The Vermillion River flows through Dakota, Goodhue, and Scott Counties in Minnesota, establishing itself as the largest stream in Dakota County and the only Blue Ribbon trout water within a major metropolitan area in the entire country. The river originates near Elko and travels eastward across much of the central portion of Dakota County until it discharges into the Mississippi River downstream of Hastings. The designated trout stream portion extends from just above Cedar Avenue (at Highview Avenue in Lakeville) downstream to just east of the Highway 52 bridge. This system supports a self-sustaining population of brown trout, with individual fish exceeding 5 pounds regularly reported and trophy specimens reaching up to 30 inches in length. Beyond trout, the watershed also supports northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, sunfish, catfish, and various panfish species. The river has undergone significant restoration efforts since the 1960s when it was largely unfit for fish, transforming it into a premier metropolitan fishery.