Vermilion River - Wabash River Basin

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The Vermilion River in eastern Illinois is a tributary of the Wabash River. Within Illinois, the Vermilion River has a length of 95 miles and a drainage area of approximately 1,300 square miles. Its major tributaries include Salt Fork Vermilion River and North Fork Vermilion River.

Contact

Lubinski, Ben
IDNR Fisheries Biologist
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618-785-2555

Description

The major tributaries of the Wabash Basin of the Vermilion River include Salt Fork Vermilion River and North Fork Vermilion River. The Vermilion River originates in Ford County as Big Four Ditch, which becomes the Middle Fork Vermilion River. Beginning at the confluence of the Middle Fork and the Salt Fork, the river is referred to as the Vermilion. With the additional drainage of the North Fork near Danville, the Vermilion flows southeast until it enters the Wabash River in Indiana. This river should not be confused with the Vermilion River in east-central Illinois, which drains to the Illinois River.

Middle Fork State and Wildlife Area: The Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area is located 6 miles north of the Interstate 74 exit at Oakwood in Vermilion County. It got its name from the Middle Fork branch of the Vermilion River, which flows between Kennekuk Cove County Park and Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area. The Middle Fork River passes out of the Middle Fork Wildlife Area into Kickapoo State Recreation Area about 10 miles downstream. At Kickapoo you can enjoy family camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, mountain biking and rent a horse for a short trail ride.

Fishery History

The Middle Fork River offers the angler opportunities for such species as Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, sunfish, crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye and bullhead. Access to the river is by footpaths at Kinney's Ford, Higginsville Bridge and Bunker Hill.