The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir
Portage County, Ohio · 2,650 acres (4.1 sq mi)
51°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir
Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir spreads over 2,650 acres in Portage County, Ohio. Michael J. Kirwan Dam holds it back on the West Branch of the Mahoning River. Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1965 on the West Branch of the Mahoning River, is the centerpiece of West Branch State Park.
From end to end it runs about 5.9 miles with roughly 23 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 980 ft above sea level. Ravenna lies about 3 miles to the west. The closest city is Akron, about 17 miles away.
- Size
- 2,650 acres (4.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 23 miles
- End to end
- About 5.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 980 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Michael J. Kirwan Dam, West Branch of the Mahoning River
- County
- Portage County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Fair
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Ohio, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 51°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Steady over 7 days.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:10 am · sunset 5:06 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir
- Ravennaabout 3 mi west
- South Canalabout 5 mi east
- Windhamabout 5.4 mi northeast
- Craig Beachabout 5.4 mi east
- Akronnearest city, about 17 mi west
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Questions about Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir
What fish are in Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir?
Lakes like Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir?
2,650 acres, with about 23 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir?
Ravenna is about 3 miles west; South Canal is about 5 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir today?
The surface was about 51°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
