Drop Shot Fishing on Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake · West Virginia · Southeast
This reservoir, covering over 1,500 acres, is characterized by deep, clear water, rock bluffs, and extensive standing timber. It provides a challenging yet rewarding fishery for anglers targeting healthy bass populations in a scenic environment.
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 Sutton 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 Sutton Lake
Lake: Bass migrate to shallower coves and creek arm pockets, often keying on submerged timber and rocky banks. Jerkbaits and shallow crankbaits are effective as water temperatures rise 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: Largemouth and smallmouth move deeper, frequently suspending over standing timber or relating to primary points and ledges in 20-40 feet of water. Drop shots and deep diving crankbaits are primary tools.
Drop Shot: Go deep — 20–40 feet on main lake structure. Shake in place with minimal movement. Shad colors dominate.
Lake: As water temperatures cool, bass become more active and push baitfish into creek arms and secondary points. Spinnerbaits, topwaters, and jigging spoons can produce aggressive bites.
Drop Shot: Follow baitfish to secondary points and pockets. Faster retrieve works as fish get more aggressive.
Lake: Bass typically hold tight to deep structure, such as channel swings, bluffs, and timber edges. Slow presentations with jigs, spoons, and suspending jerkbaits are key for targeting fish 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 Sutton Lake
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