Fishing Folsom Lake In Northern CA

AKA: Folsom Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Folsom Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Folsom Lake, CA

Popular Fish Species Folsom Lake, CA

Folsom Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Folsom Lake continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Spotted Bass Fishing

Spotted bass are often found in small schools on steep banks, around rocky or sandy shorelines, points and ledges. They often prefer hanging out in slightly deeper water than largemouths. Here at Folsom Lake, they are a favorite of many local anglers, as they are plentiful and put up a good tussle when hooked. Fishing for spotted bass can be good anytime you can locate them. Largemouth bass, which are the most popular bass in the lake, and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish and insects, but they also eat small baitfish, small sunfish and small bluegill. Most of the time, spots prefer to stage on steep rocky or gravel banks, and may move up and down the water column throughout the day. When shallow, use topwater or shallow crankbaits around rip rap. When they are deep, use drop-shot worms and jigs. Throughout winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also reside here in decent numbers.

Folsom Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Folsom Lake. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Folsom Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill, bream, green sunfish and kokanee salmon at Folsom Lake in California.

Not far from the Folsom Prison made famous by Johnny Cash, is the great fishery Folsom Lake. This is an 11,400 acre lake, intersecting El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento County. Nine boat launch locations make lake access easy for visitors with boats of all types and horsepower.

Primarily reputed as a bass fishing lake, Folsom also offers good catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish and salmon fishing. Although the lake levels vary a lot, the lake recovers quickly and predictions are for high water levels extend into the future. Fishing from shore and kayak fishing are quite popular here.

Primary fish species residing in Folsom Lake.

Click images for fishing tips and details.

Folsom Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Folsom Lake Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
916 933-1300

Marinas

Folsom Lake Marina
661 Green Valley Rd
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
916 933-1300

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Browns Ravine Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Green Valley Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Folsom Lake Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Green Valley Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Folsom Point Boat Ramp
Located at the southern end of the lake, off Folsom Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Granite Bay Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the west side of the lake, off Park Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with docks and plenty of paved parking.

Peninsula Campground Boat Launch
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Rattlesnake Bar Boat Launch
Located at the northern tip of the lake, west side, off Rattlesnake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.