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
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
Perch
Perch
Crappie
Crappie
Northern pike
Northern pike
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
  • Walleye: In the West Branch Reservoir, for Walleye larger than 15 inches, daily limit = 6
  • Saugeye: In the West Branch Reservoir, for Saugeye 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.
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Fish Species

Blue catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
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
No Survey Data
Bluegill
fish
2-8 in
Length Range
5 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2022
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
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
2022
Oct
2022
Oct
2022
Oct
Channel catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
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
No Survey Data
Crappie
fish
2-8 in
Length Range
5 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2022
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
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
2022
Oct
2022
Oct
2022
Oct
Largemouth bass
fish
7-18 in
Length Range
10 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
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
2024
May
2024
May
Muskellunge
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
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
No Survey Data
Northern pike
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
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
No Survey Data
Perch
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
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
No Survey Data
Pumpkinseed
fish
2-8 in
Length Range
5 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2022
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
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
2022
Oct
2022
Oct
2022
Oct
Smallmouth bass
fish
7-18 in
Length Range
10 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
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
2024
May
2024
May
Striped Bass
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
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
No Survey Data
Walleye
fish
17-27 in
Length Range
22 in
Length Range
2020
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2020
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
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
2017
Nov
2020
Nov
2020
Nov
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized walleye based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202028
White bass
fish
17-27 in
Length Range
22 in
Length Range
2020
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2020
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
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
2017
Nov
2020
Nov
2020
Nov