Lake Francis Case Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass fishing regulations for Lake Francis Case: Daily limit of 5 fish and possession limit of 10.  There are currently no length restrictions for smallmouth bass on Lake Francis Case.

Smallmouth bass are found throughout Lake Francis Case with the best fishing usually found in the middle and lower portions of the reservoir. However, good shore fishing opportunities exist in the upper reservoir in May and June. Boat anglers often focus on the rip-rap areas below Big Bend Dam or near Chamberlain; the rocky areas and bays around Snake, Platte, and Pease Creeks; the numerous bays around the North Point area; and the face of Ft. Randall Dam.

Smallmouth bass spawn in May to early June in Lake Francis Case.  The male builds a nest in the shallows and attracts a female to his nest.  The male will guard the nest and newly hatched fry for sometime after hatching.  After spawning, smallmouth bass will disperse from the shallows and occupy mud flats in search of food during the summer months

Keeping white bass, catfish and other species INSTEAD OF WALLEYE will help maintain our walleye population during periods of low reproduction and recruitment.

Lake Francis Case White Bass

White Bass fishing regulations for Lake Francis Case: Daily limit of 25 and a possession limit of 50.  There are no size restrictions for white bass on Lake Francis Case.

White Bass: White bass are common throughout the reservoir.  Fishing for white bass in the upper third of the reservoir in May and June has proven very productive.  Anglers often target tailrace areas for white bass.  A very large 2001 year-class of white bass currently provides additional recreational opportunities.  Look for white bass on wind-blown shorelines.  During calm evenings, schools of white bass can often be seen chasing baitfish on the water’s surface. White bass are excellent to eat if served fresh with the red meat trimmed from the fillets.

Keeping white bass, catfish and other species INSTEAD OF WALLEYE will help maintain our walleye population during periods of low reproduction and recruitment.