Drop shot rig – From Montana Trip Report

It is very doable in our local waters (or most anywhere).  You have to get those weights just above the bottom so you are not setting the hook every time the weights tick the bottom.  It takes several drifts through an area to get your depth correct as you need to find the bottom, then shorten up your indicator until you are just above the bottom.  Although most of us did use the indicator, tight-lining this rig worked great for me as I could adjust the depth throughout every drift.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by Jim Craig.

Oh Grasshopper,

Adding more to your fly line you want to do? A long time, Drop shot technique has been around for bass fishermen. To learn more of drop shot fly fishing go to this link.   https://www.flyfisherman.com/editorial/drop-shot-nymphing-rolling-deep/470018

Just know that a “poor” circle cast (you must keep your line in a tight circle as you cast) could lead to numerous tangles and bird nests. Think you have shot, maybe two flies and an indicator all on your leader – disaster! Good cast could lead to many fish.

I would only use this technique if fishing in fast moving water other than that a beadhead fly or two will get your flies down in the target zone with less frustration. If the fish are “aggressive” in fast moving water then go for it. But other than that I would use ESN or use a light fine indicator (New Zealand) in fast current or maybe a indicator in slow moving current. The drop shot technique could work if needing to use small flies because it will get your flies to the target zone. If using ESN in fast water you may have to use a heavier fly and a small fly. Drop shot you can use two small flies to your advantage.

TRY IT!! And let us know here how it worked for you!