Vermilion, Lake
Info / Vermilion County
Family Friendly
Yes
Handicap Access
No
Boat Fishing
Yes - Unrestricted
Boat Ramps
Yes
Boat Rentals
No
Camping
No
Picnicking
Yes - More Info
Skiing
Yes
Swimming
No
Trout Stocking
No
Zebra Mussels
Location 900 acres
Fishing Outlook
Bluegill
Very Good
During the most recent fish survey, Bluegill were collected at a rate of 196.5 per hour of electrofishing and the management objective is 175 to 250 Bluegill per hour. The average catch rate for the past six surveys is 124 Bluegill per hour. Approximately 27% of the Bluegill collected were larger than 6 inches. There is no Bluegill regulation on Lake Vermilion.
Largemouth Bass
Very Good
During the most recent fish survey, the catch rate was 94 bass per hour of electrofishing and the management objective is 100 to 125 bass per hour. The size structure of the bass population looks good with 72% being over 12 inches in length and 29% over 15 inches (based on bass collected that were 8 inches and larger). The length limit is 15 inches, and the daily creel limit is 6. Site Regulation: 15" minimum length limit, 6 fish daily limit.
Channel Catfish
Average
During the most recent fish survey, catfish were collected at a rate of only 4 per hour of electrofishing. The average catch rate for the past six surveys is 4.6 per hour. Catfish ranged in size from 7 inches to 17 inches.
White Crappie
Fair
The catch rate for White Crappie during the most recent fish survey was 37 per hour of electrofishing and the management objective is 50 to 75 White Crappie per hour. Based upon crappie 5 inches and longer, 99% were over 8 inches and 69% were longer than 10 inches. Size structure is good, but numbers are low. A new regulation 9-inch minimum length limit was implemented in 2023 to protect smaller White Crappie and increase the density of White Crappie. The crappie regulation is a 9-inch length limit and 15 fish daily harvest limit. Site Regulation: 15 fish daily limit; 9-inch minimum length limit.
Contact
217-442-7561
Description
Lake Vermilion is a water supply lake owned by Aqua Illinois Inc., which has leased the surface rights to the Vermilion County Conservation District (VCCD) to make the lake available to the public for boating and fishing. Lake Vermilion has a maximum depth of 30 feet and an average depth of 12 feet.Site Regulations
Season Pass Decals or a Daily Fee Pass are required for all boats and can be obtained at the concession stand by the boat ramp.
Site-Specific Fishing Regulations:
- All Fish: 2 pole and line fishing only and each pole must not have more than 2 hooks or lures attached while fishing; sport anglers can take carp, carpsuckers, and buffalo by pitchfork, gigs, bow and arrow, or bow and arrow devices north of Boiling Springs Road, but not within 300 feet around the wetland boardwalk; trotline and jug fishing are allowed north of Boiling Springs Road
- Large or Smallmouth Bass: 15 inch Minimum Length Limit; 6 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
- White, Black, or Hybrid Crappie: 9 inch Minimum Length Limit; 15 Fish Daily Harvest Limit
Additional Information
Planning to eat your catch? Fish Consumption Advisory information can be found here: Fish Consumption Advisory PageBath Map
