What is the best setup for Drop Shot on Lake Minnetonka?

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).

When is the best time to fish Drop Shot on Lake Minnetonka?

Spring on Lake Minnetonka: Ice-out typically mid-April. Largemouth spawn in weedy bays. Jerkbaits and finesse plastics on main lake points. Target staging fish on points and drop-offs in 8–20 feet. Nose-hook a 6" Roboworm or Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm.

Finesse

Drop Shot Fishing on Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka · Minnesota · Midwest

Minnetonka covers 14,000 acres with 125 miles of shoreline just west of Minneapolis. The lake has excellent water quality and abundant vegetation, supporting strong largemouth populations. Clear water demands natural presentations and light line.

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 Minnetonka

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 Minnetonka

spring

Lake: Ice-out typically mid-April. Largemouth spawn in weedy bays. Jerkbaits and finesse plastics on main lake points.

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: Largemouth hold in and around vegetation. Drop shot and Ned rig for pressured fish. Smallmouth on main-basin rock structure at 12–20 ft.

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

fall

Lake: Excellent weed edge bite. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits along outside weed lines.

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

winter

Lake: Ice fishing season December–March. Open water limited.

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 Minnetonka

Ned Rig on Lake Minnetonka Spinnerbait on Lake Minnetonka Crankbait (Shallow) on Lake Minnetonka Wacky Rig on Lake Minnetonka All Lake Minnetonka Info →

Ready to fish Lake Minnetonka?

Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.

Ask Hank →