Fishing Lake Francis Case

AKA: Francis Case

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Lake Francis Case Fishing Video
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Lake Francis Case, SD

Popular Fish Species Lake Francis Case, SD

Walleye Fishing

In recent years, the walleye population at Lake Francis Case has become the main draw. They are about one-third of the catchable species in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be extremely productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the second favorite of most local anglers at Lake Francis Case. Smallies are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing. Prior to icing over, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons.

White Bass Fishing

After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Lake Francis Case and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range, and the state record white bass is well over 4 pounds. When the lake freezes over, white bass can be taken using standard techniques while ice fishing. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Lake Francis Case Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, sauger, white bass and yellow perch at Lake Francis Case in South Dakota.

Over 100 miles long with 540 miles of shoreline, Lake Francis Case is a fertile section of The Missouri River. This 100,000-acre lake runs from Pierre on the north end, to Pickstown at the south end.

One of the main attractions of Lake Francis Case is its fantastic walleye fishing. In addition to walleye, it is also well-known for its smallmouth bass fishing. The lake is also home to various panfish species, including white crappie, yellow perch, and sunfish.

Bank fishing opportunities exist by the hundreds, and numerous boat launch ramps are scattered up and down the lake providing boating access from most any direction. Marinas, campgrounds, RV parks, bait & tackle, convenience stores, restaurants and lodging can be found throughout the area.

Fishing report for Lake Francis Case

Primary fish species residing in Lake Francis Case

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Francis Case Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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Marinas

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