Putah Creek, California, US

Lake Berryessa (Monticello Dam) to Lake Solano (Lower)

Gauge Information

River Description

Lower Putah Creek really is an under-utilized resource. When flows are in the 500-1000 CFS range it is every bit as good as the SFoA, but with a different feel. Lots of wildlife, lots of cool "creekin" scenery, and several spots for playing etc... Too boot this thing pretty much runs year round! It was only at a flow not runnable (300 cfs and below) for a month or so this year so far. I had a friend lined up to do the whole run but he ended up bailing. Due to the high flows I didn't want to risk a solo run so I just did from the bend (on the map called Strainer Danger) to Lake Solano and it was fantastic! I saw no less than 8 river otters, some of them actually were checking me out and not just swimming off like normal. The waterfowl are in full force but from a cool standpoint. Some cool migratory ducks I haven't ever seen local before, tons of cranes, etc... Coulmn Drop is a true drop right now at this flow and is smooth into a nice wave train. Skin Deep isn't all that shallow and there were some changes in the stream flow but still a clear easy channel to get through. Even this short section was fun and has some fun playspots at ~1600 CFS. I


Other Information Sources:
Lower Putah  is Aaron Rough's excellent website about boating this section.