Indiana License for Ohio Residents — What You Need to Know
March 19, 2026
Heading west to fish Indiana? You’re making a good call. Indiana offers excellent bass, walleye, and panfish lakes with significantly less pressure than the popular Ohio destinations — and Lake Michigan salmon fishing is only a few hours north. Here’s what Ohio anglers need to know.
License Requirements
Ohio and Indiana have no reciprocal fishing agreement. Your Ohio license is not valid in Indiana. You’ll need to purchase a separate Indiana non-resident fishing license.
| License Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | $60 | April 1 – March 31 |
| 7-Day | $35 | 7 consecutive days |
| 1-Day | $15 | Single calendar day (includes trout stamp) |
Buy online at GoOutdoorsIN — valid immediately. For the full breakdown, see our non-resident license guide.
If targeting trout or salmon (including Lake Michigan), add the trout/salmon stamp ($11) to your annual or 7-day license. The 1-day license includes it.
Best Indiana Destinations Near Ohio
Brookville Lake (1.5 hours from Dayton)
Brookville Lake is the crown jewel for Ohio anglers visiting Indiana. Straddling Franklin and Union Counties just west of the state line, it offers:
- Smallmouth bass — One of Indiana’s best smallmouth lakes. Rocky structure and clear water produce 4+ lb fish regularly.
- Walleye — Excellent spring run. Troll crankbaits along the main channel.
- Crappie — Reliable spring crappie bite in the upper arms.
- The tailwater below the dam holds stocked trout (trout stamp required).
Monroe Lake (3 hours from Columbus)
Monroe Lake is Indiana’s largest lake — 10,750 acres of largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Worth the drive for a weekend trip, especially in spring and fall.
Lake Michigan (4 hours from Cleveland)
Don’t overlook the Lake Michigan salmon fishery operating from Michigan City. Chinook salmon averaging 15–25 lbs, coho, steelhead, and lake trout. Charter captains provide all gear — just show up with your license and trout stamp.
Quick-Hit Options Near the Border
| Lake | County | Drive from Dayton | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookville Lake | Union | 1.5 hours | Smallmouth, walleye |
| Summit Lake | Henry | 1.5 hours | Largemouth bass, catfish |
| Prairie Creek Reservoir | Delaware | 2 hours | Bass, crappie |
| Mississinewa Lake | Miami/Wabash | 2.5 hours | Walleye, muskie |
Key Regulation Differences from Ohio
If you’re used to Ohio regulations, watch for these differences in Indiana:
| Rule | Ohio | Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Bass daily limit | 5 | 5 (same) |
| Bass minimum size | 12” (varies by lake) | 14” (larger on some waters) |
| Crappie daily limit | 30 | 25 |
| Walleye daily limit | 6 (Lake Erie rules differ) | 6 |
| Number of poles | 2 | 3 |
| License year | March 1 – Feb 28 | April 1 – March 31 |
For the full Indiana regulations table, see our regulations guide.
Planning Your Trip
- Buy your Indiana license at GoOutdoorsIN
- Pick your lake — Brookville is the easy first choice for Ohio anglers
- Book a guide if it’s your first time — browse Indiana fishing guides
- Find bait near your lake — 547 bait and tackle shops
- Check regulations — full guide
Related Guides
- Non-Resident Fishing License guide
- Fishing Indiana as a Visitor
- Border Water Fishing Rules
- Brookville Lake Fishing Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Ohio fishing license in Indiana?
No. Ohio and Indiana do not have a reciprocal fishing agreement. You need a separate Indiana fishing license to fish any Indiana waters. Non-resident options are $60 (annual), $35 (7-day), or $15 (1-day, includes trout stamp).
Is there a reciprocal fishing agreement between Ohio and Indiana?
No. Unlike the Indiana-Kentucky agreement on the Ohio River, there is no reciprocal arrangement between Ohio and Indiana. You need an Indiana license for all Indiana waters.
What Indiana lakes are closest to the Ohio border?
Brookville Lake (Franklin/Union County) is the premier destination near the Ohio border — outstanding smallmouth bass and walleye fishing. Summit Lake (Henry County) and Prairie Creek Reservoir (Delaware County) are also within easy driving distance of western Ohio.