Another benefit of this inflow is clearer water. While everything else is muddy, this fresh running water can have much better visibility. Good choices for spring fishing at Folsom include rip baits such as a TD Minnow, Smithwick Suspending Rogue, or Rapala Husky Jerk. These lures can provide bites so forceful that they'll take a rod from your hands if you're not careful. Fish them around staging areas and creeks leading into spawning flats.
Lizards are a popular spring bait and account for many good fish.
Colors like cotton candy, pumpkinseed and watermelon are good choices, with or without a chartreuse tail. Spinner baits and worms will also put fish in the boat. Another lure that can catch good quality fish during pre spawn is a jig. Another jig to try is a one quarter ounce brown jig with black buck tail. Not many fish have seen this combination and it works well.