Drop Shot Fishing on R.L. Harris Reservoir
R.L. Harris Reservoir · Alabama · Southeast
Lake Wedowee is a challenging yet rewarding fishery, characterized by its clear waters, steep rocky banks, and abundant deep-water structure. Spotted bass are the dominant species, thriving alongside a healthy population of largemouth, all heavily influenced by threadfin, gizzard shad, and blueback herring forage.
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 R.L. Harris Reservoir
| 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 R.L. Harris Reservoir
Lake: Bass transition from deep winter haunts to main lake points and shallow pockets, staging for the spawn. Jerkbaits, jigs, and shaky heads are highly 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: Fish move to offshore humps, deep channel swings, and submerged timber, often concentrating in or around the thermocline. Drop shots, deep crankbaits, and football jigs produce.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: Cooling waters trigger bass to follow baitfish into creek arms and main lake flats, leading to increased schooling activity. Topwaters, swimbaits, and spinnerbaits are productive.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Bass are deep and lethargic, relating to bluff walls, channel bends, and standing timber in 30-60 feet of water. Slow presentations with jigging spoons, Alabama rigs, and deep jerkbaits are key.
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 R.L. Harris Reservoir
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