General Information

The North Fork of Pound River is a part of the upper reaches of the Big Sandy system.  On its way to the Ohio River, the waters from North Fork flow northeast and meet the South Fork River to form the Pound River.  The Pound River then flows into the Russell Fork River near Haysi, Virginia.  The Russell Fork cuts through the Allegheny Mountain range to join the Levisa Fork then meets the Tug Fork at Louisa and forms the Big Sandy River.   

Historical Info

Construction began in 1963 by the US Army Corps of Engineers under the Flood Control Act of 1960. The rock fill dam was completed in 1966 at a cost of $6.2 million. The dam is 122 feet high and 600 feet long. Water releases from the dam are controlled by three gates (3 feet wide, 6 feet high) located in the intake structure. Lake elevation is maintained at 1611 feet above sea level. During the fall the lake elevation is lowered 10 feet to hold water from fall and spring runoff. The lake covers 154 surface acres and includes 13.5 miles of wooded shoreline. The U.S. Forest Service obtained ownership of the lands surrounding the lake in 1983.

Recreation

Boating

Boating North Fork of Pound has boat ramps at the Pound and Wise landings.  These boat ramps are maintained by the US Forest Service. 

Camping

There are campgrounds and picnic areas surrounding the lake at Canepatch, Phillips Creek, Hopkins Branch, and Laurel Fork.  These campgrounds are maintained by US Forest Service.

Fishing

Bass are the most popular sport fish at North Fork but bluegill, walleye, catfish, crappie and muskies have also been sought after.

Marina

There is no Marina at North Fork of Pound Lake 

Picnicking

There are campgrounds and picnic areas surrounding the lake at Canepatch, Phillips Creek, Hopkins Branch, Laurel Fork and Bee Bottom.

Swimming

There are no designated swimming areas at North Fork of Pound Lake.  Swimming is permitted at your own risk.

Visitor Center

Follow Route 630 for a mile to the Project Office.