Michael J Kirwan Reservoir

Michael J Kirwan Reservoir

Size
2,612ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
No
Species in Michael J Kirwan Reservoir
Walleye
Walleye
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Bluegill
Bluegill
Pumpkinseed
Pumpkinseed
Muskellunge
Muskellunge
Blue catfish
Blue catfish
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Perch
Perch
Crappie
Crappie
Northern pike
Northern pike
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
White bass
White bass

Overview

Rated as the best muskie water in the state. Many fish, including a possible state record. Lots of bass in the 12-to 6-inch range. Excellent launching and public use facilities.

Michael J Kirwan Reservoir Map

Fishing Regulations

Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.

Special Species Regulations

  • Sauger: In the West Branch Reservoir, for Sauger larger than 15 inches, daily limit = 6
  • Saugeye: In the West Branch Reservoir, for Saugeye larger than 15 inches, daily limit = 6
  • Walleye: In the West Branch Reservoir, for Walleye larger than 15 inches, daily limit = 6

Features

West Branch Reservoir (Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir) provides flood control for the Mahoning River Valley and the Beaver and upper Ohio rivers. The reservoir and the surrounding lands are leased by the Army Corps of Engineers to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as West Branch State Park. This popular reservoir is used extensively by boaters and fishermen. The larger creek arms, marina, access points, swimming beach and all water west of the Rock Spring Road Causeway are posed as no-wake areas.

Forage

Gizzard shad are abundant. Minnow species include log perch, johnny darter, common shiner and bluntnose minnow. White sucker, redhorse and yellow perch are also important.

Seasonal Movements

None.

Weather

Current Weather Icon
66°Feels like 66°
High Temperature79°
Low Temperature54°
Sunrise
6:22 AM
Sunset
8:39 PM
Wind Direction
2 mph
North
Precipitation
0 in
Rain
Pressure
29.82 inHg
Stable
Partly Cloudy
MondayMo
79° / 54°
Sunny
TuesdayTu
84° / 61°
Partly Cloudy with Scattered Showers and Chance of Storms
WednesdayWe
87° / 64°
Partly Cloudy with Chance of Storms
ThursdayTh
85° / 65°
Partly Cloudy with Light Showers and Chance of Storms
FridayFr
83° / 66°
Partly Cloudy with Scattered Showers and Isolated Storms
SaturdaySa
85° / 66°

Moon Phase

waning gibbous
August 03, 2026
77% Illumination
waning gibbous, getting dimmer
Moon Rise and Set
Moon Rise 10:54 PM
Moon Set 11:34 AM
Moon Overhead Underfoot
Overhead 4:56 AM
Underfoot 5:19 PM
waning gibbous
MondayMo08/03
waning gibbous
TuesdayTu08/04
waning gibbous
WednesdayWe08/05
waning crescent
ThursdayTh08/06
waning crescent
FridayFr08/07
waning crescent
SaturdaySa08/08
waning crescent
SundaySu08/09
Waterbody poster background

Get Your Line in the Right Water

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Top Fish Species

Walleye
Walleye
17-27 in
Length Range
22 in
Length Range
2020
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths