Putah Creek Wildlife Area
Putah Creek Wildlife Area is 673 acres of gently sloping to steep hillsides of cottonwood riparian, blue oak woodland and chamise chaparral natural communities. Just a few of the species supported by these habitats include California towhee, Bullock's oriole and black-headed grosbeak. This area is just downstream of the Monticello dam, where Cold Creek enters Putah Creek, and includes Stebbins' Cold Canyon Reserve.
The area was burned in the summer of 2020 during the LNU Complex fire and in 2015 during the Wragg fire. These ecosystems are fire adapted but keeping to established trails will hasten recovery.
Recreational Opportunities include fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching and hunting.
Good Water Fly Fishing offers private half day walk & wade trips at Putah Creek for those who are not familiar with the area or are new to fly fishing.
Access: Highway 128 to just east of the Monticello dam. Watch for parking on the west side of road but use caution as this parking occurs on a sharp turn in the road. Trailhead is south of the parking area, across Highway 128.
Hunting: Deer, wild pig, tree squirrel, rabbit, wild turkey, California quail and dove may be present. Wildlife Area is closed between January 31 and opening of deer season.
NOTE: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of Department lands. Please refer to the Public Uses on State and Federal Lands section of the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations. A searchable Property-specific regulations table is also available online.
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