Early season walleye fishing and Chamberlain, South Dakota just seem to go together. This is for good reason, each year Chamberlain plays host to anglers from across the country eager to get the boat out and chase walleyes. While some neighboring states have closed walleye seasons, anglers are able to pursue walleye across South Dakota year-round. The flowing waters from Big Bend Dam do their part to ensure open water is present far sooner than many surrounding waterbodies for anglers eager to break the boat out of winterization. All these factors combine to make Chamberlain the epicenter of early season walleye fishing.
On the shores of Lake Francis Case, Chamberlain sits roughly 20 miles downriver of Fort Thompson. Fort Thompson is the home of Big Bend Dam, which separates Lake Sharpe from Lake Francis Case. Featuring small town charm, the Chamberlain-Oacoma community has everything needed to cater to anglers from across the country. Ample lodging and dining keeps anglers comfortable in their time off the water and the excellent fishing keeps them coming back for more year after year.
For many, early season walleye fishing isn’t just about the excellent fishing to be had. It’s about tradition. A icon in the walleye fishing industry, there may not be a location with more tradition for the Propst family than Chamberlain. A staple to open the season for the Professional Walleye Trail (PWT), Chamberlain was a highly anticipated event for the Propst family.
Fishing alongside his father, National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Legend Bob Propst Sr, Bob Propst Jr captured both the 2006 and 2007 opening events to the PWT season. In attendance was the third generation Propst angler, Mason. “I still remember the feeling I had watching my father raise the trophy,” Mason recalls. “It was right there I knew what I wanted to be. I wanted to carry on the Propst family name.”
Each season, Chamberlain plays host to numerous tournaments from local derbies to national touring events. Combining a fantastic fishery and small town hospitality, Chamberlain events are always a favorite among anglers. Whether you’re fishing a premier event or looking for a weekend of fishing, this is what you can expect for a fishing trip to Chamberlain.
Often referred to as a “walleye factory”, Lake Francis Case is famous for the consistent fishing year after year. Anglers can expect plenty of hooksets, with numerous fish in the 15-18 inch range. In addition to the “eater” class fish, anglers always have a chance to hook into the fish of a lifetime with walleye larger than eight pounds present in the system as well.
One of the most unique aspects of the fishery is the ability to catch fish with a variety of techniques. On any given day, anglers can catch a limit dragging jigs and livebait in deeper water, pitching jigs and plastics against the bluffs and/or rocky shorelines or trolling crankbaits on leadcore. Additionally, shore anglers can find success casting jigs or jerkbaits from the rocky shorelines in town as well.
A variety of factors combine to make Chamberlain a top destination for walleye fishing. The flowing water from the dam and two large tributaries, Crow Creek and the White River, warm the water and thus attract early season fish. The abundance of spawning structure also draws fish in and keeps them around through their spawning rituals. Expect excellent fishing from the first open water opportunities through early-summer.
As the spawn is completed and the water begins to warm, many fish will begin working their way down the reservoir where they will spend the summer at popular summer locations such as the Snake Creek, Platte Creek and Pease Creek areas. A certain percentage of fish will remain in the Chamberlain area year-round, often providing sneaky good fishing in the middle of the summer.
As fall progresses, fishing becomes red hot again as fish work their way back up the reservoir from their summer homes. An annual draw-down of water levels for the reservoir will also put fish in predictable locations as they follow shad to deep water structure. The numerous pillars of bridges in Chamberlain are a popular location.
While fishing can be as good, if not better, than the action spring can provide there are often significantly fewer boats on the water as the thoughts of deer, pheasants and other waterbodies that had previously been closed take over the mind of anglers. Many anglers often experience some of their best fishing of the season, without the crowd. Individuals flocking to Chamberlain for the excellent pheasant hunting opportunities have been discovering making their trip a “blast and cast” combines to make even more memories.
Indeed, Chamberlain is a premier outdoor destination. Whether you’re in search of your own tradition, the next hot bite or small town hospitality you’ll find everything you are looking for and more on a trip to Chamberlain, South Dakota.
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