I ALWAYS fish a dropper. Until I break it off, then I don't. I might tie it back on later but maybe not. It depends, but not on anything in particular.
Usually it's an indicator, a rubberlegs or something similar. and a scud, or worm, or egg, or...................
I don't worry about whether it gets in the way. Hell I get in the way probably more than anything. Doesn't matter.
Taneycomo? Try swinging a wooly bugger. And if that doesn't work try a different wooly bugger.