Sonoma Lake

Sonoma Lake was finished by the Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1980's. A lot of native vegatation was left intact to provide structure for both native and newly introduced non-native species of fish.

Sonoma Lake provides irrigation for the Alexander Valley and helps to augment the Russian River drinking water for most of Sonoma County.

Sonoma Lake lies west of Hwy. 101 in Sonoma County. Notable features include the Sonoma Lake Dam over Dry Creek, a marina, a large bridge, a big boat launch, and the Visitors Center & Fish Hatchery where trout are hatched to replentish fish in Sonoma County rivers and lakes. The Hatchery is open after noon from Wednesday thru Friday.

There are many picnic areas below the dam and several scenic hiking trails around the lake.