John Flannagan Dam & Reservoir

Authorized by Congress in the Flood Control Act of 1938 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1961, John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir is a part of the Big Sandy flood protection system which also includes:

North Fork of Pound Lake in Virginia
Fishtrap Lake near Pikeville, Kentucky
Dewey Lake near Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Paintsville Lake near Paintsville, Kentucky
The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and supervised construction of the dams, which began in 1960 and was completed by 1964. The Corps of Engineers now operates the Flannagan for the public’s benefit. The Dam provides flood protection and a clean and reliable supply of drinking water for the residents of Dickenson and Buchanan Counties. The lake also provides low-flow augmentation, fish & wildlife enhancement and recreation for the residents of Dickenson County.

The Dam is named after the late Congressman John Williams Flannagan, Jr. who served the people of the Ninth Virginia District from 1931 to 1949. Mr. Flannagan never lost an opportunity to remind his audience that he came from the highland of Southwest Virginia, the mountains he loved so well. The Dam is dedicated in memory of his assistance in creating this flood control project and many others in the Appalachian Highlands Region.

Basic driving directions:
John W. Flannagan Dam & Reservoir is located in the Cumberland Mountains of Dickenson County, Virginia. From route 460, take route 80 into Haysi and follow the signs to the dam. From route 23, take route 83 into Clintwood and turn left onto Main Street, which becomes 607. Turn left onto 614 and then another left onto 739.

List of amenities /features – 3 Campgrounds, Lower Twin, Cranesnest and Pound River. Free Launch Ramps at Spillway Area and Cranesnest, Day Use Launch Ramp at Junction. Picnic Shelters in the Below Dam Recreation Area.