Drop Shot Fishing on Melton Hill Lake
Melton Hill Lake · Tennessee · Southeast
This 5,470-acre TVA impoundment on the Clinch River near Oak Ridge presents a diverse bass fishery. Its defining feature is the steady water flow from Norris Dam, which creates unique current breaks and deep-water opportunities for anglers targeting both species.
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 Melton Hill Lake
| 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 Melton Hill Lake
Lake: Bass migrate into shallower coves and creek arms; largemouth stage on flats while smallmouth favor main lake points near current. Squarebill crankbaits and jigs are often 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: Deep ledges, humps, and channel seams become prime targets as bass relate to current during generation cycles. Football jigs, deep diving crankbaits, and swimbaits are essential presentations.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Cooling water temperatures spur baitfish migrations, drawing bass into creek mouths and onto main lake points. Topwater lures, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits can yield aggressive bites.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Bass consolidate in deep holes, channel swings, and around standing timber, requiring a patient approach with finesse jigs, blade baits, and slow-rolled swimbaits.
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 Melton Hill Lake
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