Location:
The Vermillion River is the largest stream in Dakota County. It starts near Elko, travels eastward across much of the central portion of the county until it discharges into the Mississippi River downstream of Hastings. The trout stream portion of the river starts just above Cedar Ave. and ends just downstream of Highway 52 bridge.
Species Present:
Brown Trout: average abundance, a wide variety of sizes are present, including some trophy size fish.
Rainbow Trout: average abundance, average size (stocked each year).
Accessibility:
There is public access to the river within Rambling River Park operated by the City of Farmington.
Additional access is available at (1) Miles parcel of the Vermillion River A.M.A. located on the north side of 200th Street (Cty Rd 66) midway between Biscayne Ave. and Blaine Ave. (2)At the Kamen unit of Vermillion Highlands W.M.A. located west of Blaine Ave. just north of 200th street (Co. Rd. 66). (3) At the Otting parcel of Vermillion River A.M.A. There is a parking lot on the north side of 200th Street (Co. Rd. 66) about one half mile west of U.S. 52. (4)At the Kummer unit of the Vermillion River A.M.A. There is a parking lot on the north side of 200th Street (Co. Rd. 66)about one half mile east of U.S. 52.
There is access to the South Fork of the Vermillion River at the Kasel Unit of the Vermillion River A.M.A. This parcel is located just west of U.S. 52 on the south side of 200th St. (Co. Rd. 66) where the stream crosses under 200th Street. Be aware that the property north of 200th Street is private property. You must obtain permission of the property owner to cross the land in this area, do not trespass on private property.
Special Regulations
From the falls in the City of Hastings upstream, including all tributaries to their source (Dakota County).
Brown Trout: Catch-and-release only. Rainbow Trout: Regular statewide regulations apply.
From January 1 through the Friday before the trout opener and again September 15 to October 15, angling for Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout is allowed, but catch-and-release only (all trout must be immediately released).
See the current year fishing regulations to determine harvest season opener for trout.
Management Plans:
- Stock 5,000 Rainbow Trout yearlings annually.
- Re-survey/population assessments in 2023 and 2026.
- Coordinate with the regional fisheries stream habitat specialist to develop and complete stream improvement projects that will increase or improve the quality or quantity of trout fishing provided.
Comments:
This stream has a good population of Brown Trout. Individual trout exceeding 5 pounds have been reported from this stream. Rainbow Trout are stocked annually to provide additional angling opportunities.