Drop Shot Fishing on J. Percy Priest Lake
J. Percy Priest Lake · Tennessee · Southeast
This expansive Tennessee reservoir spans over 14,000 acres, characterized by deep, clear water, steep bluff walls, rocky points, and abundant cedar trees in its upper reaches. It's a consistent producer for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with spotted bass also present and often overlooked.
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 J. Percy Priest 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 J. Percy Priest Lake
Lake: Bass move to shallow rock and secondary points for spawning, with jerkbaits like a Megabass Vision 110 and football jigs being highly effective as water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s.
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 the summer, bass hold on deep ledges, humps, and submerged timber, often suspending over structure in 20-40 feet of water, requiring thorough sonar work and deep cranking or dragging baits.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Shad schools draw bass into creek arms and main lake points, where topwater presentations and spinnerbaits can be highly productive, especially during periods of generation or overcast skies.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Deep suspended bass near channel swings and bluff walls respond to slow-rolled swimbaits, vertical jigging spoons, and finesse techniques in water under 50 degrees, often holding in 30-60 feet.
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 J. Percy Priest Lake
Ready to fish J. Percy Priest Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →