Drop Shot Fishing on Millerton Lake
Millerton Lake · California · West
Millerton Lake is a 15,500-acre reservoir located in the foothills east of Fresno, offering excellent year-round bass fishing with a mix of rocky coves, submerged timber, and deep structure. The lake's clear water and varied topography make it ideal for both largemouth and smallmouth bass anglers seeking trophy-sized fish. With multiple creek arms and a healthy forage base, Millerton consistently produces quality catches and is a favorite among Central Valley bass fishermen.
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 Millerton 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 Millerton Lake
Lake: Spring brings rising water temperatures and active spawning bass in the shallow creek arms and coves. Sight-fishing for bedding fish and working spawning areas with soft plastics and crankbaits produce excellent results.
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: Summer bass move deeper and suspend around the lake's structure, ledges, and creek channels. Early morning and evening topwater action is strong, while deep-water finesse techniques work well during the heat of the day.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Fall cooling water triggers aggressive feeding as bass chase baitfish throughout the lake. Crankbaits, swimbaits, and reaction baits excel as fish prepare for winter in transition zones.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Winter bass become lethargic but congregate in deeper areas and the main lake channel. Slow presentations like drop-shot rigs, jigs, and live bait work best in the coldest months.
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 Millerton Lake
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