Best Fishing Spots in Rancho Cordova

Nothing beats a day on the water. Grab your gear and head out to Rancho Cordova's sparkling rivers and reservoirs to catch striped bass, Chinook salmon, shad, and steelhead.

Looking for the best fishing holes, lakes, and rivers for hours of outdoor fun? Here's a list of the top fishing spots in Rancho Cordova for beginners and pro anglers alike.

Don't forget to check the weather and water conditions before you head out for a day on the water! Keep scrolling to find the best tips for our region.

Best Fishing Spots

Permits, Conditions, & Bait

More to Do

Weather Forecast

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Where to Cast a Line

The American River

The American River offers miles of great fishing for all types of anglers. You'll find salmon, steelhead, striped bass, and shad in the Lower American River. Looking for rainbow and brown trout? Try the South, Middle, and North Forks.

Looking for even more adventure? The American River is also home to white water rafting experiences.

Folsom National Recreation Area

This park offers more than 19,500 acres and two reservoirs (Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake) to explore and fish. In addition to fishing, you will find picnic areas, campgrounds, and a network of 95 miles of trails to explore.

Lake Natoma
Beautiful Lake Natoma offers 14 miles of shoreline for fishing. Cast for rainbow trout, black bass, big and smallmouth bass, panfish, and more. You can fish from the shoreline, access the fishing platform at Nimbus Flat, or take advantage of boat rentals.
Folsom Lake
Built in 1955, Folsom Lake is a giant reservoir and offers amazing multi-species fishing. Head here if you want to catch trout, catfish, panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, or kokanee salmon.

Hagan Park Pond & Mather Lake

Looking for something a little smaller? Try Hagan Park Pond, 5-acre pond nestled next to Cordova High School, which is stocked with trout. Alternatively, head to Mather Lake next to Mather Golf Course for bass and trout fishing.

Before You Go

Obtain a valid fishing license

You must have a license to fish in Rancho Cordova. To learn more about California regulations and licenses, please visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Check for important season updates

Protect our environment and stay safe! Learn about current catching and bagging limitations, water conditions, and low-flow closures from the Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen's Association.