West Branch Reservoir (Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir)
West Branch Reservoir, formally Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir, is a 2,650-acre Army Corps of Engineers impoundment in West Branch State Park east of Ravenna. It opened to the public in 1966 and has about 40 miles of shoreline.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Muskellunge
Trophy-class muskie are noted by ODNR; tiger muskies are also stocked.
Walleye
Popular target on points and rock in spring and fall.
Largemouth Bass
Fish coves, docks and weed cover.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky banks and riprap.
Crappie
Brush and marina docks in spring.
Yellow Perch
Schools over deeper structure.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- 1East Boat RampPublicPaved two-lane ramp (Gilbert Road end).Directions ↗
- 2West Boat RampPublicPaved two-lane ramp near the west marina.Directions ↗
- 3Camp RampPublicPaved two-lane ramp near the campground.Directions ↗
- Rock Spring Road RampPublicGravel ramp by the Rock Spring Road causeway.Directions ↗
- 5Knapp Road RampPublicPrimitive gravel ramp.Directions ↗
- More public accessPublicSee ODNR or the lake manager's website for all ramps and feesDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Special rules for this lake, confirmed from official state regulations. Minimum size and daily limit.
| Species | Min size | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye Walleye, saugeye and sauger combined | 15 in | 6 / day |
Other species in this lake: look up the limits at Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Ron's West Branch Bait & TackleNearby5353 State Route 14, Ravenna, OH 44266330-297-9901Directions ↗
- West Branch MarinaNearbyWest Branch State Park, Ravenna, OH330-296-9209Directions ↗
Local tips
- A 300-foot no-wake zone applies along all shorelines.
- Additional restrictions apply west of the Rock Spring Road causeway.
- An accessible fishing pier is near the marina.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches; blue pins are bait shops nearby.
More Ohio lakes
Seneca Lake Alum Creek Lake Buckeye Lake Salt Fork Lake Hoover Reservoir Caesar Creek Lake Tappan Lake Piedmont Lake All Ohio lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.