Indiana Fishing License 2026 — Cost, How to Buy, and Exemptions
March 18, 2026
Whether you’re a lifelong Indiana angler or visiting for a Lake Michigan charter, you need the right license before you cast. Here’s everything you need to know about Indiana fishing licenses for 2026.
Who Needs a Fishing License?
Indiana requires a fishing license for anyone age 18 and older who fishes in public waters. This applies to all methods — rod and reel, fly fishing, bowfishing, trotlines, and bank fishing.
Exemptions
You do not need a license if you are:
- Under 18 years old
- An Indiana resident born before April 1, 1943
- Fishing during a designated Free Fishing Day
- A resident fishing on privately owned, non-stocked water on your own property
- An active-duty military member with Indiana residency fishing while on leave
Even if you’re exempt from the license requirement, you must still follow all Indiana fishing regulations including bag limits and size limits.
License Types and Costs
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $17 | April 1 – March 31 |
| Senior Annual (65+) | $3 | April 1 – March 31 |
| Fish-for-Life (disabled veterans) | Free | Lifetime |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp | $11 | April 1 – March 31 |
| One-Day Fishing | $9 | Single calendar day |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $35 | April 1 – March 31 |
| 1-Day Fishing | $9 | Single calendar day |
| 7-Day Fishing | $20 | 7 consecutive days |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp | $11 | April 1 – March 31 |
Tip: If you’re taking a Lake Michigan charter, you’ll need both a fishing license AND the trout/salmon stamp. Most charters will remind you, but don’t assume it’s included in the charter price.
How to Buy Your License
Online (Fastest)
Purchase through the Indiana DNR’s GoOutdoorsIN portal. You’ll need:
- Your name, date of birth, and address
- A valid ID number (driver’s license or SSN)
- Payment by credit/debit card
Your license is valid immediately. Save the confirmation email — you can show it on your phone if checked by a conservation officer.
In Person
You can buy a fishing license at hundreds of retail locations across Indiana, including:
- Bait shops and tackle shops — find one near you
- Walmart sporting goods departments
- Rural King and Tractor Supply stores
- DNR properties (state parks, fish & wildlife areas)
Many of Indiana’s 547 bait and tackle shops sell licenses and can help you pick the right one. It’s a good excuse to pick up some local bait recommendations while you’re there.
By Phone
Call the DNR at (317) 232-4200 during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM EST).
Trout and Salmon Stamp
If you plan to fish for trout or salmon anywhere in Indiana — including Lake Michigan, inland trout streams, or stocked trout waters — you need a trout/salmon stamp in addition to your regular fishing license.
The stamp costs $11 for both residents and non-residents.
Waters where you need the stamp include:
- Lake Michigan (salmon, steelhead, lake trout)
- Brookville Lake tailwater (stocked trout)
- Little Elkhart River, Pigeon River, Solomon Creek (inland trout streams)
- Any water stocked with trout by the DNR
You do NOT need the stamp for warmwater species like bass, catfish, crappie, or bluegill — even if you’re fishing the same water where trout are present.
Free Fishing Days
Indiana designates several days each year when no fishing license is required. All other regulations (bag limits, size limits, legal methods) still apply.
Typical free fishing days include:
- One Saturday in May (often coinciding with National Fishing & Boating Week)
- One weekend in June (Saturday & Sunday during National Fishing & Boating Week)
- One Saturday in September
Free fishing days are a great opportunity to try a new lake. Check out our 257 lake profiles with depth maps to find one near you.
Where to Fish After You Get Your License
Now that you’re legal, here’s where to start:
- New to fishing? Check out the best fishing spots near Indianapolis — many require no boat
- Want bass? See our guide to the best bass lakes in Indiana
- Looking for crappie? Best crappie lakes in Indiana
- Prefer a guide? Browse 79 DNR-licensed fishing guides
- Need gear? Find a bait and tackle shop near your fishing spot
Important Reminders
- Indiana’s license year runs April 1 through March 31 — not calendar year
- You may use up to 3 poles while fishing (unless local regulations say otherwise)
- Possession limit is two times your daily bag limit
- It is illegal to transport live fish from one body of water to another
- Never empty your bait bucket into a lake or stream — this protects against invasive species
- Review the full Indiana fishing regulations before your trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Indiana fishing license cost?
A resident annual fishing license costs $17. Non-resident annual licenses are $35. One-day licenses are available for $9 (resident) or $9 (non-resident). Senior residents age 65+ pay $3 for an annual license. A trout/salmon stamp is an additional $11.
Do kids need a fishing license in Indiana?
No. Children under 18 do not need a fishing license to fish in Indiana. They must still follow all bag limits, size limits, and other regulations.
Can I use my phone as my fishing license?
Yes. Indiana accepts electronic copies of your fishing license. You can show the confirmation email or screenshot on your phone if checked by a conservation officer.
What are Indiana's free fishing days in 2026?
Indiana offers free fishing days when no license is required: typically one Saturday in May, one weekend in June (National Fishing and Boating Week), and one Saturday in September. Check the DNR website for exact 2026 dates.
Do I need a trout stamp for Lake Michigan?
Yes. If you fish for trout or salmon in Indiana — including Lake Michigan — you need an Indiana trout/salmon stamp ($11) in addition to your regular fishing license.