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World-Class King Salmon Fishing on Folsom Lake

  • Published Date: November 22, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Folsom Lake
  • $500 price range
  • Updated Date: November 24, 2025

Summary

Looking to land some big Landlocked King Salmon on Folsom Lake? This six-hour trip is perfect for groups of 2-3 anglers who want to get out on the water and try their luck. We use light tackle to keep things manageable while still giving you great control for precise presentations. Your guide will be right there to help you read the water, locate active fish, and improve your technique throughout the day. We provide all the gear you need, plus lunch is included to keep you fueled up. Just bring your fishing license, sun protection, and some water. It's a full day of fishing action, with plenty of time for each angler to get their lines wet. Whether you're an experienced salmon angler or trying it for the first time, we'll work to put you on the fish and create some great memories out on beautiful Folsom Lake.
World-Class King Salmon Fishing on Folsom Lake

Folsom Lake Salmon Action

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Two people fishing for a Chinook Salmon at Granite Bay

Exhilarating fishing success with a huge Chinook salmon

Lone angler fishing in Granite Bay

Jaw-dropping fishing triumph with a hefty Chinook salmon

8 rainbow trout and coho salmon caught at Granite Bay

Electrifying fishing haul of Rainbow trout at Collins Lake!

8 rainbow trout caught in Granite Bay

Magnificent fishing haul of several Rainbow trout ready for cleaning!

Photograph of a pink salmon caught while fishing in CA

Magnificent Chinook salmon ready for cleaning after a successful fishing trip!

Scenic view of Granite Bay

Stunning rockfish caught, temporarily in a bucket on the boat!

Two fishers with their catch at Granite Bay

Breathtaking fishing success with a full bag of Chinook salmon

1 person fishing at Granite Bay

Stimulating fishing reward with a beautiful Chinook salmon

One fishing rod at Granite Bay

Magnificent fishing catch of a Chinook salmon being placed in the bucket!

Fishing at Granite Bay

Awe-inspiring Chinook salmon fillets, fresh from the catch!

Two people fishing for a Chinook Salmon at Granite Bay

Exhilarating fishing success with a huge Chinook salmon

Lone angler fishing in Granite Bay

Jaw-dropping fishing triumph with a hefty Chinook salmon

8 rainbow trout and coho salmon caught at Granite Bay

Electrifying fishing haul of Rainbow trout at Collins Lake!

8 rainbow trout caught in Granite Bay

Magnificent fishing haul of several Rainbow trout ready for cleaning!

Photograph of a pink salmon caught while fishing in CA

Magnificent Chinook salmon ready for cleaning after a successful fishing trip!

Scenic view of Granite Bay

Stunning rockfish caught, temporarily in a bucket on the boat!

Two fishers with their catch at Granite Bay

Breathtaking fishing success with a full bag of Chinook salmon

1 person fishing at Granite Bay

Stimulating fishing reward with a beautiful Chinook salmon

One fishing rod at Granite Bay

Magnificent fishing catch of a Chinook salmon being placed in the bucket!

Fishing at Granite Bay

Awe-inspiring Chinook salmon fillets, fresh from the catch!

Two people fishing for a Chinook Salmon at Granite Bay

Exhilarating fishing success with a huge Chinook salmon

Lone angler fishing in Granite Bay

Jaw-dropping fishing triumph with a hefty Chinook salmon

8 rainbow trout and coho salmon caught at Granite Bay

Electrifying fishing haul of Rainbow trout at Collins Lake!

8 rainbow trout caught in Granite Bay

Magnificent fishing haul of several Rainbow trout ready for cleaning!

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Folsom Lake King Salmon: A Hidden Gem

Ready for a real treat? Our Folsom Lake King Salmon trip is where it's at. We're talking six hours of prime fishing action, targeting some of the most sought-after landlocked salmon in Northern California. This ain't your average day on the water - it's a chance to tangle with hard-fighting Kings in a stunning lake setting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and local know-how that'll have you reeling 'em in like a champ.

What's the Deal?

Here's the scoop: we're set up for up to three anglers, but the sweet spot is two. Why? More room to work those rods and really get after it. The base price covers two folks at $500, and if you want to bring along a buddy, it's an extra $250. We keep things simple with light tackle - it's all about finesse and precision out here. No need to lug your gear either; we've got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need. Plus, I'll be right there, sharing tips on reading the water and finding where those Kings are hiding.

Don't forget to grab your local fishing license, a pair of shades, some H2O, and non-spray sunscreen. We've got lunch covered, and if you're looking to sip on something special, just give us a heads up. Oh, and a quick note - deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book.

Trolling for Kings

Alright, let's talk shop. When it comes to nabbing these Folsom Lake Kings, we're all about the troll. We'll be setting up with downriggers, planing our lures at just the right depth where those salmon are cruising. It's a game of patience and precision - we're mimicking their favorite baitfish, usually with flashy spoons or hoochies behind a dodger. The key is finding that perfect speed and depth, and that's where my local expertise comes in handy.

We use light to medium action rods, typically 7 to 9 footers, paired with line counter reels. This setup gives you the sensitivity to feel even the slightest nibble, plus the backbone to haul in a big one when it strikes. Trust me, when a 20-pounder hits, you'll be glad we've got the right gear. And don't worry if you're new to this style - I'll walk you through every step, from setting the drag to playing the fish just right.

Species Spotlight: Chinook Salmon

Let's chat about the star of the show - the Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon. These bad boys are the largest of the Pacific salmon species, and even landlocked in Folsom Lake, they can pack a serious punch. We're talking fish that can easily top 20 pounds, with some lucky anglers landing 30-pounders in recent years.

