Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge - Bluegill Point

**Location & Access:** Bluegill Point is located at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 4 miles west and 1 mile south of Kirwin, Kansas on State Highway 9 (or 11 miles southeast of Phillipsburg). The refuge encompasses 10,778 acres on Kirwin Reservoir, formed on the North Fork Solomon River in the rolling hills of north-central Kansas.

**Boating & Fishing Information:** Motorized boat launching is currently restricted to Scout Cove only. Boating is prohibited from October 1 through April 1 when reservoir elevation drops below 1,722 feet (except at Scout Cove). The refuge prioritizes wildlife habitat management for migratory birds, so boating and fishing are restricted to designated areas south of buoy lines. The North Fork Solomon River is a large stream (Stream Order 6) with an average flow of 113 cubic feet per second and moderate gradient of 6.6 feet/mile. Fishing is permitted year-round for walleye, bass, crappie, catfish, and other species.

**Planning Considerations:** Paddlers and boaters should confirm current water levels and access restrictions before visiting, as seasonal closures and water elevation changes significantly impact where boating is permitted. The refuge's primary purpose is wildlife conservation, so expect limited access areas and regulations designed to protect migratory bird habitat.