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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. Shop the Tackle Trigger Shad Diving Plug Trigger Spoon 2.25" Junior Optimizer Trolling Spoon Popped-Eyed Spoon Brad's 360 Evolution Flasher Trix Worms 3" Soft Bait Shop Trolling Spoons
Learn moreFolsom Lake Fishing Report | April 2026
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service on Folsom Lake and shares monthly Catch America reports. What is working right now Folsom Lake is giving up really nice rainbows in April, with the lake nearly full and water clear at about 64 degrees. Capt. Jerry Lampkin is scoring on Trigger Spoons and the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon. Bigger kings are starting to show, with a couple landed midweek. Clean water and no debris have the rainbows biting willingly. What is biting at Folsom Lake right now?Rainbow trout are the main event and running really nice. Capt. Jerry Lampkin is also starting to see a little bigger kings show up, scoring a couple on a recent Tuesday. The rainbows are willing biters with the lake full and the water in gorgeous shape. What lures work at Folsom Lake in April?Trigger Spoons and the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon are producing the nice rainbows. These are the setups Jerry leaned on through the middle of April as the lake filled and cleared. What are the water conditions at Folsom Lake?The lake is almost full and the water is absolutely gorgeous, about 64 degrees, nice and clear with no debris. Those clean conditions have the rainbows biting willingly and set up well for the rest of April into May. How is Jerry catching Folsom rainbows?Trolling the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon and Trigger Spoons for the willing rainbows. Exact depth and trolling speed were not specified in this report. What is the outlook for Folsom Lake?Jerry looks for the bite to get even better as the full lake stabilizes into May, with bigger kings expected to show more. He calls Folsom the local pond and reports a good time on the water. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): It's the middle of April, the lake is almost full. And we're getting a lot of really, really nice rainbows on trigger spoons and popped-eye spoon in watermelon. The lake is full right now, the water looks really good. It's about 64 degrees. It's nice and clear, there's no debris. And the rainbows are willing biters and we're starting to see a little bit bigger kings show up. Folsom Lake April 2026 FAQ What is biting at Folsom Lake in April 2026?Nice rainbow trout, with a couple of bigger kings starting to show. What lures work at Folsom Lake in April?Trigger Spoons and the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon. What is the best color at Folsom Lake right now?Watermelon on the Popped-Eyed spoon has been producing nice rainbows. What is the water temperature at Folsom Lake?About 64 degrees, clear with no debris, with the lake nearly full. How deep were the Folsom rainbows?A specific depth was not specified in this report. Who provided this Folsom Lake report?Capt. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Trigger Spoon 2.25" Popped-Eyed Spoon Shop Trout Trolling Spoons
Learn moreFolsom Lake Fishing Report | March 2026
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service on Folsom Lake and shares monthly Catch America reports. What is working right now The Folsom Lake rainbow bite has been epic in March, with a crazy-good topwater window in the top 15 feet. Capt. Jerry Lampkin is toplining the Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon around 10 to 15 feet and killing it on Trigger Spoons in watermelon. Kings remain a mystery with only one or two small ones. Get out on calm days between the wind. What is biting at Folsom Lake right now?Rainbow trout, and the bite has been epic. Capt. Jerry Lampkin reports the last two weeks were crazy good, with a strong topwater window in the top 15 feet. Kings are still a mystery, with just one or two little ones coming. How deep are the Folsom rainbows in March?Right up top. The topwater bite in the upper 15 feet has been excellent, with the watermelon Popped-Eyed spoon working at about 10 to 15 feet deep. Toplining shallow is the play right now. What lures and colors work at Folsom in March?Watermelon is the color. Jerry is toplining a Popped-Eyed spoon in watermelon at 10 to 15 feet and crushing fish on Trigger Spoons in watermelon. He is also toplining Rapalas up top. What are the conditions at Folsom Lake?The lake sits around 430 feet and has come up at least 10 feet in two days. A strong Northwest wind was making the lake nearly unfishable on report day, so Jerry tucked into a cove. Look for calmer days to fish the shallow bite. What is the outlook for Folsom Lake?Jerry expects the trout bite to really kick off once the lake level and weather stabilize heading into April. He is still searching for the kings, which have not shown in numbers like a couple of years ago. