Drop Shot Fishing on Lake Murray
Lake Murray · Oklahoma · South Central
Located in south-central Oklahoma, Lake Murray is a strikingly clear, man-made reservoir characterized by abundant rocky structure, deep ledges, and scattered brush piles. It supports strong populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with the latter thriving in the lake's pristine, rock-heavy environment.
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 Murray
| 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 Murray
Lake: Spring bass stage on main lake points and rocky transition banks as water temperatures climb, moving to shallower gravel beds and coves for spawning, responding well to jerkbaits and jigs.
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 summer, bass gravitate to offshore structure like deep humps, ledges, and submerged brush piles, often holding in 15-30 feet, making drop shots and deep crankbaits highly effective.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall activity sees bass keying in on shad migrations around main lake points and creek mouths, leading to schooling behavior and excellent opportunities for topwater baits and spinnerbaits.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Winter fishing requires a slower approach, targeting deep humps and steep rocky breaks in 20-40 feet, where slow-rolled football jigs and suspending jerkbaits can coax bites from lethargic fish.
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 Murray
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