Fishing Folsom Lake

What's biting on Folsom Lake by month, the latest stocking reports, limits, bait shops and the gear to bring.

Photo: UncleVinny · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for Folsom LakePartner links · same price for you
Fishing charterHalf and full-day trips, gear includedViator Rent a boat on Folsom LakePontoons, ski and fishing boats from local ownersBoatsetter Stay near Folsom LakeLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Private campsiteWhen the public sites are fullHipcamp

Heads up: Off-season trips are quieter. Many owners still rent on calm, sunny weekends.

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What's biting

Fish in Folsom Lake

SpeciesOriginBest monthsNotes
Rainbow troutStocked Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec Last stocked Mar 15, 2026.

Recent stocking

  • TroutMar 15, 2026
  • TroutJan 18, 2026
  • TroutJan 4, 2026
  • TroutDec 14, 2025
  • TroutDec 7, 2025
  • TroutNov 23, 2025
  • TroutNov 9, 2025

CDFW Fish Planting Schedule

Gear for these fish

Partner links

Rainbow trout

Fly rods, reels and fliesTrident Fly Fishing→Fiberglass fly rods and kitsEpic Fly Rods→Spoons, spinners and minnow luresRapala→

For every angler

Landing nets and fly boxesEGO Fishing→Sun-protective fishing shirtsHook & Tackle→Fishing shirts, shorts and vestsColumbia→

Gas and fuel docks

  • ARCO300 Green Valley Road, El Dorado Hills
    1.5 mi
  • Safeway Fuel Station2207 Francisco Drive
    2.1 mi
  • Valero
    2.9 mi
  • Speedway6990 Douglas Boulevard, Granite Bay
    3.2 mi

Bait and tackle

  • REI2425 Iron Point Road, Folsom
    5.3 miCall
  • Bass Pro Shops5472 Crossings Dr, Rocklin
    7.3 miCall
  • Fly Fishing SpecialtiesBait6360 Tupelo Drive, Citrus Heights
    10.6 mi
  • Sportsman's Warehouse
    10.8 mi

Groceries and ice

  • ampm300 Green Valley Road, El Dorado Hills
    1.5 mi
  • 99 Ranch MarketIceBlue Ravine Road
    2.0 miCall
  • SafewayIce2207 Francisco Drive, El Dorado Hills
    2.0 miCall
  • Raley'sIce25025 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom
    2.2 mi

⚑ Limits.See the full limits table on the Folsom Lake page, and always confirm with the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (wildlife.ca.gov) before you fish.

Good to know

Questions about Folsom Lake

What fish are in Folsom Lake?

Folsom Lake has Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout is stocked by the state.

Is Folsom Lake stocked with fish?

Yes. The most recent state planting report for Folsom Lake lists Trout the week of 2026-03-15. Sign up on this page to get an email when it's stocked again.

Where can I buy bait near Folsom Lake?

Bait and tackle nearby: REI (5.3 mi), Bass Pro Shops (7.3 mi), Fly Fishing Specialties (10.6 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Do I need a fishing license at Folsom Lake?

Yes. In California, anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license, and some waters need extra stamps or validations. Check the state wildlife agency for current rules before you fish.