Lake Natoma Fishing Overview

Water Description

Located in the Sacramento area, Lake Natoma is a notable spot for fishing, particularly for catching big rainbow trout. As an afterbay of Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma regularly produces some of the largest rainbow trout in the state. The thriving population of rainbow trout in the lake benefits from the abundance of pond smelt and other feed channeled in by the hydro-electric turbines of Folsom Dam. The Department of Fish and Game ensures regular stocking, and the lake is home to large resident trout which prey on the newly stocked ones. While Lake...

Located in the Sacramento area, Lake Natoma is a notable spot for fishing, particularly for catching big rainbow trout. As an afterbay of Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma regularly produces some of the largest rainbow trout in the state.

The thriving population of rainbow trout in the lake benefits from the abundance of pond smelt and other feed channeled in by the hydro-electric turbines of Folsom Dam. The Department of Fish and Game ensures regular stocking, and the lake is home to large resident trout which prey on the newly stocked ones. While Lake Natoma has a sizable trout population, it also presents reasonable bass fishing in the summer. But for those keen on bass and other warm-water species, Folsom Lake is typically the preferred destination.

While boating is welcome on Lake Natoma, be aware of the enforced 5 mph speed limit. Waterskiing isn't allowed, and motors are restricted from use in the lake's lower half.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Common Carp
Boating / Access:
5mph speed limit. Ideal for non-motorized boats.
Geography:
Surface Area: 500 acres
Surface Elevation: 128 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Bass, Catfish, Carp

Natoma has always been a tricky fishery, but anglers this summer are finding some quality bass, both largemouth and smallmouth, with the occasional spot. Roboworms either on a drop shot, jig head, or t-rigged have been getting bit most consistently. There's not a huge reaction lure bite to report. The northern end near Rainbow Bridge is producing...

Natoma has always been a tricky fishery, but anglers this summer are finding some quality bass, both largemouth and smallmouth, with the occasional spot. Roboworms either on a drop shot, jig head, or t-rigged have been getting bit most consistently. There's not a huge reaction lure bite to report. The northern end near Rainbow Bridge is producing more smallmouth and spotted bass, while the south end has more largemouth.

A few anglers are reporting big catfish, also from the northern end of the lake, on prawns and chicken liver. Pikeminnow, Sac suckers, and carp are being caught at random as well. Usually, it's best to remove these fish to improve the health of the American River system.

4 anglers found this report useful

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