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Folsom Lake Fishing Report | May 2026

Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin
Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Motor Sports Guide Service on Folsom Lake and shares monthly Catch America reports.
What is working right now

Folsom Lake is full to the brim in May and the fish are dropping deeper, with bigger kings showing up. The best window is first light to 9 am. Fast-troll 3 mph with Trigger Shad on the top lines, Trigger Spoons in chrome down around 40 feet, and watermelon Junior Optimizers in the mid-depths. Slow down midday with big Brad's 360 flashers and a pink Trix Worm.

What is biting at Folsom Lake right now?

King salmon and rainbow trout, with the lake full to the brim and fish going a little deeper. Capt. Jerry Lampkin reports bigger kings showing, including a buddy's 24-inch, three to four pound fish. The morning bite from first light to about 9 am has been the best.

What depth are the Folsom fish holding in May?

It varies with the sun. Early, Trigger Spoons in chrome work down around 40 feet with Junior Optimizers in the mid-depths. As the sun climbs, kings come down deep around 55 to 60 feet. Top-line rainbows stay up high on the slow presentations.

What lures work at Folsom Lake in May?

Fast-troll Trigger Shad on the top lines way behind the boat, Trigger Spoons in chrome deep, and watermelon Junior Optimizers mid-depth. Jerry also runs the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon on sliders, plus a pink Trix Worm and big Brad's 360 flashers midday.

What trolling speeds work at Folsom Lake?

Jerry starts fast at 3 mph at first light with Trigger Shad and spoons. Once the sun rises he slows to 2 to 2.5 mph with big Brad's 360 flashers and cut plugs, then down to about 1.5 mph midday with a pink Trix Worm for rainbows hanging up top.

What is the outlook for Folsom Lake?

Good and improving. With the lake full, Jerry says the kings especially are only going to get bigger, so keep hitting Folsom. Get out early, as the gates open around 6 am and the best bite runs from daybreak to about 9. He heads to the Klamath in July.

Watch the full report

From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): I've been starting off with fast trolling at three miles an hour with Rapalas and Trigger Shad on the top lines. And then, Trigger Spoons in chrome on the deep lines down around 40 feet or so, with the Watermelon Optimizer Juniors in the mid-depths. And the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon on the sliders. The pink Trix Worm has been working well. The Kings especially are only going to get bigger.

Folsom Lake May 2026 FAQ

What is biting at Folsom Lake in May 2026?

King salmon and rainbow trout, with bigger kings showing as the lake fills.

What time is the best bite at Folsom Lake?

First light to about 9 am, with gates opening around 6 am.

What lures work for Folsom kings in May?

Trigger Shad, chrome Trigger Spoons, Junior Optimizers, and big Brad's 360 flashers down 55 to 60 feet.

What trolling speed at Folsom Lake?

3 mph fast at first light, slowing to 2 to 2.5 mph as the sun rises, then about 1.5 mph midday.

What catches Folsom rainbows midday?

A pink Trix Worm on the top line and the watermelon Popped-Eyed spoon on sliders.

Who provided this Folsom Lake report?

Capt. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Motor Sports Guide Service.

Tags: folsom-lake jerry-lampkin king-salmon rainbow-trout
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Sacramento River Fishing Report | August 1, 2026

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