Lake Francis Case is a popular walleye fishery, and the Chamberlain area in the springtime in particular is a favorite for anglers from across the Midwest. Trolling crankbaits is an effective way to target walleye on the reservoir throughout the entire season, and anglers can find success with a simple spread of crankbaits all year long.
Best Crankbaits in Spring for the Chamberlain Area
The bulk of the fishing in the spring takes place in the Chamberlain area, as a large concentration of fish move into this area for their annual spawning rituals. Trolling crankbaits is an effective way to target the long expansive flats, spawning bays, and deep water adjacent to spawning areas.
Anglers are going to find the best success using shad style profiles, smaller baits, and baits that feature a rattle element. This is because shad are the primary forage in the upper end of the reservoir, which is what fish will be keying on. Fish in the spring time will also be less aggressive, which makes a smaller profile more effective. Finally, the water can be dirty from runoff this time of year, and rattles help fish pick out these baits in the dirtier water.
Generally speaking, the best bait is a #5 Berkley Flicker Shad. The shad profile, smaller size, and rattle meets all of the above outlined requirements. Effective colors are Firetail Chrome Candy, Purple Tiger, Racy Shad, and Blue Tiger. Brighter colors can also be effective, particularly when the water is stained.
If the water conditions are clear, which can occur particularly in the upper end of the reservoir near the dam, a #5 Rapala Shad Rap can also be effective. Similarly to the Flicker Shad, the shad style profile and smaller size meets the requirements of what an effective bait this time of year looks like. An added benefit of the Shad Rap is the balsa action makes for an even less aggressive profile, which can be effective when water conditions are ultra clear.
To target a bit larger fish, anglers will find success staying in the same size class of baits but changing the profile and thus the action. A #5 Berkley Flicker Minnow, particularly in Firetail Chrome Candy, provides a bit wider and aggressive action that can target larger fish in the system. This is particularly effective fished over deeper water adjacent to spawning areas, where larger females are staging.
Chamberlain Spring Walleye Fishing Crankbaits:
- #5 Berkley Flicker Shad – Firetail Chrome Candy, Purple Tiger, Blue Tiger, Racy Shad
- #5 Rapala Shad Rap – Purpledescent, Blue
- #5 Berkley Flicker Minnow – Firetail Chrome Candy
Best Crankbaits in Summer for the Platte Area
As spring transitions to summer, the fishing will transition down the reservoir as well. The bulk of the fishing throughout the summer months take place in the Platte area, and similarly to spring in the Chamberlain area trolling can be equally as effective.
There are a variety of ways to troll in this area, including large flats, shoreline contours, and submerged tree patches. Generally speaking, fishing will take place in deeper water and both bait size, profile, and style can vary because of this.
Water conditions are often extremely clear, which means that balsa style baits can be more effective. Additionally, when fishing either above or among submerged trees, a new style of trolling can be just as effective to prevent getting snagged in these trees and this is trolling large spinnerbaits.
While shad profiles can still be effective, minnow profiles will come a bit more into play as well, particularly below the Highway 44 bridge. In the summer months, forage will be at its peak abundance, which means drawing attention to your baits is critical for getting bites. While a wider range of baits will be effective, there are a handful of staples that produce.
The first of these staples is a #7 Rapala Shad Rap. This classic bait is a proven fish catcher, and this is true for Lake Francis Case in the summer as well. The mid-sized profile, balsa body, and shad profile all combine to produce fish. The best colors are Purpledescent and Blue.
Similarly, the #7 Berkley Flicker Shad can also be effective. Maintaining the same mid-sized profile and shad profile, the rattle of the Flicker Shad makes for a bit more aggressive action. The best colors are Purple Tiger and Blue Tiger.
Transitioning to a minnow profile, a #9 Rapala Tail Dancer is an effective way to get bigger bites. The combination of the larger profile and action can draw bigger bites, and entice bigger fish. This balsa style bait fishes well in the clear water, and the best colors are Blue Flash and Purpledescent.
Downsizing just a bit would be a #7 Berkley Flicker Minnow, which similarly features a more aggressive action and minnow style profile. Going a bit smaller in size will produce more bites in total, while still drawing the attention of the larger fish in the system. One of the best colors for this bait would be Racy Shad.
A final option is a bit more unorthodox, but still incredibly effective particularly when fishing above or among submerged timber. A 2 oz Big Eye Spinnerbait produces an abundance of flash, dives deep, and can be fished aggressively through heavy timber without fear of snag. Tipping this bait with a larger profile plastic, such as a 5 inch Berkley Havoc Grass Pig, adds additional thump and attraction to the overall presentation.
Platte Summer Walleye Fishing Crankbaits:
- #7 Rapala Shad Rap – Purpledescent, Blue
- #7 Berkley Flicker Shad – Purple Tiger, Blue Tiger
- #9 Rapala Tail Dancer – Blue Flash, Purpledescent
- #7 Berkley Flicker Minnow – Racy Shad
- 2 oz Big Eye Spinnerbait
Trolling crankbaits is an effective way to target walleye all season long on Lake Francis Case. Whether you’re fishing a smaller profile in the springtime in the Chamberlain area or thumping a spinnerbait through the trees in the heat of summer, this presentation can be effective year round. Stock up on a handful of the staples, and be ready to hit the water!
Learn More About Fishing Lake Francis Case
Anglers looking to learn more about tactics, techniques, and baits for Lake Francis Case can find all of this and more in The Complete Guide to Fishing on Lake Francis Case.
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