Fishing Report for Smallmouth Bass using Drop Shot in Summer

Item: Delta Reservoir
Author: Matt Shene

Matt Shene

Gold Ambassador

8/30/22

Delta Reservoir

Species
Smallmouth Bass
Season
Summer
Technique
Drop Shot
Structure
Ledges
Forage
Minnows

I launch from the state park at sunrise in late summer and fish the western shoreline, the buoy line outside of the beach, the weed flat to the north of the beach, the ledge outside the pin buoy line extended north of the beach, and the ledge at the edge of the river channel headed toward the backsets. While there were numerous school of baitfish gathered on weed edges and over rocks/boulders and lots of fish breaking the surface in 6'-10' of water, there was little action on top-water or swimbait presentations. Even the typical pickerel seemed shy, which is rare on Delta. A solid northern was caught on a live bait rig, and a couple small perch were enticed by small swimbaits. The only thing that produced smallies with any consistency was the dropshot. Cast on the deep side of ledges just beyond weed lines and fished slowly back to the boat, several different plastics worked. The best colors were lighter in nature, with ZMan's The Deal leading the way in getting bites.