Sacramento County, CA · Reservoir
Folsom Lake
A popular American River reservoir on the edge of Sacramento — largemouth and smallmouth bass, a landlocked striped-bass fishery, rainbow trout, and catfish.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Drop everything — ideal day for Striped Bass.
Best conditions of 5 species tracked at Folsom Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Folsom Lake
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Drop everything — ideal day for Striped Bass. In season 92/100
What's helping
- 61°F water — right in striped bass's ideal range
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 2
18" minimum, 2/day (Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and reservoirs).
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 66/100
What's helping
- 61°F water — inside largemouth bass's active range
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
12" minimum, 5/day in lakes/reservoirs (no size limit in rivers/streams).
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 66/100
What's helping
- 61°F water — inside smallmouth bass's active range
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 12"
- Daily creel
- 5
12" minimum, 5/day in lakes/reservoirs.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 66/100
What's helping
- 61°F water — inside rainbow trout's active range
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
5/day, 10 in possession (12" minimum on most lakes and the Delta).
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Channel Catfish Workable day for Channel Catfish. In season 66/100
What's helping
- 61°F water — inside channel catfish's active range
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 10
No size limit; 10/day in the Southern and Colorado River districts (no limit elsewhere).
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
California
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Folsom Lake: California CDFW fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Folsom Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Folsom Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Folsom Lake?
Folsom Lake is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Folsom Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Folsom Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Folsom Lake have?
Folsom Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Folsom Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Folsom Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Folsom Lake tidal water?
No. Folsom Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.