Francis Case (Charles Mix, Gregory, Lyman, Brule, Buffalo)

Lake Francis Case in Charles Mix, Gregory, Lyman, Brule, and Buffalo Counties, South Dakota

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Lake Francis Case is a 102,000-acre reservoir on the Missouri River in south-central South Dakota, created by Fort Randall Dam and stretching 107 miles from Pickstown upstream to Big Bend Dam near Fort Thompson. As the eleventh-largest reservoir in the United States and the fourth-largest on the Missouri River mainstem, this massive impoundment features an impressive 540 miles of serpentine shoreline characterized by rolling prairie terrain, rugged limestone bluffs, steep canyons, and dramatic ravines that create countless coves and creek arms perfect for exploration. Reaching depths of 140 feet with significant fluctuating water levels typical of river reservoirs, the lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944 and constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1946 and 1956, with President Dwight D. Eisenhower inaugurating its operation in 1954. Named in honor of former South Dakota Senator Francis Higbee Case, the reservoir serves multiple critical functions including flood control, hydroelectric power generation through Fort Randall Dam, water supply, and wildlife habitat preservation. Fort Randall Dam, built adjacent to the historic 1856 military post of the same name, holds back a total capacity of 3.8 million acre-feet of water and has become home to one of the largest wintering concentrations of bald and golden eagles in the United States, with hundreds of these majestic birds gathering in the cottonwood trees along the tailrace below the dam each winter.

Lake Francis Case has earned national recognition as a premier walleye fishery, often called a "walleye factory" by anglers who flock to Chamberlain, the unofficial capital of spring walleye fishing in America, where the lake consistently produces exceptional catches throughout the year. The reservoir supports diverse fish populations including Walleye, Sauger, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and White Bass, along with a unique paddlefish snagging fishery that attracts anglers seeking these prehistoric giants during designated seasons. The lake's complex structure includes numerous major tributaries such as the White River, Whetstone Bay, Pease Creek, and Boyer Creek, each offering distinct fishing opportunities and habitat, while submerged timber in 80 to 90-foot depths provides excellent cover for trophy-sized walleyes. With over one million visitors annually, Lake Francis Case offers extensive recreational opportunities through 19 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas and seven South Dakota State Recreation Areas, including the popular Pease Creek Recreation Area with nearly 600 acres and one of the state's best trail systems for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The area surrounding the lake provides excellent hunting for white-tailed deer, mule deer, antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chickens, pheasants, turkeys, ducks, and geese on public lands. Nearby Chamberlain serves as the gateway to the lake and features the iconic 50-foot Dignity of Earth and Sky sculpture overlooking the Missouri River from Interstate 90, honoring Lakota and Dakota cultures, along with the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, which offers free admission and showcases authentic Native American art, artifacts, and cultural exhibits celebrating the rich heritage of the Northern Plains indigenous peoples.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"