The open water season is here! Docks have been placed at Cedar Shore Resort, and anglers are already reporting a good bite in the Chamberlain area! It’s time to make plans to fish on Lake Francis Case, and that includes the Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament.
The 2026 Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament will take place April 11-12. This is a two day event, which launches out of the Cedar Shore Resort marina in Chamberlain and fishes Lake Francis Case. Anglers are able to fish anywhere between Big Bend Dam and the Hwy 44 bridge in Platte.
Entry into the event is $450, and entry is available on a first come, first served basis. Register early to ensure your spot is claimed!
The Fishing Crew 2026 Schedule
The Fishing Crew has 10 open water season events for 2026, fishing for walleye, bass, and pike. The 2026 Team of the Year season begins with the Cedar Shore Resort tournament, then moves up river to Lake Sharpe for the Sharpe Showdown, and the highlight event is the South Dakota Governor’s Cup. Check out the full schedule, and get signed up at TheFishingCrew.com.
Lake Francis Case Status Report
Anglers fishing on Lake Francis Case can expect to see increasing walleye abundance, and the fish are in very good shape. A large year class produced from 2019 will be particularly valuable for anglers, as these are those perfect 18-19 inch fish “slot” fish that can round out a bag. Fish are in excellent condition, and that means heavier weights will be crossing the scales.
Learn more about the fishery in the 2026 Lake Francis Case Forecast and Status Report.
Lake Francis Case Fishing Tips
There are a variety of ways to target walleye on Lake Francis Case in the spring time, and a combination of jigging, trolling crankbaits, and livescoping can be effective. Anglers often target Crow Creek, the White River, and between the bridges in Chamberlain, but the best anglers will find their own unique bite!
Find out everything there is to know about catching fish in The Complete Guide to Fishing on Lake Francis Case.
