Brule County, SD · Reservoir
Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain)
A 100-mile Missouri River reservoir behind Fort Randall Dam — a renowned "walleye factory" through the Chamberlain reach. Walleye and sauger blanket the points and flats, with smallmouth bass on the rock, yellow perch, channel catfish, and northern pike. Public ramps cluster around Chamberlain and the dam.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Walleye — Marginal conditions for Walleye.
Best conditions of 5 species tracked at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain)
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Marginal conditions for Walleye. In season 53/100
What's helping
- Dark moon — walleye feeds aggressively in low light
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 4
South Dakota: 4 walleye/day, 8 in possession statewide (Lake Oahe). Lake Sharpe and some other Missouri River reaches add a 15" minimum (waived in July–August) and a one-over-20" rule — confirm the water.
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Marginal conditions for Smallmouth Bass. In season 45/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
South Dakota: 5 bass/day (largemouth and smallmouth combined).
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Channel Catfish Marginal conditions for Channel Catfish. In season 45/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 10
South Dakota: 10 catfish/day in combination (only one flathead 30"+), 20 in possession.
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Northern Pike Marginal conditions for Northern Pike. In season 45/100
What's hurting
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Esox lucius — A toothy, torpedo-shaped ambush predator that lurks in weed edges and drop-offs and strikes large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live suckers. Spawns in shallow flooded vegetation right after ice-out, holds shallow in spring and fall, and slides deeper through summer. Caught year-round, including through the ice — the prairie reservoirs of the northern plains, Fort Peck chief among them, grow trophy "gators" past 20 lb.
Prefers. Water 50–70°F (ideal 63°F) · either tide · depth 4–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- no limit
South Dakota: no daily limit on northern pike on the Missouri River reservoirs.
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#5 Yellow Perch Marginal conditions for Yellow Perch. In season 39/100
What's hurting
- incoming tide — yellow perch prefers slack tide
- 20 mph wind — strong wind — chop and difficult casting
About. Perca flavescens — Late-winter and early-spring favorite. Schools up in tidal tributaries for the pre-spawn run in February and March, taking small minnows, shad darts, and small jigs. A classic Eastern Shore "neds" fishery.
Prefers. Water 45–70°F (ideal 58°F) · slack tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 39 days ago on 2026-06-03. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 15
South Dakota: 15 yellow perch/day, 30 in possession.
Source: South Dakota non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
South Dakota non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
South Dakota: 4 walleye/day, 8 in possession. A premier Missouri-system walleye destination.
Local reports & rules for Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain): South Dakota GFP fishing report → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain)?
Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain) is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain) have?
Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. South Dakota: 4 walleye/day, 8 in possession. A premier Missouri-system walleye destination.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain)?
state agency regulations apply at Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain) tidal water?
No. Lake Francis Case (Chamberlain) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.