Indiana punches above its weight as a fishing destination. From world-class smallmouth bass on the White River to walleye on Lake Michigan, catfish on the Ohio River, and panfish in hundreds of public reservoirs, the Hoosier State has water for every angler. Getting a fishing license is straightforward and affordable — here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Fish & Wildlife, updated for 2026 fishing season.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Indiana?
Anyone 18 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Indiana’s public waters.
Exemptions (No License Required)
- Children under 18 — no license or trout stamp needed
- Indiana residents who are legally blind — exempt from license requirement
- Residents age 64 or older — must still buy a license but at deeply discounted rate ($3)
- Active-duty military on leave — special provisions available
- Anglers fishing during Free Fishing Days (see below)
- Fishing on Indiana’s Free Fishing Day events at state properties
Important: Even exempt anglers must follow all catch limits, size limits, and season regulations.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Indiana Fishing License
Step 1: Determine Your Residency Status
Indiana Resident: You must be a bona fide resident of Indiana. A valid Indiana driver’s license or state ID is required for resident pricing.
Non-Resident: Anyone who does not hold Indiana residency.
Step 2: Choose Your License Type
Annual Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $23.00 | $60.00 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp (add-on) | $11.00 | $11.00 |
Short-Term Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| 7-Day Fishing | N/A | $35.00 |
Senior, Veteran, and Special Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Annual Fishing (64+, includes Trout/Salmon) | $3.00 | Indiana residents 64 and older |
| Disabled American Veteran (DAV) Annual | $2.75 | IN residents with qualifying VA disability |
| DAV 10-Year License | $27.50 | IN residents with qualifying VA disability |
| Fish for Free License | Free | IN residents with qualifying disability |
Source: Indiana DNR, current as of March 2026. Licenses valid April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027. Additional tech fees ($1–$3) and credit card processing fees may apply for online/phone purchases.
Senior perk: Indiana’s senior license ($3.00) is one of the best deals in the country — it includes the trout/salmon privilege, so no additional stamp is needed.
Step 3: Add Trout/Salmon Stamp If Needed
If you plan to fish for trout or salmon in Indiana (stocked trout ponds, Lake Michigan tributaries), you need a Trout/Salmon Stamp ($11.00) in addition to your annual fishing license.
Exceptions — stamp already included:
- 1-Day Fishing License (both resident and non-resident)
- Senior Annual Fishing License (64+)
Step 4: Purchase Your License
Option 1: Online (Recommended)
Visit GoOutdoorsIN.com — available 24/7. A $3 tech fee and credit card processing fee apply.
Option 2: Mobile App
The INHuntFish app (or Go Outdoors IN app) lets you buy, store, and display your license digitally.
Option 3: In Person
- Indiana DNR properties and offices
- Authorized retail vendors — Walmart, sporting goods stores, bait shops (~1,000+ locations statewide)
- $1 tech fee applies at DNR properties
Option 4: By Mail
Mail a completed application with payment to Indiana DNR — allow 2–3 weeks for processing.
Step 5: Carry Your License
You must have your fishing license and any stamps on your person while fishing. Conservation officers can request to see them at any time. Digital licenses on the app are accepted.
Indiana’s License Year
Indiana fishing licenses run from April 1 through March 31 of the following year. The 2026 license is valid April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027.
Optional upgrade: For $10.00, you can order a durable hard license card — a weatherproof plastic card mailed to your home.
Indiana Free Fishing Days 2026
Indiana offers several free fishing days each year where residents can fish public waters without a license or trout stamp. Exact 2026 dates are announced by Indiana DNR closer to the events — typically during National Fishing and Boating Week in early June.
Check in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife for official 2026 dates.
During free fishing days:
- No license or trout/salmon stamp required for Indiana residents
- All catch limits, size limits, and seasons remain in effect
- Great opportunity to introduce new anglers to the sport
Where to Fish in Indiana
Top Lakes and Reservoirs
| Water | Location | Key Species |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Michigan (IN shoreline) | Northwest IN | Chinook salmon, steelhead, perch, coho |
| Patoka Lake | Southern IN | Largemouth bass, crappie, walleye |
| Monroe Lake | South-Central IN | Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish |
| Brookville Lake | Southeast IN | Walleye, crappie, largemouth bass |
| Mississinewa Lake | Central IN | Channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass |
Rivers
- White River: Exceptional smallmouth bass, channel catfish
- Wabash River: Catfish, sauger, white bass — reciprocal license with Illinois
- Ohio River: Catfish, hybrid striped bass — reciprocal with Kentucky
- Tippecanoe River: Smallmouth bass, rock bass
- Muscatatuck River: Redear sunfish, largemouth bass
Trout Fishing
Indiana stocks rainbow trout in select urban and rural ponds from fall through spring. Popular locations include:
- Eagle Creek Park (Indianapolis)
- Starve Hollow Lake (Jackson County)
- Brookville Lake tailwater
- Various state park ponds
Trout/Salmon Stamp required ($11.00) for these waters unless you have a senior or 1-day license.
Border Water Fishing Rules
| Border Water | States Accepted |
|---|---|
| Ohio River | Indiana, Kentucky |
| Wabash River | Indiana, Illinois |
| Lake Michigan | Indiana (with valid IN license + salmon stamp for salmon/trout) |
A valid license from either bordering state covers the Ohio River and Wabash River.
Indiana Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Largemouth bass daily limit | 5 fish (14″ minimum on some waters) |
| Smallmouth bass daily limit | 5 fish |
| Walleye daily limit | 4 fish |
| Channel catfish daily limit | 10 fish |
| Bluegill/sunfish daily limit | 25 fish |
| Crappie daily limit | 25 fish |
| Trout (stocked) daily limit | 5 fish |
| Yellow perch (Lake Michigan) | 25 fish |
| Lines allowed | 2 rods |
Penalties for Fishing Without a License
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Fishing without a valid license | Class C infraction — fine up to $500 |
| Fishing without trout stamp in trout waters | Additional citation |
| Exceeding bag/size limits | Class C infraction — fine + potential license suspension |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Indiana fishing license?
Residents pay $23.00 per year. Non-residents pay $60.00. A 1-day license costs $10.00 (resident) or $15.00 (non-resident) and includes the trout/salmon privilege.
Do seniors get a discount on Indiana fishing licenses?
Yes — one of the best deals in the country. Indiana residents 64 and older pay just $3.00 for an annual fishing license that includes the trout/salmon privilege. No additional stamp needed.
Do I need a trout stamp in Indiana?
Yes, if you’re fishing for trout or salmon and you have a standard annual license ($11.00 add-on). Exceptions: the 1-day license and senior license both include the trout/salmon privilege at no extra charge.
When does my Indiana fishing license expire?
All annual Indiana fishing licenses expire March 31 of the following year. The 2026 license expires March 31, 2027.
Can I fish the Ohio River with just an Indiana license?
Yes. Indiana has a reciprocal agreement with Kentucky for the Ohio River. A valid license from either state allows you to fish the entire Ohio River.
Related Resources
Fishing License Reciprocity: State-by-State Guide
How Much Is a Fishing License in Indiana?
Lake Michigan Fishing License: Multi-State Guide
Senior Fishing Privileges: Age-Based Discounts Nationwide
Lifetime Fishing License ROI: When Does It Make Financial Sense?
