Main public ramp on the reservoir with an ADA-accessible floating fishing platform - one of the best shore-fishing spots in Dickenson County.
Concrete launch into John W. Flannagan Reservoir plus a floating fishing platform that is ADA accessible, so anglers using wheelchairs or with mobility limitations can fish productive open water without a boat. Great spot for evening bass and crappie, and a launch point for trolling for walleye out toward the main lake.
- Species
- Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, catfish
- Access
- Free public access. ADA-accessible floating fishing platform. Restrooms seasonally.
- ADA-accessible
- Boat launch
- Shore fishing
Open in Google Maps →Tailwater fishing directly below John W. Flannagan Dam when the dam is releasing water - cold, oxygenated flow that concentrates fish.
When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opens the dam to let water out, release water travels down the Pound River and enters the Russell Fork near Haysi. The release pushes baitfish through and concentrates fish in the boil and the seams downstream. Conditions and available species vary with season, water temperature and dam operations. Check the release schedule before you go - the bite (and the access) changes completely between low flow and full release.
- Species
- Stocked trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, white bass during release
- Access
- Walk-in from the Below the Dam Recreation Area. Follow posted safety signage during releases.
- Tailwater
- Dam release
- Trout
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Easy-access bank fishing along the Pound River immediately below John W. Flannagan Dam. The Pound River flows downstream and enters the Russell Fork near Haysi.
From the Below the Dam Recreation Area you can walk the bank of the Pound River downstream as it runs toward the Russell Fork near Haysi. Picnic tables, restrooms, and parking make this the most family-friendly fishing access on this stretch. Good for stocked trout in season, smallmouth in summer, and a relaxed afternoon with kids.
- Species
- Stocked trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill
- Access
- Drive-in. Paved parking, picnic shelters, restrooms.
- Family-friendly
- Bank fishing
Open in Google Maps →Bartlick Creek joins its tributaries into the Russell Fork River - classic Appalachian creek-and-river pocket water.
Bartlick Creek drains into the Russell Fork downstream of Haysi. The confluence holds smallmouth, redeye (Coosa-type) bass, and rock bass behind every boulder. Light tackle, in-line spinners, small crankbaits, and tube jigs all produce. Wading is possible at low flow - check water levels first.
- Species
- Smallmouth bass, redeye/rock bass, sunfish, occasional trout
- Access
- Roadside pulloffs along VA-80 / Bartlick area. Wade access at low water.
Open in Google Maps →Legendary deep pool on the Russell Fork near The Breaks Interstate Park - shaded, cold, and full of fish.
Garden Hole is a deep, slow pool on the Russell Fork River near Breaks Interstate Park. It's a destination for smallmouth bass anglers and a beautiful spot for a long day on the water. Combine it with a day-use visit to The Breaks - one of the most dramatic gorges east of the Mississippi.
- Species
- Smallmouth bass, walleye, rock bass, catfish
- Access
- Access via Breaks Interstate Park (day-use fee may apply) and area pulloffs.
Open in Google Maps →Full-service marina on John W. Flannagan Reservoir - rent pontoons and fishing boats, fish the deep main lake.
Mountain View Marina is the place to get on the water if you didn't bring a boat. Pontoons and other fishing boats are available for rent (call ahead and reserve - summer weekends book up). From the marina you can run to deep-water walleye structure, work the steep timbered banks for bass, or just enjoy a calm evening pontoon cruise with rods in the rod holders.
- Species
- Walleye, largemouth & smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
- Access
- Marina, boat rentals, launch ramp, fuel, restrooms. Call ahead for rental availability.
- Boat rentals
- Pontoons
- Main lake
Open in Google Maps →John W. Flannagan Reservoir is a long, deep, mountain impoundment - by boat is where the trophy walleye and big bass live.
On a boat (your own or a Mountain View Marina rental) the reservoir opens up: long timbered points, submerged creek channels, steep rock walls, and protected coves. Spring and fall are prime for walleye trolling and bass pre/post-spawn patterns. Summer pushes fish deep along the dam wall and shaded structure. Idle-only zones near the dam - obey posted signage.
- Species
- Walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill
- Access
- Launch at the Dam Boat Ramp or Mountain View Marina. Boat rentals at Mountain View Marina.
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