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): The last two weeks have just been epic on the rainbow trout bite. Top water bite in the top 15 feet has just been crazy good. Toplining Rapalas and watermelon Pop-Eye spoon has just been killing it at about 10 to 15 feet deep. Trigger spoons have just been killing it in watermelon. Still searching for those Kings. We're getting one or two little ones. Folsom Lake March 2026 FAQ What is the Folsom Lake bite in March 2026?An epic rainbow trout bite, with a crazy-good topwater window in the top 15 feet. How deep are the Folsom rainbows in March?In the top 15 feet, with the watermelon spoon working about 10 to 15 feet down. What color works best at Folsom in March?Watermelon, on both the Popped-Eyed spoon and Trigger Spoons. What is the lake level at Folsom Lake?Around 430 feet, having come up at least 10 feet in two days. Are the kings biting at Folsom Lake?Not really. Only one or two little ones, with their location a mystery. Who provided this Folsom Lake report?Capt. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Popped-Eyed Spoon Trigger Spoon 2.25" Shop Trout Trolling Spoons
Learn moreFolsom Lake Fishing Report | February 2026
Report by Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service on Folsom Lake and reports for Catch America. What is working right now Folsom Lake rainbow trout fishing has been absolutely epic for the last two to three weeks in February 2026. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service reports perfect water color and stable levels. King salmon are slow but two small kings to about 14 inches and one 22 inch king are a good sign that natural spawning kings are returning. He asks anglers to release the kings. How is the fishing at Folsom Lake right now?The rainbow trout fishing has been absolutely epic for the last two to three weeks in February 2026. Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service says the bite has been really, really good. King fishing is slower, but he is encouraged by signs of natural king reproduction in the lake. Are king salmon biting at Folsom Lake?Not much, but the signs are positive. Jerry landed two kings to about 14 inches, plus one 22 inch king earlier in the week. With no king plants for the last two years, those fish show natural spawning is happening again, so he asks anglers to release the kings. What are the water conditions at Folsom Lake?Good. Jerry says the water color is perfect and the level is not fluctuating much, which helps because Folsom's constant fluctuations make it a hard lake to fish. He notes the area badly needs more water and is looking ahead to next month. Should I keep or release Folsom kings?Release them. Jerry encourages everyone he fishes with to return and release the king salmon so the naturally spawning fish can continue up the river to reproduce. Protecting them now is the best thing anglers can do while the natural run rebuilds. Watch the full report From the report (Jerry Lampkin): The rainbow trout fishing has just been absolutely epic for the last two to three weeks. King fishing's not so much. We did end up with two kings to about 14 inches today, which shows that the natural spawning kings are spawning again in the lake. We did get one 22-inch king on Monday last, which was a real good sign. The water right now, the color is perfect. Folsom Lake February 2026 FAQ What is biting at Folsom Lake in February 2026?Rainbow trout, with an epic bite for the last two to three weeks, per Jerry Lampkin. Are king salmon biting at Folsom Lake?Slowly, with a couple of small kings to 14 inches and one 22 inch fish showing natural spawning. What is the water color at Folsom Lake right now?Perfect, and the level is not fluctuating much, which Jerry says helps the fishing. Should I release king salmon at Folsom Lake?Yes. Jerry asks anglers to release kings to protect the naturally spawning run. Why is Folsom Lake hard to fish?Its water level fluctuates a lot with weather and river flows, though it is stable right now. What depth or lures did Jerry report at Folsom?Specific depths and lures were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreAmerican River Fishing Report | January 2, 2026
Report by Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service and guides steelhead on Northern California rivers. What is working right now There are a lot of really nice steelhead in the American River to start 2026, including fish in the 8 to 10 pound range. The catch is high, muddy water, running about 8,000 cfs and looking like coffee with cream. A nightcrawler under a jet diver is the ticket, since American River fish love crawlers, especially when the water is off-color. What is biting on the American River right now?Steelhead, and there are a lot of really nice ones in the river. Jerry Lampkin saw fish in the 8 to 10 pound range hooked by nearby boats, plus many smaller hatchery fish that stuck around after release. Fly anglers were picking up five or six small ones on nymphs under floats. What are the American River conditions?High and muddy. The river is running about 8,000 cfs, more than a drift boat wants, and it looks like coffee with cream from turbidity coming down. Jerry is not sure where all the mud is coming from, since Nimbus does not usually push that much color into the system. What bait works on the American River now?A nightcrawler under a jet diver. Jerry normally pulls Hot Shots but always trails a nightcrawler, because American River fish really love crawlers, especially with the water as muddy as it is right now. That crawler produced one of the spawner steelhead this trip. These are not Catch America products. How is Folsom Lake looking?Filling fast. Jerry measured about 22,000 cfs coming in and only 8,000 cfs going out, so the lake is rising quickly. He is hoping the debris fields are not too bad and plans to get out there once the rain stops. Specific Folsom catch details were not specified in this report. What is the outlook for the American River?A lot of nice big fish are in the river, so once flows drop and clear from the current 8,000 cfs, conditions should improve for drift-boat anglers. Jerry is doing reel and gear maintenance while waiting out the rain. Exact water temperatures were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Jerry Lampkin): There's a lot of really, really nice steelhead in the river. The river's running about 8,000 cubic feet a second right now, and the river looks really dark, like coffee with cream in it. We caught him on a nightcrawler under a jet diver. The American River fish really, really love nightcrawlers, especially with the water as muddy as it was right now. American River January 2, 2026 FAQ Are there steelhead in the American River now?Yes, a lot of really nice ones, including fish in the 8 to 10 pound range. What are the American River flows?About 8,000 cfs, high and muddy, looking like coffee with cream. What bait works for American River steelhead?A nightcrawler under a jet diver, which the fish love in off-color water. Is Folsom Lake filling up?Yes, about 22,000 cfs in and only 8,000 cfs out, so it is rising quickly. How are fly anglers doing on the American?Picking up five or six small hatchery fish on nymphs fished under a float. What is the American River water temperature?Specific water temperatures were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Trout & Steelhead Gear Shop Trout & Steelhead Gear
Learn moreFolsom Lake Fishing Report | December 2025
Report by Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service and reports from Folsom Lake and Northern California waters. What is working right now Folsom Lake was slow in early December 2025. Jerry Lampkin ran the North Fork, the dam, and the South Fork and marked fish deep, but they would not commit to trolled lures. The water was a clean, calm 63 degrees. The day ended with a rainbow trout and a bass hitting as the lines came up. A tough day, but not a skunk. How is the fishing at Folsom Lake right now?Slow. Jerry Lampkin ran the North Fork, the dam, and the South Fork and found fish holding deep, but they were not interested in the trolled lures. It was a grind, but the lines produced a rainbow and a bass right at the end of the day. Where are the fish at Folsom Lake?Down deep. Jerry Lampkin marked fish on the bottom way up the North Fork and a few more at the South Fork, but did not even mark a fish at the dam. The fish were there but would not bite trolled offerings. What are the water conditions at Folsom Lake?The water is a beautiful, clean 63 degrees and calm, with no floating debris despite recent storms. Only about 10 to 12 boats were out. Conditions looked great even though the bite did not cooperate. What did produce at Folsom Lake?A rainbow trout and a bass hit as the lines were being pulled up at the end of the day. Specific lures, colors, and depths were not specified in this report. What is the outlook for Folsom Lake?Jerry Lampkin hopes for a better bite next week. The fish are present and the water is in great shape, so it is a matter of them turning on. Watch the full report From the report (Jerry Lampkin): We found some fish down on the bottom way down deep up the North Fork. They weren't interested in anything we could throw at them. We headed for the dam and didn't even mark a fish. Now we're up at the South Fork and we marked a few fish, but nobody's interested in biting. The water's a beautiful 63 degrees. Folsom Lake December 2025 FAQ How is the Folsom Lake bite in December 2025?Slow. Fish are holding deep and were not interested in trolled lures, per Jerry Lampkin. What is the water temperature at Folsom Lake?A clean, calm 63 degrees. Where were fish marked at Folsom Lake?Deep up the North Fork and a few at the South Fork, with nothing marked at the dam. Did anything get caught at Folsom Lake?Yes, a rainbow