 Lake Vesuvius
This small lake of 143 acres in Southeast Ohio’s Lawrence County recently was reopened to boating and fishing recreation following a rehabilitation project by the U.S Forest Service, which manages the recreation area, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Map
Lake Vesuvius is among a small number of Ohio lakes that restrict boaters to the use of electric motors only, thus making it very attractive to paddlers and rowers. The lake and its 8 miles of shoreline has one launch ramp. Canoe and paddle rentals are available at the launch ramp.
Located in the Storms Creek Valley, Lake Vesuvius once served as a concentrated area for more than 60 iron furnaces operating here between the 1830s and 1860s. Long after the furnaces disappeared, the lake was developed through construction of the Vesuvius Dam in the 1930s.
Today’s Vesuvius Lake is improved and offers better fishing along with a quality boating experience for those who enjoy solitude and distance from more crowded recreation areas. The lake was drained in 2001 to allow for repairs and other improvements, then allowed to refill in 2004.
ODNR stocked the lake with 14,000 largemouth bass, 43,000 bluegills and 1,000 rainbow trout. Additional releases will help ensure good fishing opportunities remain to be enjoyed on the lake. Boaters and anglers are advised to review the state fishing rules before visiting the lake or other waterway of their choice.
Lake Vesuvius is located 11 miles north of Ironton, 14 miles from Ashland, Kentucky, 29 miles from Huntington, West Virginia and 105 miles southeast of Columbus. Its location also is in proximity to other boating opportunities along the Ohio River and elsewhere across southeast Ohio.
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