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 (IN)?
A resident annual Indiana fishing license costs $23.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $60.00. Indiana also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
How does Indiana compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 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 August 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 or trout/salmon stamp.
- Seniors (64+)
- Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943 are exempt (may buy a voluntary $3 senior license). Residents at least 64 and born after March 31, 1943 must buy a senior license: $3 Annual Senior Fishing or $23 Senior Fish-for-Life, both including the trout/salmon stamp.
- Veterans & military
- Indiana residents who served in the armed forces and have a documented service-connected disability may buy a $2.75 DAV license (fishing and small game, stamps excluded) or a $27.50 10-year DAV license after submitting proof of disability to the DNR. Indiana residents in full-time military service carrying leave orders and a valid Indiana driver's license or voter registration card are exempt from license requirements.
- 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. All other rules such as seasons, bag and size limits 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 October 2026.
Where to buy a Indiana fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Indiana also sell licenses.
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 (out-of-state) 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.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Indiana?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Indiana costs $60.00. For a shorter trip, Indiana also sells 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
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 before April 1, 1943 are exempt (may buy a voluntary $3 senior license). Residents at least 64 and born after March 31, 1943 must buy a senior license: $3 Annual Senior Fishing or $23 Senior Fish-for-Life, both including the trout/salmon stamp. 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
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