trout and a bass hit as the lines were pulled up at the end of the day. What lures worked at Folsom Lake?Specific lures and colors were not specified in this report. How busy was Folsom Lake?Light traffic, only about 10 to 12 boats out on the water. Shop the Tackle Shop Trout Tackle Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreAmerican River Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service on the American River and Folsom Lake and reports for Catch America. What is working right now Fall kings are moving through the American River, with a solid mid-week push producing 12 to 14 pound fish that still cut up with nice red meat. Backtroll K16 Kwikfish in standard colors with a sardine wrap. Bank anglers are scoring on Flying C and Blue Fox spinners. Mostly males so far, with females expected after the next rainstorm. What is biting on the American River right now?Fall king salmon. Guide Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service is fishing the American in a drift boat while the big boat sits out Folsom's mussel closure. The kings are showing a little color but still cut up nicely with red meat, and they have all been males so far. What technique is working for American River kings?Backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in all the standard colors with a sardine wrap. Jerry landed nice 12 to 14 pound kings this way. These are not Catch America products, so we name them without a shop link. Bank anglers are doing well on Flying C and Blue Fox spinners. When is the bite best on the American River?A nice push of fish moved through mid-week, on Thursday, after a slow Tuesday start. On Friday the push moved up as soon as the sun hit the water, so early morning before the fish move off has been the productive window. When will more American River salmon arrive?So far the fish have all been males. Jerry expects the females to show up with the next rainstorm moving through, which should add fresh fish to the river and improve the action. What is the outlook for the American River and Folsom?Kings can be fished on the American until the season closes October 31, after which Jerry switches to steelhead plugs for the rest of the year. The big boat returns to Folsom Lake in mid-November once the mussel closure lifts. Exact depths were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): The American is providing some nice Kings. We managed one really nice 12-14 lb King on a K16 Kwikfish backtrolled. We were primarily backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in all the standard colors with a sardine wrap. The fish we're getting have all been males right now, but I'm sure the ladies will show up with this next rainstorm. American River October 2025 FAQ What is the best technique for American River kings?Backtrolling K16 Kwikfish in standard colors with a sardine wrap. How big are the American River salmon?Nice fish in the 12 to 14 pound range, mostly males so far. What are bank anglers using on the American River?Flying C and Blue Fox spinners have been producing from the bank. When does the American River king season close?October 31, after which anglers switch to steelhead plugs. When will female salmon show up?Jerry expects females to arrive with the next rainstorm. Why is the guide fishing the American instead of Folsom?Folsom boats are held out by a golden mussel closure until mid-November. Shop the Tackle Shop Salmon Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreKlamath River Fishing Report | September 22, 2025
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service and chases salmon and steelhead across Northern California and Oregon rivers. What is working right now The Klamath River had a hot king run in late September 2025, with 20 to 30 kings released in a day plus steelhead and jacks before fish moved upriver. Jerry Lampkin scored on Brad's Laser Minnows and by side-drifting and boondogging roe. On the Chetco he landed a 26-pound hatchery hen on a chrome flasher with a Mexican Hat spinner. How is the Klamath River salmon fishing?Hot early in the week. Jerry Lampkin's boat released around 20 to 30 kings in a day plus a couple of steelhead and lots of jacks, which bodes well for future returns. The action slowed later in the week as those fish pushed up into the upper river. What are Klamath kings biting on?Brad's Laser Minnows produced well, and Jerry also released fish side-drifting and boondogging roe. In Blake's Riffle the action was nonstop until the sun hit the water, then it tapered off for the day. How is the Rogue River fishing?Slow to start. Jerry lost his first two fish, then picked up a couple of jacks for the smokehouse on Brad's Laser Minnows later in the afternoon. It was a grind compared to the Klamath earlier in the week. What about the Chetco River?The Chetco holds big fish and fished smoother than the Rogue. Jerry scored a 26-pound hatchery hen right off the bat on a chrome flasher with a Mexican Hat style spinner. He