Lake Francis Case
Points of Interest Lake Francis Case – Chamberlain Recreation Area – American Creek – Dude Ranch – Boyer – Elm Creek – Turgeon – Buryanek – Snake Creek – Platte Creek – Whetstone Bay – North Wheeler – South Wheeler – Pease Creek – S. Scalp Creek – Joe Day Bay- White Swan – South Shore – North Point – Randall Creek
Lake Francis Case located in South Central South Dakota is a reservoir on the Missouri River. The Reservoir runs from Dam near Chamberlain, SD to Dam near Pickstown and Wagner, SD. The lake has an approximate area of 100,00 acres and a maximum depth near 150 feet. There are many boat access points along the lake to get onto the water. Be sure to check with the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Website on current conditions and ramp status. Like the other reservoirs on the Missouri River, Lake Francis Case contains Walleye, Northern Pike, Catfish, and many other fish species. Although, the majority of fisherman come to Lake Francis Case for walleye fishing, there are many other opportunities for outdoor recreation. When fishing here base your tackle on the season. In the spring a simple jig and minnow work great. Where as in the summer a bottom bouncer and worm work exceptional well to reach the deeper water. Changing water levels can create problems from year to year. Submerged trees, sand bars, and rocks will become a problem with the water depth fluctuations. It is a good idea when boating to have a good depth finder not only to avoid shallow spots but to locate fish. Like the other Reservoirs in the Missouri River Lake Francis Case does freeze in the winter. Make sure to be careful of pressure ridges and other hazards for safety reasons. There are a few campgrounds and several private resorts in the are for accommodations. Chamberlain, SD has a few restaurants and a grocery store to stock up on supplies when heading out for your trip. Cabela’s in Mitchell, SD is probably the most complete outfitter in a couple hundred miles.
Fishing Lake Francis Case
Like the rest of the reservoirs in the Missouri River of South Dakota Lake Francis Case has great fishing. Walleye fishing is the most popular. Bottom bouncers with a leader should be tried tipped with a night crawler, fathead minnow, or leach. There is some great bass fishing in Lake Francis Case. Make sure to bring a few plugs and a steel leader. Norther Pike can also be caught fishing in Lake Francis Case. A great place to dock is near chamberlain, SD. With a short boat ride you can fish all day with very little competition. Be ready to move and locate the fish. With the low human population accurate fishing reports and guides are hard to find. Environmental conditions can change daily. So by trying different lures and locations will increase the bottom line.