A popular spring walleye destination in South Dakota is going to take center stage in April. In the second stop of the season, the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) will be launching onto Lake Francis Case in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
“We were extremely excited to see Chamberlain on the 2024 schedule,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “Chamberlain is an extremely popular destination for anglers across the region and that is because of the terrific fishing the area has to offer.”
Each spring, thousands of anglers launch onto Lake Francis Case in the Chamberlain area to take advantage of South Dakota’s year-round walleye season, often one of the first open water opportunities of the year, and the number of fish present in the system.
“It’s no secret you’re going to catch a lot of fish in the Chamberlain area in the spring,” said Mason Propst, Owner of Mason Propst Fishing. “What makes these tournaments so fun is who is going to be able to pattern those coveted ‘overs.’”
Anglers fishing Lake Francis Case in the spring have a daily limit of four fish, with up to one over 20 inches daily. The fishery also has a 15 inch minimum.
“I think many anglers are so busy enjoying filling limits and catching great numbers of fish, that they don’t realize the quality of fish that are present in the system,” continued Harrington. “You’ve got a legitimate chance to catch a 10 pounder every time you wet a line, especially in the spring.”
Lake Francis Case is over 100,000 acres and over 100 miles long. The reservoir begins in Fort Thompson, South Dakota and stretches down to Pickstown, South Dakota.
“The opportunity to run to new areas down river is always a factor in spring Chamberlain events,” stated Propst. “It’s always something worth watching to see what anglers are staying close to town and what anglers are making the run.”
The tournament will launch out of Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma. Teams will be able to weigh a limit of five fish per day, with up to two fish measuring 20 inches or larger. Anglers may keep up to eight fish and weigh their best five, culling is not allowed.
Registration began January 5, for all 2024 open events. This year, the MWC will be guaranteeing a minimum $10,000 first-place prize to the winners of each qualifying event in the 2024 season. Entry fees for each qualifying event are $650 per team. Team members are also required to have an annual The Walleye Federation membership, which is $40 per person.
