Finesse

Drop Shot Fishing on Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain · Vermont / New York · Northeast

Champlain spans the Vermont-New York border and is one of the Northeast's most diverse fisheries. Rocky points and ledges dominate the northern sections, while weedy shallow bays in the south hold largemouth. Water clarity ranges from clear in the north to slightly stained in the south.

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 Lake Champlain

Rod7' medium-light to medium spinning rod, fast action
Reel2500–3000 size spinning reel, 6.2:1 or higher
Line6–8 lb fluorocarbon main line or 10 lb braid + 8 lb fluoro leader
Weight1/8–3/8 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 Lake Champlain

spring

Lake: Smallmouth pre-spawn on rocky main lake points at 8–15 ft. Largemouth spawn in shallow bays.

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.

summer

Lake: Smallmouth go deeper (15–25 ft) over hard bottom. Drop shot and tube jigs.

Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.

fall

Lake: Excellent reaction bite on both species. Topwater and swimbaits for smallmouth.

Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.

winter

Lake: Cold winters limit open-water season. Ice fishing possible in shallow bays.

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

Pro Tip

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 Lake Champlain

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