There are numerous small towns across South Dakota that offer tremendous outdoor opportunities, but few offer the opportunity that the Chamberlain-Oacoma area does. The area is famous for fantastic walleye fishing, great pheasant hunting, and quality grouse hunting. In addition to the hunting and fishing opportunities, sitting right on the Missouri River reservoir of Lake Francis Case, the area is a favorite for recreational boating all summer long too.
Whether you’re targeting spring walleyes, fall cast and blast adventures, or just want to enjoy the river, quality accommodations are critical for an enjoyable stay. Cedar Shore Resort offers visitors small town charm, with enough space to host large gatherings and events. Whether you’re in town for a fishing weekend, family vacation, or a business meeting Cedar Shore Resort is the best spot in town!
Know Before You Go:
Cedar Shore Resort is centrally located in the state, which makes it a favorite for business meetings and conferences. Visitors can expect to see many of these throughout their stay, particularly if staying Monday-Friday during the business week. This is also an ideal meeting location if you are looking to schedule your own event!
Sitting on the west side of Lake Francis Case in Oacoma, Cedar Shore Resort offers a large hotel, on-site dining, conference rooms, outdoor wedding venue, and a marina. Just a bit down the hill is the largest boat ramp in the area, ensuring plenty of space for when the bite is hot and anglers from across the region are flocking to take advantage of the great spring walleye fishing!
Know Before You Go:
Cedar Shore Resort hosts several major walleye fishing tournaments each year, including the Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament and will also see national level events on many years as well. Be sure to check our tournament schedule to know if there will be a major tournament taking place during your stay.
The protected marina and boat ramp makes launching and loading on even the windiest of South Dakota days easy, and the large bays can hold fish throughout the spring and early summer meaning you’ll be able to get out on the water in even the worst weather conditions.
When not on the water, there is plenty of space in the hotel parking lot to park dozens of trucks and trailers with ample plug-ins to charge the boat after a long day on the water. A fish cleaning station sits on the top of the parking lot, and there are several gas stations that offer bait within a couple miles of the resort. Anglers will find everything they need for their stay in a central location.
The onsite restaurant makes for a quick and easy meal after a long day fishing, and there are several other dining options available within town as well as a boat-up option in The Smoking Mule within American Creek Marina. A year-round fish cleaning station is also available at American Creek Marina, meaning no matter when you are fishing you can enjoy a warm location to clean fish and have both running water and a fish grinder.
Know Before You Go:
There are three main boat ramps in the Chamberlain-Oacoma area: Cedar Shore Resort and American Creek Marina are the two largest ramps. A bit to the southwest of Cedar Shore Resort is Dude Ranch, a smaller, quieter ramp.
About 20 minutes to the north is the Big Bend Dam in Fort Thompson, which presents an opportunity to launch earlier and later in the season and can also reduce your boat drive on cold days.
Elm Creek down river offers another quiet option, and easier access to good fishing south of town. A bit further south, about 40 minutes, is the Platte Area that features Platte Creek Recreation Area, Snake Creek Recreation Area, and Buryanek Recreation Area. All of these can provide excellent fishing opportunities.
The rooms are comfortable, and make for an easy place to rest, shower, and change. The close proximity to the boat ramp also means a bit more sleep is possible on even the earliest mornings!
Regardless of what brings you to town, you’re going to find small town charm and South Dakota hospitality when you visit the Chamberlain-Oacoma area, and Cedar Shore Resort is no exception. Enjoy the best accommodations, easy access to the water, and convenient fish cleaning and boat parking throughout your entire stay!
Fishing Tips for Lake Francis Case near Chamberlain
The fishing in the Chamberlain area is a favorite of anglers from across the region in the spring, and this is for good reason. There is no shortage of fish to be caught, and some high quality fish to be caught as well! Check out some of the information you need to know to make your trip successful!
Springtime Walleyes in Chamberlain South Dakota
There are plenty of locations to target when it comes to fishing spring walleyes in Chamberlain, and we discuss some of the best spots to begin your search. Find out these areas, and how to target them, to spend less time looking for fish and more time catching fish! We also discuss all the important regulations you need to know too!
Spring Walleye Fishing on Lake Francis Case
There are a couple important things you need to know about fishing Lake Francis Case in the spring, and most notably is that current sets the tone. We discuss how current impacts your presentation, and how both jigging and trolling crankbaits play a role in your presentation.
Learn More About Lake Francis Case
Lake Francis Case begins at Big Bend Dam in Fort Thompson and runs to Fort Randall Dam in Pickstown. The large reservoir features submerged trees, islands, flats, deep water areas, and plenty of fish too! Learn everything you need to know about Lake Francis Case in our lake profile!
Learn More About Chamberlain
The Chamberlain-Oacoma area is a favorite among hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Learn about the host city and find everything you need to make your stay comfortable!
