Indiana Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
How much is a fishing license in Indiana?
A resident annual Indiana fishing license costs $23.00, and a non-resident annual license is $60.00. Indiana also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
🎫 Buy a Indiana Fishing License →Fishing in Indiana
Indiana blends inland reservoirs with a corner of Lake Michigan. Monroe, Patoka and Brookville hold largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish, and the state's rivers give up smallmouth. At Michigan City on Lake Michigan, anglers troll and pier-fish for salmon and steelhead, adding a big-water dimension to an otherwise classic Midwestern lake-and-stream fishery. Something bites year-round, with ice fishing in the north come winter.
Indiana Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$23.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$60.00
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$35.00
Senior (64+)
Freshwater
$3.00
IN resident 64+: $3 annual (or $23 Fish-for-Life). Exempt if born on/before 3/31/1943.
Youth (under 18)
Free✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Indiana fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Indiana. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 18 do not need a license. Anglers 17 and younger (resident and non-resident) need no fishing license — one of the most generous youth exemptions in the country.
- Seniors (64+)
- Indiana residents born ON OR BEFORE March 31, 1943 are EXEMPT (may fish free, or buy a voluntary license). Residents 64+ born after that date buy a $3 Annual Senior fishing license, or a one-time $23 Senior Fish-for-Life license. There is no $11 annual senior fishing product.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Indiana residents who are legally blind or who have a developmental disability are exempt from the fishing license.
- Veterans & military
- Indiana resident disabled American veterans may buy a $2.75 annual Hunting & Fishing license (or a $27.50 10-year DAV license) after filing a DNR application. Resident military personnel on active duty or on leave, carrying valid Indiana ID, are exempt.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- May 10, June 6–7, and September 26, 2026 — Indiana residents need no fishing license or trout/salmon stamp to fish public waters on those days. Seasons, bag and size limits still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Indiana Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Indiana species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth/Smallmouth BassStatewide general limit | 5 | 14" | Year-round |
| CrappieStatewide general limit | 25 | No limit | Year-round |
| WalleyeLake Michigan/rivers differ | 6 | 14" | Year-round |
| BluegillNo statewide limit | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Indiana Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Indiana?
A resident annual fishing license in Indiana costs $23.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $60.00. Indiana also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Do you need a fishing license in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 18 are exempt. Indiana residents born ON OR BEFORE March 31, 1943 are EXEMPT (may fish free, or buy a voluntary license). Residents 64+ born after that date buy a $3 Annual Senior fishing license, or a one-time $23 Senior Fish-for-Life license. There is no $11 annual senior fishing product. Always confirm current rules with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a Indiana fishing license?
Buy directly from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Indiana.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
Got your license — now find a fishing buddy in Indiana
MyFishingBuds matches you with anglers in Indiana by style, species, and schedule.
Find a fishing buddy →