Drop Shot Fishing on Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake · Texas · South Central
Possum Kingdom sits in rugged Palo Pinto County terrain, impounded by Morris Sheppard Dam on the Brazos River and holding unusually clear water for a Texas reservoir — visibility frequently exceeds 8–10 feet. The fishery is structured around limestone bluff walls, deep creek channels, rocky points, and scattered brush, creating a vertical fishery that rewards anglers who understand depth transitions. Largemouth bass are the primary target, though spotted bass, white bass, and striped bass runs add variety throughout the year.
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 Possum Kingdom 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 Possum Kingdom Lake
Lake: Largemouth push onto rocky points and secondary bluff pockets as water temps climb through the low 60s, typically mid-March through April. Shallow ledges adjacent to deep water are the key staging zones — jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision 110 and suspending stickbaits in clear-water finesse colors produce consistently before and during the spawn.
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: Bass pull off into 18–30 ft along bluff walls and deep channel edges once surface temps exceed 85°F. Shaky head rigs and drop shots on the vertical face of limestone structure are the go-to presentations; white bass and stripers drive surface schooling activity in open water from late June through August.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Cooling temps in late September and October push shad to the surface and concentrate largemouth on points and main-lake pockets. Topwater walking baits and medium-diving crankbaits in shad patterns — Spro McStick, Strike King KVD 1.5 squarebill — draw reaction bites as fish chase baitfish against the bluffs.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Cold fronts push bass deep against bluff bases in 25–40 ft of water. A slow-rolled swimbait or a finesse drop shot with a 4-inch Roboworm Straight Tail Worm in green pumpkin on 6 lb fluorocarbon coaxes lethargic fish; the bite window is narrow — midday sun warming the rocky shallows can trigger a brief shallow feed.
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 Possum Kingdom Lake
Ready to fish Possum Kingdom Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →