Your Perfect Paddle Day at Lake Natoma in Rancho Cordova
Popular Fishing Spots in Rancho Cordova
Lower American River
Fish for salmon, steelhead trout, striped bass, and shad in the Lower American River, which runs directly through Rancho Cordova.
Folsom Lake
Fish for trout, catfish, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, and kokanee salmon at Folsom Lake.
Lake Natoma
Fish for rainbow trout, black bass, bigmouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish along 14 miles of shoreline at Lake Natoma.
Hagan Park Ponds
Nestled across the street from Soil Born Farms, the Hagan Community Park ponds are stocked with catfish and largemouth bass.
Mather Lake
Located next to Mather Golf Course, Mather Lake offers quiet waters with stocked largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill fishing.
Fishing Season Calendar
Location | Open Season | Peak Species & Timing |
| Lower American River | Year-Round | Salmon (Sept–Dec) Steelhead (Jan–March) Shad (May–July) |
Folsom Lake | Year-Round | Bass (March–May, Oct–Nov) Trout (Nov–March) Salmon (June–September) |
Lake Natoma | Year-Round | Rainbow Trout (Oct–April) Bass (March–May, Oct–Nov) |
| Hagan Park Ponds | Year-Round | Catfish & Largemouth Bass (May–Sept) Trout (Nov–Feb) |
| Mather Lake | Year-Round | Bass (March–May, Sept–Oct) Rainbow Trout (Nov–March) Bluegill (March–August) |
Before You Cast a Line
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, section, and bagging limits, water conditions, and low-flow closures from the Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen's Association.
Find bait and tackle shops near Rancho Cordova
- Sportsman's Warehouse, Rancho Cordova
- Fly Fishing Specialties, Citrus Heights
- Fisherman's Warehouse, Sacramento
⚠️ Water Safety ⚠️
Getting out on the river is fun, but it's important to be prepared! Strong currents, cold water, uneven river bottoms, changing water levels, and possible debris can impact your splash session in and around Rancho Cordova. Buckle up and don't forget to wear a life jacket. Kids under 13 MUST wear a life preserver according to local ordinance SCO 13.08.301 (a).
For more water safety rules, regulations, and recommendations, read the Regional Parks Water Guide for Sacramento County.
Make it a Fishing Weekend
Find a comfortable hotel in Rancho Cordova, rest up, and cast another line tomorrow.
