, featuring numerous coves, submerged structure, and rocky shorelines that hold largemouth and smallmouth bass. The reservoir's elevation of 3,630 feet and varied terrain create diverse habitat zones that support consistent bass populations throughout the year. This high plains reservoir is popular with regional anglers for its combination of accessible fishing and good catch rates.
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 John Martin Reservoir
| 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 John Martin Reservoir
Lake: Spring brings aggressive feeding as bass move to shallow coves and spawning areas near main lake creek channels. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures produce well as water temperatures warm into the 50s and 60s.
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, main lake points, and rocky ledges where cooler water provides relief. Offshore fishing with drop shots, Carolina rigs, and deep-diving crankbaits near the dam and creek channels becomes most effective.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall migration patterns push bass into mid-depth zones and along the main creek channel where baitfish congregate. Shad-pattern crankbaits, swimbaits, and soft plastics work well as bass feed heavily before winter.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Winter bass slow considerably but remain catchable near deeper holes and the main channel. Slow presentations with jigging spoons, drop shots, and small soft plastics near structure produce the most consistent results in cold water.
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 John Martin Reservoir
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