Fishing Flannagan Reservoir
AKA: John W Flannagan Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Flannagan Reservoir, VA
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Flannagan Reservoir, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.
Walleye Fishing
Flannagan Reservoir is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing
Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Flannagan Reservoir, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.
Flannagan Reservoir Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, rock bass, yellow perch, hybrid striped bass and muskie at Flannagan Reservoir in Virginia.
Rock bluffs and hardwood forests line about forty miles of shoreline around Flannagan Reservoir, which is a 1,143-acre lake in western VA, at Clinchco. This flood control reservoir is home to bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, perch, sunfish, wipers and musky.
Hybrid stripers and crappie seem to provide the best action here. Two free boat launch ramps and three ramps charging a fee are open to the public. The marina has rental boats and typical marina services. Visitors will find 3 campgrounds at the lake and 2 universally-accessible fishing piers.
Primary fish species residing in Flannagan Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Flannagan Reservoir Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Flannagan Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Marina Cove Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Spillway Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south side, off Spillway Lane, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Flannagan Marina
598 Marina Cove
Clintwood, VA 24228
276 835-8408
Fishing Guides On Flannagan Reservoir
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Virginia Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Pound River Campground - 276 835-9544
Flannagan Reservoir VA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Flannagan Reservoir
Flannagan Marina
598 Marina Cove
Clintwood, Virginia 24228
276 835-8408
Fishing lakes in each state.
022025
Flannagan Reservoir in VA
VIRGINIA
Fishing for hybrid striped bass and crappie in western VA.
