Indiana is one of the most affordable Midwest states for fishing, especially for senior anglers — the $3.00 senior license that includes the trout/salmon privilege is one of the best deals in the entire country. For everyone else, the standard annual license runs $23.00 for residents and $60.00 for non-residents.
This guide covers every fee, stamp, and license option for 2026.
Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Fish & Wildlife, updated for 2026 fishing season. Licenses valid April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027.
2026 Indiana Fishing License Fees at a Glance
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 permanent disability |
Optional Upgrades
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Durable Hard License Card | $10.00 |
Source: Indiana DNR, current as of March 2026. Additional tech fees ($1–$3) and credit card processing fees may apply for online/phone purchases.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Resident Bass/Panfish Angler (No Trout)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $23.00 |
| Total | $23.00 |
Resident Trout Angler
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $23.00 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp | $11.00 |
| Total | $34.00 |
Senior Resident (64+) — Best Deal
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Senior Annual Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) | $3.00 |
| Total | $3.00 |
No additional stamp needed. This is one of the best senior fishing deals in the nation.
Non-Resident Weekend Trip (1-Day)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) | $15.00 |
| Total | $15.00 |
Non-Resident Week-Long Trip
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 7-Day Fishing License | $35.00 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp (if needed) | $11.00 |
| Total | $46.00 |
How Indiana Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Resident Annual | Non-Resident Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $23.00 | $60.00 |
| Ohio | $25.00 | $56.00 |
| Illinois | $15.00 | $31.50 |
| Kentucky | $23.00 | $55.00 |
| Michigan | $26.00 | $76.00 |
Indiana is competitively priced for resident anglers, though its non-resident annual fee ($60) is higher than some neighbors.
Understanding Indiana’s Trout/Salmon Stamp
The Trout/Salmon Stamp ($11.00) is required for any angler targeting trout or salmon in Indiana — including Lake Michigan tributaries and stocked trout ponds.
Who needs it:
- Annual license holders fishing for trout/salmon
Who doesn’t need it (already included):
- 1-Day license holders (trout/salmon included in the $10/$15 fee)
- Senior license holders (64+) — trout/salmon included in the $3 fee
- Children under 18 — no license or stamp required
Where Trout Are Stocked in Indiana
Indiana DNR stocks rainbow trout in select locations from fall through spring:
- Eagle Creek Park (Indianapolis)
- Starve Hollow Lake (Jackson County)
- Brookville Lake tailwater
- Various state park ponds and urban fishing sites
Who Fishes Free in Indiana?
| Group | License | Trout Stamp |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 18 | ❌ Free | ❌ Free |
| Residents with permanent qualifying disability | ❌ Free | ❌ Free |
| Senior 64+ (resident) | ✅ $3.00 (includes trout) | Included |
| DAV (resident) | ✅ $2.75 | ✅ $11.00 |
| Free fishing day participants | ❌ Free | ❌ Free |
Indiana’s License Year
Indiana licenses run April 1 – March 31. The 2026 license is valid April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
Where to Buy
Online (24/7)
Visit GoOutdoorsIN.com. A $3 tech fee and credit card processing fee apply.
Mobile App
INHuntFish / Go Outdoors IN app (iOS/Android).
In Person
- Indiana DNR offices and properties ($1 tech fee)
- Authorized retailers — Walmart, sporting goods stores, bait shops (1,000+ locations)
By Mail
Mail completed application with payment to Indiana DNR — allow 2–3 weeks.
Border Water Savings
| Border Water | Accepted Licenses |
|---|---|
| Ohio River | Indiana, Kentucky |
| Wabash River | Indiana, Illinois |
| Lake Michigan | Indiana (valid IN license required) |
A valid license from either bordering state covers the Ohio River and Wabash River.
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.
How much is the senior fishing license in Indiana?
Just $3.00 for Indiana residents 64 and older. It includes the trout/salmon privilege — no additional stamp needed. This is one of the best senior deals in the country.
Do I need a trout stamp in Indiana?
Yes, if you hold a standard annual license and plan to fish for trout or salmon ($11.00). The 1-day license and senior license both include the trout/salmon privilege at no extra cost.
When does my Indiana fishing license 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 and Kentucky have a reciprocal agreement for the Ohio River. A valid license from either state works.
Related Resources
Fishing License Reciprocity: State-by-State Guide
How to Get 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?