Folsom Lake's Kings are a unique breed. They're descendants of ocean-run fish that got trapped when the dam was built, adapting to a freshwater lifestyle. This means they're here year-round, but the prime time to target them is typically from late spring through early fall. During the warmer months, they'll be down deep, seeking out cooler water and the schools of baitfish they love to chase.

What makes these fish so exciting? For one, their fight. Hook into a King, and you're in for a battle. They'll make screaming runs, dive deep, and use every trick in the book to shake free. It's a true test of an angler's skills. Plus, there's the eating - Folsom Lake Kings are known for their rich, flavorful meat, often with a nice orange color that'll make your mouth water just looking at it.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folsom Lake isn't just another fishing spot - it's a hidden gem for serious salmon anglers. Unlike some of the more crowded coastal fishing grounds, here you can often have vast stretches of water all to yourself. The lake's diverse structure, from deep channels to submerged islands, creates perfect hunting grounds for Kings throughout the season.

But it's not just about the fish. Folsom Lake is a stunner, surrounded by rolling hills and offering views that'll have you reaching for your camera between casts. On a calm morning, with the sun just peeking over the hills, there's no place I'd rather be. And let's not forget the chance to see some wildlife - from soaring eagles to the occasional deer at the shoreline.

Many of my repeat customers tell me it's the whole package that keeps them coming back. The thrill of the catch, the beauty of the surroundings, and the chance to unplug and really focus on the art of fishing - it's a combo that's hard to beat.

Time to Reel In Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about why this Folsom Lake King Salmon trip is the real deal, but at some point, you've just got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, want to put some premium salmon in the freezer, or just need a day away from the grind, we've got you covered.

Remember, we're talking about a limited-time opportunity here. The Kings aren't always biting, and prime dates fill up fast. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long. Give us a shout, and let's get you out on the water. Who knows? Your next cast could be the one that lands you a Folsom Lake monster. See you on the lake!

Learn more about the animal

Chinook Salmon

# Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Chinook salmon is also known as King Salmon and is the largest of the Salmon species. It is a popular game and commercial fish. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha is similar to its brethren Coho salmon and Rainbow trout. King Salmon has silver sides and blue-green back. It has black spots on the head, back, tail, and all the fins. It also has a black mouth and gums. Wild salmon are well known for their hard fighting ability and excellent table fare. ## Chinook Salmon Size and Weight Chinook salmon is a large fish and it can grow from 12 to 39 inches and weighs around 7 to 15 pounds. But depending on the habitat, weight can exceed 20 - 30 pounds. ## Chinook Salmon Interesting Facts • They can live up to 7 years. • This specie is anadromous. They migrate to Seawater and later return to spawn in freshwater. • Oncorhynchus tshawytscha die soon after spawning. • King salmon have reddish-pink or orange meat. • Males are more colored than females and have a distinguished nose and upper jaw. • Chinook salmon leaves a water body if the habitat starts degrading, making it a good indicator of the water conditions. ## Chinook Salmon Habitat Young Chinook salmon can be found in freshwater and estuaries. Adults move into the open Ocean for better nutrition and food. The fish can also be found in cold streams, especially in hiding places such as tree roots. Snow melting into lakes and streams also helps their environment. ## Chinook Salmon Spawning Chinook salmon are ready to spawn from 2 to 7 years of age. Female makes redds or gravely nests and lays the eggs. Depending on spawning time and temperature, hatching takes place in early spring or late winter. ## Chinook Salmon Food Young Chinook salmons feed on plankton, insects, small fish, and invertebrates. Adult Salmon in Ocean also enjoy many organisms such as sand lance, pilchards, squids, herrings, and crustaceans. ## Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook salmon is sensitive to light so they stay at water bottom mostly. So, anglers should use weighted baits. The best time for fishing them is early morning or in the evening. Ship Creek in Anchorage, Alaska, and Lake Oahe in South Dakota are among the top spots to fish them. • Fly fishing King salmon is very exciting, but keep in mind to not swing too far and keep the fly swimming in water. • When Salmon fishing in lakes, down-rigging and trolling works best. • Anglers can also still fish in deep water using a herring. • Trolling is also an effective method using plugs, spoons, live or dead bait. ## Chinook Salmon Baits and Lures Fly Fishing: when selecting flies for king salmon, most of the time exact fly pattern is not overly important. However, depending on a bunch of variables (light, water levels, location, etc.) fly color can make a big difference. Some examples include rhea tube intruders, bunny leeches, marabou tubes, shanked intruders, minnows. On a bright day lean towards bright color combos like chartreuse/blue or pink/orange, and for cloudy/dark days blue/black and purple/black color combos. Other Fishing: Use of plugs, spoons, trolling flies, live or dead bait, sand shrimps ## Chinook Salmon Distribution Chinook can be found in the colder water of the Pacific Ocean from the coast of Alaska, Western Canada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington State, and Northern California. It has been introduced in Great Lakes of United States and can also be found in Japan and Russia.

Chinook Salmon

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Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Honda

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Ready for some King Salmon action on Folsom Lake? This six-hour fishing trip is perfect for anglers looking to reel in some big catches. You'll be using light tackle to target Landlocked King Salmon, giving you better control and precision as you cast your line. Your experienced guide will provide all the gear you need and share tips on finding the most active spots on the lake. The trip is ideal for two people, but can accommodate up to three if you want to bring an extra friend along. Your guide will make sure everyone gets plenty of chances to land a trophy fish. Don't forget to pack your fishing license, sunglasses, water, and sunscreen. Lunch is included to keep you fueled up, and we can arrange other drinks if you let us know in advance. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to salmon fishing, you'll enjoy a fun day out on the water trying to outsmart these prized fish. Just remember, the deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're ready for an awesome day of fishing before you book!
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