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Vermilion River

Boat Ramps
8
Access Points
13
Species
29

The Vermilion River is a 67-mile tributary of Lake Erie known for its scenic beauty, flowing north from Bailey Lakes in Ashland County through wooded valleys and gorges before emptying into Lake Erie at the city of Vermilion. Named for its distinctive reddish clay banks and riverbed, the V (as locals call it) features a unique mix of environments - from the flat, slow-moving waters near Lake Erie to the medium-sized trout stream characteristics of its upper sections. Designated as one of Ohio's Scenic and Wild Rivers, the Vermilion offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for steelhead. The river primarily features shale and gravel bottoms and is considered a large river by Northern Ohio standards, with many sections running through remote, heavily wooded areas.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout10,361 fish · YearlingsApr 26, 2024
  • Rainbow Trout12,581 fish · YearlingsApr 26, 2024
  • Rainbow Trout12,004 fish · YearlingsApr 24, 2024
  • Rainbow Trout9,677 fish · YearlingsApr 24, 2024
  • Rainbow Trout5,401 fish · YearlingsApr 22, 2024

Source

Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Vermilion River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Vermillion Rotary Centennial Park

Vermillion Rotary Centennial Park

Access Point
Exchange Park Access

Exchange Park Access

Access Point
South Railroad Street Access

South Railroad Street Access

Access Point
Metro Parks Access

Metro Parks Access

Access Point
Boat Ramp Access

Boat Ramp Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Vermilion River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Ohio licenses and regulations

Ohio Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Ohio Fishing License

Persons under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a fishing license.

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Ohio Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Ohio Stream Access Laws

Ohio does not believe there is a precise definition for navigability, so it is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, the state generally accepts waterways capable of recreational boating, with a history of recreation and with public access. The public is allowed to recreate freely on all navigable waters but streambeds are not publicly owned.

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Take Vermilion River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Vermilion River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Vermilion River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Vermilion River and check the forecast before you go.

Vermilion River near Vermilion OH

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