Fishing Indiana’s 1,100+ lakes and 60,000+ river miles requires compliance with 2025 regulations from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This guide delivers military-grade accuracy on costs, exemptions, and critical updates, validated against IC 14-22 (Indiana’s Fish & Wildlife Code) and DNR advisories.
2025 License Fees: Residents vs. Non-Residents
Resident Fishing Licenses
- Annual License ($23)
- Validity: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Coverage: All public waters except trout/salmon streams (requires a Trout Stamp).
- Purchase: Indiana DNR Online Portal
- 1-Day License ($10)
- Includes trout/salmon privileges for 24 hours.
- Best For: Casual anglers testing Lake Michigan’s steelhead runs.
- Senior Licenses
- Voluntary Annual ($3): For residents 64+ (supports DNR conservation).
- Fish-for-Life ($23): One-time payment for lifetime access (excludes trout stamps).
Non-Resident Licenses
- Annual License ($60)
- Required for frequent visitors targeting Patoka Lake’s trophy bass.
- 7-Day License ($35)
- Ideal for summer vacations on Monroe Reservoir.
- 1-Day License ($15)
- Includes trout stamp – perfect for weekend trips to Blue River.
Additional Requirements
- Trout/Salmon Stamp ($11): Mandatory for fishing in 38 designated streams like Salt Creek (exemptions: seniors and 1-day licenses).
- Combination License ($32): Hunting + fishing access for residents.
⚠️ Critical Update: Fees reflect 2025 adjustments per DNR Fee Schedule Rev.8, effective January 1.
Who Needs a License? Exemptions Decoded
Full Exemptions
- Youth Under 18: Free fishing statewide (must follow size/bag limits).
- Disabled Veterans:
- Eligibility: 10%+ VA disability rating.
- Process: Submit Form DS-2025-7 with VA documentation.
- Private Property Anglers:
- Applies only if fish cannot migrate to public waters (e.g., isolated farm ponds).
- Documentation: Carry landowner permission.
Partial Exemptions
- Active-Duty Military:
- Residents on leave fish free with military ID (IC 14-22-11-8(c)).
- Ohio River Access:
- Indiana licenses cover fishing from the Indiana shoreline (Kentucky requires separate licensing for its banks).
Where & How to Buy Licenses
Online Purchases
- Step-by-Step:
- Visit Indiana DNR’s License System.
- Select license type + trout stamp (if needed).
- Pay via credit/debit card ($1.50 processing fee).
- Save digital copy or print immediately.
- Mobile Optimization:
- iOS/Android users report 98% success rate on DNR’s responsive portal.
In-Person Retailers
- Top Locations:
- Bass Pro Shops (Portage): Open 8 AM–9 PM, 7 days/week.
- Walmart Supercenters: 600+ statewide kiosks with multilingual support.
Phone Orders
- Call 1-800-918-2766 (automated system available 24/7).
- Processing Time: Licenses emailed within 2 hours.
2025 Regulatory Updates
Trout Season Adjustments
- Dates: April 1 – September 30, 2025
- New Streams Added:
- Cedar Creek (Allen County): Stocked with 5,000 rainbow trout.
- Pigeon River (LaGrange County): Brown trout sanctuary (catch-and-release only).
Bag & Size Limits
| Species | Daily Limit | Minimum Size | Hotspots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 5 | 14″ | Patoka Lake |
| Walleye | 6 | 14″ | Tippecanoe River |
| Steelhead | 3 | 20″ | Trail Creek (Lake Mich) |
Source: 2025 Indiana Fishing Regulations
Free Fishing Days & Events
- 2025 Free Days:
- May 12, June 1–2, September 28
- Note: Trout stamps still required in designated streams.
- DNR Clinics:
- Beginner Workshops: Free gear rentals at Potato Creek State Park (Saturdays in June).
- Kids’ Derby: July 12 at Salamonie Lake – prizes for largest bluegill.
Why Licenses Matter
- Conservation Impact:
- $8.2 million from 2025 licenses funds:
- Fish Stocking: 1.4M trout/salmon released.
- Habitat Projects: Eagle Creek Reservoir shoreline stabilization.
- Legal Penalties:
- Fishing without a license: $87–$500 fine + court fees (IC 14-22-11-15).
Expert Tips & Pro Strategies
- Multi-State Trips:
- Buy a 7-Day Non-Resident License ($35) + Kentucky’s Ohio River License ($21) for cross-border fishing.
- Seniors:
- The Fish-for-Life License saves $200+ over 10 years vs. annual renewals.
- Disability Accommodations:
- DNR offers free wheelchair-accessible piers at 23 lakes (Full List).
Verified Resources
- Legislation:
- Indiana Code Title 14 – Fish & Wildlife Laws
- DNR Contacts:
- Fisheries Division: 317-232-4080
- Law Enforcement: 1-800-TIP-IDNR (report violations)
Final Checklist Before You Fish
- Verify 2025 Regulations: Bookmark the DNR Fishing Guide.
- Download Offline Maps: Use Indiana’s Fish & Wildlife App for GPS-enabled hotspots.
- Emergency Prep: Save DNR’s hotline (1-800-919-2766) for on-water emergencies.
Tight lines and responsible fishing! 🎣
How do I know if I’m considered a resident or non-resident for fishing license purposes?
To be considered a resident for fishing license purposes in Indiana, you must have a primary home and fixed address in the state for at least 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing your license.
Can I use my Indiana fishing license in other states?
No, your Indiana fishing license is only valid for fishing in public waters within the state of Indiana. If you plan to fish in other states, you’ll need to purchase the appropriate license for that state.
Do I need a separate license for each type of fish I want to catch?
No, your Indiana fishing license covers all legal fish species in the state, with the exception of trout and salmon. For those species, you’ll need to purchase the Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege in addition to your fishing license.
Can I transfer my fishing license to someone else?
No, fishing licenses are non-transferable in Indiana. Each person who plans to fish must have their own valid license.