Vermillion River Is My Favorite River

[JBMasterAngler]

Last year I fished the vermillion numerous times over the summer and in that time it became my favorite fishing destination. I hit it both from shore and from a canoe. Shorefishing was the best at the catfish slough access, and I did well in the canoe at the access out of hastings. I caught a little bit of everything. 4 pound + walleyes, 15 inch crappies, 4 pound largemouths, schools of white bass, an 8 pound pike, 6 to 9 pound dogfish, catfish, sturgeon, carp, and lot's of sheephead. I fished it on hot days and cold days and the river still produced. I'm definitely going back a few times this summer, hopefully the fishing will be just as productive.

[rosspj59]

Sounds like fun. The best part is you don't have deal with boat traffic.

[youngie22]

not always true about lite boat traffic. I have seen many busy days. can be limited room at boat access. and it is a very small water way.

[JBMasterAngler]

I fish it with a canoe so the traffic doesn't bother me. At the hasting access I go all the way up to the backwater dam at the mississippi, other boats can't go up that far. It's tough sometimes though, I've broken many sheer pins over the years on the vermillion.

[river rat316]

Jeez you guys must love company

[troutman]

Quote:

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Jeez you guys must love company

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They must be the lonely boys.

I expect we'll see an invitation to dinner next.

[warmwaterflyfisher]

Never thought of fishing that river... I made the change from trout to warm water fly fishing last year. How would this river be for fly fisherman? Could a guy get a john boat up it? Any landings or access points I could get advice on? Thanks

[JBMasterAngler]

I don't know anything about fly fishing...the river is VERY dirty in any conditions so the fish don't rely on site at all in that river. But if your out on the river you'll see crappies and white bass chasing minnows on the surface everywhere! I'm assuming your an experienced fly fisherman so you probably know how to catch them in situations like that. They'd put up a good fight on a fly rod I'd imagine. The best surface feeding is at the access just upstream from where it dumps into the mississippi, it's called "catfish slough". If your driving south towards red wing on hwy 61 the turn off is right before you cross the cannon river, there is a public access sign. It's nice and secluded back there. Lot's of action on the surface, I use big silver spinners.

[fdr01]

i saw a story on mn bound on trout in the vermillion and i guess it is a great trout river just way up stream above the falls.cant really remember exactly where but bel jensen from kare 11 was catchin some nice browns.good luck,fdr

[FishinCT]

I fished it for trout west of hwy 52 last summer. Its all catch and release in the designated trout stream portion, you'll see signs at all the road crossings. Very clear water for the most part. Had a hit from a 4 lb+ brownie and a rainbow. Didn't land either but it looks like good water.

[youngie22]

This isn't a great river for fly fisherman, but not impossible. The stream above the falls is very tight w/ alot of downfalls. The first 20 mmiles of stream ar catch and release, and have some dandies. But your biggest hassle will be getting permission from landowners, not much public entry points. A light weight kevlar or plastic canoe tub would be the easiest.