Folsom Lake is Red Hot: One of the Best Trout Bites in 30 Years | The Fish Sniffer

Folsom Lake is Red Hot: One of the Best Trout Bites in 30 Years

2/14/2026
Developed in paid partnership with Tom Mailey
Folsom Lake is Red Hot: One of the Best Trout Bites in 30 Years

If Folsom was a stove your mom would tell you not to touch it because it’s HOT. One of the best trout bites I’ve ever seen out there in nearly 30 years fishing it. I’m sure you have seen other posts too it’s bonkers, with a mix of small wild rainbow and some bigger hatchery fish. With clients I went 8 for about 13 on Thursday afternoon in 3.5 hours and Friday morning with another client we had at least 22 to the net, with another 8-10 hits or LDRs. 2 small kings mixed in. All fish but 3 were released. Biggest were pushing 18” and they were good fighters! Ps Pink Trout Trix worm toplined either way back on on a sideplaner was #1, followed by the Tui Chub Trigger Minnow, a blue/chrome speedy and a 3” gold/red spoon I can’t remember the name of rn. Fish Thursday all came in front of Granite Bay over the river channel. Today, all out in front of dam. 2.2-2.9 mph. Who knows what this incoming weather will do but hopefully these fish keep cooperating once it’s over because it’s been fantastic

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Tom Mailey

Tom Mailey

Get The Net Fishing Guide Service

Tom Mailey is a Northern California fishing guide with deep Puget Sound roots and more than 30 years of chasing salmon and trout on local waters. He launched Get The Net in 2020 while still working as the "Tom" on the Pat, Tom and Cody Show for 32 years, but he retired from radio in May 2025 to guide full-time on lakes like Folsom, Collins, Amador, and others across NorCal. Fully licensed, bonded, insured, and holding a USCG OUPV certification, he specializes in trout and landlocked salmon trips that suit beginners and experienced anglers alike. Expect hands-on instruction, access to the best spots, and plenty of stories from a lifetime on the water.

Book a trip with Tom, call 916-521-4641

Volume 45 Issue 2 Out Now!

Volume 45 Issue 2 Out Now!