Fishing Season: Summer

Vermilion River - OH

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

53

Orvis Westlake's Tip of the Week

Moving downstream streamers is a great way to cover water to find active fish. On your way back upstream fish and indicator rig to cover water where you found active fish previously.

Directions open in app

Map of Vermilion River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 10/24/24

Save your fishing days for better conditions. Vermillion has not received the rain lately.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/24/24

Stripping streamers at break walls and river mouths is a great option currently. There is not fight equal to a steelhead in open water after a vicious streamer bite.

Local Species Available Summer

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    Smallmouth

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    Carp

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    Panfish

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, Black, olive 8,10,12
May's Full Motion Crayfish orange 6
Conehead Bunny Muddler Black, Olive, White, 4, 6, 8
Hawkins' Hat Trick Black, Olive 2
Clouser Minnow White/Olive, White/Gray 2
Lefty's Deceiver White/Blue, White/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 of Steelhead and Smallmouth 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:

This fishery is based on subsurface activity, and there are no key hatches of note. Baitfish and sculpin patterns are the primary forage to imitate on this river. Crayfish imitations always fish well. Stoneflies, woolly buggers, and egg patterns are great when nymphing.

Best Time to Fish:

morning/evening

Best Stretch:

Lower to middle river access points

Best Access:

Metro Parks