Vermilion River - Illinois River Basin
Location 0 acres
The Vermilion River in east-central Illinois is a tributary of the
Illinois River. It is 112 miles in length and has a drainage area of
approximately 1,330 square miles. Its major tributaries include Long
Point Creek and Rooks Creek.
Recent Stocking History
| 2025 | Smallmouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 10005 |
| 2024 | Smallmouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 10093 |
| 2023 | Smallmouth Bass | Fingerling (1 - 3") | 10755 |
Contact
Description
The major tributaries of the Illinois Basin of the Vermilion River include Long Point Creek and Rooks Creek. The Vermilion River begins as North Fork Vermilion River, which flows northwest for 37 miles and becomes the Vermilion River in central Livingston County. The Vermilion then continues northwest and drains to the Illinois River near Oglesby. This river should not be confused with the Vermilion River in eastern Illinois, which drains to the Wabash River.Fishery History
The Vermillion River is a fisherman's paradise, with numerous eddies, slack pools, overhanging and downed trees, deep holes and rocky shorelines.The Vermilion is a great place to go fly fishing. The most interesting section for fly fishers is the eight-to-eleven-river-mile stretch from the Illinois Route 178 bridge that crosses the river just above Mathiesson State Park, down to the take-out access-point bridge at the Ed Hand Highway, a 1/4-mile south of Route 71.
For a full experience, drop a pole while drifting the river in a raft or canoe. Rafts are available at the Vermilion River Rafting Company located at the Route 178 bridge. You can cast while drifting or stop to wade-and-cast the most promising-looking water.
For those who prefer wading, access by foot, while limited, is available. You can park at the Dells Area section of the Mathiesson State Park and walk half-mile walk to the river. Or if you park at the Vermilion River Area of the Park, it's a half-mile walk downhill through scenic, forested-trails and across bridges. You can then wade upstream and/or down to enjoy some wonderful fishing.