Platte, South Dakota: A Cure for the Summer Time Blues
By Matt Walsh
When the temperatures soar and the walleye fishing gets tough the southern section of Lake Francis Case on the Missouri
River known, as Platte may be the cure. Located just west of Platte, SD this body of water offers the walleye deep cool
water with plenty of forage and safety in the form of structure created by submerged trees.
The “Dog Days” of August
During the summer months standard walleye presentations and locations on Lake Francis Case at Platte is drifting wind
blown shorelines, points, and flats with bottom bouncers and spinners or live bait rigs in 8-15 feet of water. This is effective
as long as the wind cooperates. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The “dog days” of August often throw many
anglers a curve ball, when flat calm conditions increases water clarity and ninety degree plus air temperatures push the surface
water temperature into the high seventies. No, the walleyes teeth haven’t fallen out, many of the “biters” and the bigger fish
are out in the deeper water, suspended, relating to the submerged forrest of trees beneath the surface.
Where and How to Start
Although Platte offers many areas with deep water and
submerged trees the stretch from Platte Creek to Whetstone Creek
is ideal. The shoreline breaks into the old river channel where the
trees are located in depths ranging from 40-70 feet of water.
Before beginning to fish use electronics to gather the following
information. Note the depths the tree branches top out at
(to avoid snags). The larger arcs (walleyes) on the graph, are
they suspended above the tree branches or within the branches?
Typically, when the walleyes are suspended above the tree
branches they are active. This situation would allow for faster
trolling speeds with bigger crankbaits. If the walleyes are tight
to the trees run the baits closer to the branches at a slower speed
with a start and stop action; spinners and crawlers with a flutter
spoon for added attraction may be the ticket.
Again, with the electronics note any presence of baitfish
or white bass this will help narrow the range of which to run your
baits. For example, the water depth is 60 feet, if the trees top out
at 35 feet and the baitfish/white bass are suspended at 25 feet
stagger your baits in the 25 to 35 foot range and let the walleyes
tell you what depth they want to feed at. If the white bass keep
hitting your baits try running them a couple of feet deeper or move
the boat into deeper water the walleyes will be close by. While
gathering this information note the water clarity in general use
metallic or natural colors in clear water and perch, firetiger, or
clown colors in dingier water. Taking about 15 minutes to cover
an area with electronics will provide the necessary information
to get started on the right track.
Tools of the Trade
Now that the initial information has been gathered it is a matter of trial and error, paying close attention to what the walleyes
do or do not want a pattern will emerge. To do this we need the right tools. A line counter reel along with the book Precision
Trolling will help put the crankbait at the desired depth. In this example, the tree branches are topping out at 35 feet and the
walleyes are suspended 5 feet above the branches to get a Reef Runner down to 28 feet let out 200 feet of line (10 LB XT).
To cover a wider area of water or use multiple lines attach planer boards. Duplicity is another advantage of a line counter
reel. If a particular lure with 100 feet of line out is catching all the walleyes switch all the rods to that lure and put out 100
feet of line. To get shallower running crankbaits deeper leadcore, snap weights, or bottom bouncers will all work depending
on your level of confidence in each technique. One scenario to start with may be deep diving lures on the outside lines with
planer boards and leadcore or snap weights with shallow running lures on the inside lines. Keep experimenting with trolling
speed, location, and depth until a pattern emerges.
Often times an area of trees or even a particular tree (the “Hot Tree”) is producing all the walleyes. Stop! If the area is small
enough or can be narrowed down to a few trees try fishing right on top of that group or individual tree. Try vertical jigging
with spoons, pulling spinners, or slip floats and creek chubs. Quick work of a big stringer can be made when the walleyes
become this concentrated.
Night Fishing and Bridge Pilings: A Platte Tradition
Another way to beat the heat and put the odds in your favor is to fish at night. A summer tradition at Platte is to tie up to the
Platte/Winner bridge pilings. No need to worry about navigation the bridge is located on Highway 44 a few hundred yards
from the Snake Creek boat ramp. Bring a long rope these pilings are huge. Once tied to a pillar simply fish vertically with a
jig and minnow or creek chub. Pay close attention to the depth finder this is deep water and the walleyes most likely will be
suspended. Be ready, besides big walleye monster catfish are also on the prowl.
Tailor Made for the Fisherman
The town of Platte is located 25 miles south of Interstate 90. Less than a days drive Platte is 275 miles from Omaha, 375
miles from Des Moines, and 140 miles from Sioux Falls. Live bait and licenses are sold on almost every street corner. There
is plenty of lodging options. The Snake Creek recreation area west of Platte has excellent launching facilities, a fish cleaning
station, and a restaurant with a bait shop called Dock 44. If camping suits your needs across the road from the Snake Creek
recreation area is Snake Creek campground with electrical hook ups, showers, and camping cabins. Reservations can be
made on line at www.campsd.com or call 800.710.CAMP.
Whether looking for a place to spend a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or squeeze in one more fishing trip before school
begins the scenic rolling hills, sunsets, and area hospitality (not to mention the fishing) will be sure to cure your summertime
blues. Good luck and good fishing!
Matt Walsh guides on Lake Francis Case at Platte,SD. He is owner operator of The Walleye Wrangler Guide Service (www.
walleyewrangler.com) or call 605.359.8699.
The deep clear water of Lake Francis Case at
Platte, SD offers perfect habitat for summer time
walleyes. Photo courtesy of The Walleye
Wrangler Guide Service.
Platte, SD offers perfect habitat for summer time
walleyes. Photo courtesy of The Walleye
Wrangler Guide Service.
