Fishing Season: Fall into winter

Vermilion River - OH

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

57

Orvis Westlake's Tip of the Week

Steelhead season is approaching its end. As water temps rise over the day steelhead will move up to faster water. Enjoy this last window.

Directions open in app

Map of Vermilion River

Water Flow Data

5-Day Outlook as of 4/16/24

The river is blown out and it will be 2-4 days until it recovers and is fishable again. When it recovers and returns to fishable levels you should have one last chance at a Steelhead. The season is coming to an end and we should be switching gears for river run Smallies!

Techniques & Tips as of 4/16/24

Stripping baitfish and sculpin patterns is a great way to cover lots of water and target the most aggressive fish. Once you find them, drifting stoneflies, woolly buggers, and egg patterns under an indicator is a good way to break down that same water and catch them all.

Local Species Available Fall into winter

  • Fish Icon

    Steelhead

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
Chain-Reaction Leech orange, pink chartre 8
Conehead Bunny Muddler Black, Olive, White, 4, 6, 8
Trash Can Streamer Black, Olive 2
Princess Nymph Pink 10, 12, 14
Hoh Bo Spey Pink, Purple 2
Clouser Minnow White/Olive, White/Gray 6
Tungsten Nemec Stone Nymph Brown Yellow, Black 4,6,8
AI Intruder Rainbow 2
Foxee Dog Popsicle, Blue 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

Buy Now

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