Lake Francis Case
Lake Francis Case
- Boat Ramps
- 53
- Access Points
- 95
- Species
- 11
Lake Francis Case is a 107-mile long, 102,000-acre Missouri River reservoir located in south-central South Dakota, extending from Big Bend Dam at Fort Thompson to Fort Randall Dam in Pickstown. With over 540 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 140 feet, Lake Francis Case is known as a walleye factory for its consistent walleye production. The reservoir sits in the prairie environment of the Northern Great Plains, where the surrounding vegetation is predominantly grassland. Steep, rugged bluffs and a narrow floodplain characterize this part of the Missouri River, known as the gorge of the Missouri. The lake experiences annual water level fluctuations, with drawdowns in the fall creating storage space for spring runoff. Lake Francis Case provides excellent recreational opportunities for area residents and out-of-state travelers, with activities including fishing, boating, camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The reservoir is accessible via Interstate 90, making it a popular destination for anglers throughout the Midwest.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Francis Case and what's needed to catch them.
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Paddlefish7,920 fishSep 4, 2025
- Paddlefish12,960 fishSep 3, 2025
- Paddlefish15,390 fishSep 2, 2025
- Paddlefish5,130 fishSep 6, 2024
- Paddlefish4,560 fishSep 6, 2024
Source
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Francis Case. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Lake Francis Case
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
South Dakota licenses and regulations
South Dakota Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
South Dakota Fishing License
Residents and Nonresidents 18 years old and older are required to have a fishing license
South Dakota Fishing Regulations
This state has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this state is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
South Dakota Stream Access Laws
If a river or stream is capable of being floated, it can be used for any lawful recreational activity, such as boating or fishing. Any public use above the ordinary high water mark, i.e., outside of the stream bank, without the landowner's permission, would be considered trespassing.
Take Lake Francis Case with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Francis Case to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Francis Case to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Lake Francis Case and check the forecast before you go.
LAKE FRANCIS CASE AT CHAMBERLAIN, SD
Lake Francis Case fishing guides
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Fishing spots
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- All 110 spots
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