Fishing Near Flannagan Lodge

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

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, the spillway turns into one of the most productive tailwater fisheries in Southwest Virginia. The release pushes baitfish through and concentrates trout, walleye, and smallmouth in the boil and the seams downstream. 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

Easy-access bank fishing along the tailwater run that feeds into the Mighty Russell Fork River.

From the Below the Dam Recreation Area you can walk the bank downstream as the tailwater bends and joins the Russell Fork. 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

Bartlick Creek joins its tributaries into the Russell Fork River - classic Appalachian creek-and-river pocket water.

Bartlick is a working-water creek that drains into the Russell Fork below the dam. 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.

• Wading
• Smallmouth

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.

• Smallmouth
• Scenic

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

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 push 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.

• Trolling
• Trophy walleye