rated it a fun, big-fish river worth trying early in the season. What is the outlook across these rivers?The Klamath fish moved way up the river, so the lower stretches slowed. Jerry planned to head home to the American River next to target kings. Water depth and temperature were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): On Tuesday, we came back to the Klamath, and the four of us in my boat released about 20 or so kings. Some of the guys are saying more like closer to 30. We scored a nice 26-pound hatchery hen right off the bat on a chrome flasher with a Mexican hat style spinner. We still managed to release eight side drifting and boondogging roe. Klamath River September 22, 2025 FAQ How many kings did the Klamath produce?Jerry's boat released around 20 to 30 kings in a single day, plus steelhead and jacks. What lure worked for Klamath and Rogue salmon?Brad's Laser Minnows, along with side-drifting and boondogging roe. What caught the big Chetco fish?A 26-pound hatchery hen came on a chrome flasher with a Mexican Hat style spinner. Why did the Klamath bite slow down?The fish moved up into the upper portions of the river, leaving the lower stretches slower. Are there a lot of jacks in the Klamath?Yes, lots of jacks, which Jerry says bodes well for next year's returns. What is next for the report?Jerry planned to head home to the American River to target kings. Shop the Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn moreKlamath River Fishing Report | September 15, 2025
Report by Capt. Jerry Lampkin Jerry Lampkin runs TNG Guide Service and fishes the Klamath River for kings and steelhead. What is working right now The Klamath River king run turned on big in mid-September 2025. A full moon and big tides pushed large pods of kings in, and Capt. Jerry Lampkin's drift boat landed 20 plus kings and three steelhead in one afternoon. Steelheading stayed good too. The catch depends on staying on the moving pods, since later in the week the fish pushed way up the river and the numbers dropped off. More fish should arrive with the next tides. Are king salmon in the Klamath River?Yes, big time. A recent full moon and big tides brought large pods of kings into the lower Klamath. Capt. Jerry Lampkin's boat of three landed 20 plus kings and three steelhead in one afternoon. Anglers are not even targeting kings but cannot help hooking them. How is steelhead fishing on the Klamath?Still pretty good. Jerry is catching steelhead mixed with the kings, including a 19-inch fish on a slower day. The kings have stolen the show with the tides, but steelhead remain in the system and keep coming to the boat alongside the salmon. How do you catch the Klamath kings?Stay on the pods. When a wave of fish is in, staying on them as they move upriver makes for an epic day of 20 plus kings. Lose them and the bite drops fast. Jerry went from 20 plus one day to five, then two as the pods pushed up. Why did the bite slow later in the week?The pods moved. Wednesday and Thursday produced 20 plus kings, but by Friday it was five kings and Saturday just two with a steelhead. The fish had moved way up the river. Boats that ran up after them found the better action. When will the next fish arrive?Jerry expects another batch of kings to push in with the tides this week. He also planned to run up to the Rogue River to try for one for the barbecue. The Klamath run moves in waves, so timing the fresh pods is everything. What is the Klamath outlook?Good, in waves. Kings are running strong on the big tides and steelhead are mixed in, but you have to stay on the moving pods. Fresh fish should arrive with the next tides. Exact water conditions were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jerry Lampkin): The kings have come in big-time. The last full moon and the big tides we're having this week, the big pods of fish have come in. On Wednesday, the three of us in my buddy's drift boat landed 20-plus kings and three steelhead in the afternoon. But you've got to stay on top of those fish. Klamath River September 15, 2025 FAQ Are Klamath River kings biting?Yes. A full moon and big tides pushed large pods in, and Jerry's boat landed 20 plus kings in one afternoon. Is steelhead fishing still good?Yes, steelheading is still pretty good, with steelhead mixed in among the kings including a 19-inch fish. Why is timing important on the Klamath?The kings move in pods. Stay on them for an epic day, but once they push upriver the numbers drop fast. How did the bite change through the week?From 20 plus kings Wednesday and Thursday down to five Friday and two Saturday as the fish moved way up the river. What is next for Jerry?He planned to wait for another batch of fish on the tides and run up to the Rogue River on Monday. What lures were used?Specific lures were not specified in this report. Who is the guide?Jerry Lampkin of TNG Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
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