Fishing Kirwin Reservoir

AKA: Kirwin Lake

Most Popular Fish
Kirwin Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
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Kirwin Reservoir, KS

Popular Fish Species Kirwin Reservoir, KS

Kirwin Reservoir Popular Fish - White Crappie

White Crappie Fishing

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Kirwin Reservoir, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.

Walleye Fishing

Kirwin Reservoir is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Kirwin Reservoir Popular Fish - Bluegill

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Kirwin Reservoir. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass and hybrid striped bass at Kirwin Reservoir in Kansas.

Kirwin Reservoir Fishing Video

There are somewhat limited amenities at Kirwin Reservoir, but there is camping, RV hookups and boat ramps to make boating and fishing easy at this 5,000-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, at the town of Kirwin.

Kirwin Reservoir, located in north-central Kansas, is a popular fishing destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse fish populations. The reservoir offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities, making it a favorite spot for both local and visiting anglers.

Largemouth bass is one of the primary targets for anglers at Kirwin Reservoir. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky points, and fallen trees, provides excellent habitat for largemouth bass. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, such as casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures, to entice these hard-fighting fish into biting. Kirwin Reservoir's favorable habitat and healthy bass population make it a favorite among bass anglers.

Walleye is another prized fish species found in Kirwin Reservoir. Anglers can target walleye by trolling with crankbaits, casting with jigs, or drifting with live bait along the lake's drop-offs, rocky points, or submerged structures. Successful walleye fishing at Kirwin Reservoir often requires knowledge of the lake's structure and the use of techniques that appeal to these predator fish. Catching a walleye at Kirwin Reservoir can be a thrilling experience for any angler.

Hybrid stripers, a cross between striped bass and white bass, are also abundant in Kirwin Reservoir. These hard-fighting fish provide anglers with an exciting challenge and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized specimens. Trolling with crankbaits, casting with swimbaits, or vertically jigging can entice hybrid stripers to bite. Anglers targeting these fish can enjoy the thrill of reeling in these powerful predators.

Kirwin Reservoir is home to a healthy population of channel catfish, providing anglers with excellent opportunities for catfishing. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as cut bait, stink bait, or live bait. Fishing near the lake's deeper areas, including channels and drop-offs, can increase the chances of landing a catfish. Kirwin Reservoir's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, making it a favorite destination for catfish enthusiasts.

White bass and white crappie are additional popular species found in Kirwin Reservoir. White bass can be caught by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, particularly during their spring spawning runs. White crappie can be targeted by vertical jigging near submerged structures or brush piles. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching these panfish species while appreciating the scenic surroundings of the reservoir.

More than 35 miles of shoreline await fishing enthusiasts who enjoy fishing from the bank or from a boat. Wrapped by the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, there are no private homes at the lake. Anglers arrive seeking catfish, crappie, walleye, bass and wipers - all of which thrive in good numbers.

Primary fish species residing in Kirwin Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kirwin Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Kirwin Reservoir offers amenities for boating and camping, allowing anglers to make the most of their fishing trips. Anglers can explore the reservoir's waters, navigate with ease, and access various fishing spots. The reservoir's campgrounds and recreational facilities provide convenient options for anglers looking to extend their stay and enjoy the outdoor experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

North Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off E Xavier Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Southeast Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off S Kirwin Lake Road, this is a two-lane, earthen ramp with gravel parking.