Fishing Season: Summer

Vermilion River - OH

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

55

Orvis Westlake's Tip of the Week

Steelhead looks to be about done here. Still plenty of great opportunity in our local tributaries. Smallmouth bass and carp are great late spring and summer opportunities.

Directions open in app

Map of Vermilion River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

5-Day Outlook as of 5/9/21

High and muddy today but should clear back out early this week.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/9/21

Stripping a streamer or fishing a large stonefly under an indicator is your best bet. Focus deeper, slower water and shale drop-offs.

Current Conditions as of 5/9/21

High and muddy today but should clear back out early this week.

Local Species Available Summer

  • Fish Icon

    Smallmouth & Carp

Orvis Westlake's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Flash Zonker White 6,8
Krystal Bugger White, Purple, Black 10, 12
Kauffman's Stone Black 8,10
Cone Head Muddler Minnow White, Black, Brown, 4, 6, 8
May's Full Motion Crayfish Rust 4, 8
Schultzy's S3 Sculpin Olive 2

Bead Head Flash Zonker

When fishing for bass, this pattern fills the need for an all-purpose big fish fly.

2.99

Item #930E

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Orvis Westlake's Recommended Gear

Description: About Vermilion River

The Vermilion River our best Tributary in western Ohio, winds its way through urban areas, rural lanscapes, valleys, and gorges on the way to Lake Erie. The " V" gets excellent returns of Spring run Manistee Strain Steelhead starting in late November. Due to the management efforts of the Ohio Division of Wildlife the Vermilion River has become a solid spring steelhead fishery. The Vermilion River is also classified as one of Ohio's Wild and Scenic Rivers. This river fishes best with flows between 100-250 cfs.

Nearest Airport:

Cleveland Airport, Detriot Metro

Hatches:

Baitfish and sculpins are the primary food source for fish in the river. Stoneflies, eggs, and woolly buggers are a good bet as well.

Best Time to Fish:

Late Afternoon

Best Stretch:

Lower to middle river access points

Best Access:

Metro Parks