Drop Shot Fishing on Lake Greenwood
Lake Greenwood · South Carolina · Southeast
This mid-sized reservoir on the Saluda River chain features abundant docks, riprap, submerged timber, and a clear-to-stained water profile. Anglers primarily target its healthy populations of largemouth and spotted bass, with a notable blueback herring forage base.
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 Greenwood
| 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 Lake Greenwood
Lake: Bass migrate to secondary points and shallow coves for spawning when water temperatures reach the mid-60s, with crankbaits and jigs being highly effective.
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: High water temperatures push fish deeper to offshore humps, brush piles, and ledges, where spotted bass often school on blueback herring.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Cooling water triggers baitfish migration into creeks and coves, leading to aggressive feeding and excellent topwater or schooling fish action.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Bass hold tight to deep structure like main lake points, bluff walls, and deep docks, requiring slow presentations with jigs, drop shots, or suspending jerkbaits.
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 Lake Greenwood
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