Indiana Fishing Regulations 2026 — Bag Limits, Size Limits, and Season Dates
March 18, 2026
Knowing Indiana’s fishing regulations before you go keeps you legal and protects the fishery for everyone. Here’s the complete reference for 2026.
Quick-Reference Table — All Species
| Species | Daily Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 5 | 14” minimum | Year-round |
| Smallmouth Bass | 5 (combined with largemouth) | 14” minimum | Year-round |
| Walleye | 6 (combined with sauger) | 14” minimum | Year-round |
| Sauger/Saugeye | 6 (combined with walleye) | 14” minimum | Year-round |
| Crappie (black & white) | 25 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Bluegill/Sunfish | 25 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Channel Catfish | 10 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Flathead Catfish | 5 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Blue Catfish | 5 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Northern Pike | 4 | 24” minimum | Year-round |
| Muskellunge | 1 | 36” minimum | Year-round |
| Yellow Perch | 25 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Rainbow Trout | 5 | No statewide limit | Inland streams: check dates |
| Brown Trout | 5 (combined with rainbow) | No statewide limit | Year-round (Lake Michigan) |
| Chinook Salmon | 5 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Coho Salmon | 5 (combined with chinook) | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Steelhead | 5 (combined with trout) | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| White Bass | 25 | No statewide limit | Year-round |
| Striped Bass/Wiper | 4 | 15” minimum | Year-round |
Possession limit for all species is two times the daily bag limit (e.g., 10 bass, 50 crappie).
Bass Regulations
Indiana’s bass regulations are straightforward but some waters have special rules:
Statewide:
- 14-inch minimum length (total length, mouth closed, tail pinched)
- 5 per day (largemouth and smallmouth combined)
- Open year-round, no closed season
Special regulation waters:
- Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon Lake): 18-inch minimum — this produces some of the biggest bass in Indiana
- Several DNR properties have catch-and-release-only bass regulations — check signage at the access point
Tournament anglers: Weigh-in fish must be alive and must be released into the body of water where caught. Dead fish penalties apply per tournament rules.
Walleye and Sauger Regulations
- 14-inch minimum size limit
- 6 per day combined (walleye + sauger + saugeye)
- Year-round season
Top walleye waters include Brookville Lake, Mississinewa Lake, and Salamonie Lake. The Tippecanoe River below Lake Freeman dam is a sleeper walleye fishery.
Crappie and Panfish Regulations
- 25 per day for crappie, bluegill, sunfish, and redear sunfish (each species separate)
- No statewide size limit — but keeping only fish over 8 inches improves the fishery
- Year-round season
Indiana’s best crappie lakes include Monroe, Patoka, Mississinewa, and Salamonie.
Catfish Regulations
Three species, different limits:
| Species | Daily Bag | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | 10 | None | Most common, stocked statewide |
| Flathead Catfish | 5 | None | Trophy fish up to 50+ lbs |
| Blue Catfish | 5 | None | Found primarily in Ohio River |
Night fishing is legal in Indiana and is the most productive time for catfish. No special permit required.
Trout and Salmon Regulations
Trout and salmon fishing requires a trout/salmon stamp ($11) in addition to your regular fishing license.
Lake Michigan
- 5 trout/salmon per day (combined total of all species)
- No size limits
- Year-round season
- See our Lake Michigan fishing guide for species and seasons
Inland Trout Streams
- Many streams have catch-and-release only periods before the general trout season opener
- Check the specific stream regulations — some are artificial-only
- The DNR stocks trout in select streams each spring and fall
Muskie and Northern Pike Regulations
- Muskellunge: 36-inch minimum, 1 per day. These are trophy fish — handle with care and consider release
- Northern Pike: 24-inch minimum, 4 per day
- Both are year-round
Top muskie waters include Webster Lake, Tippecanoe Lake, and the Barbee Chain. Contact the Webster Lake Guide Service for muskie-specific trips.
General Rules Every Angler Should Know
Equipment
- 3-pole limit — you may use up to 3 poles or lines simultaneously
- Each line may have no more than 3 hooks (including treble hooks on lures)
- Trotlines, limb lines, and setlines are legal for catfish with restrictions
- Bowfishing is legal for rough fish (carp, gar, drum) but NOT for game fish
Bait Rules
- Never empty your bait bucket into any body of water — this prevents invasive species introduction
- Never transport live fish from one body of water to another
- Live bait is legal for all species unless posted otherwise at the access point
- Check with your local bait shop for what’s legal and effective in your area
Catch-and-Release Best Practices
- Use barbless or crimped hooks for easier release
- Don’t handle fish with dry hands — wet your hands first
- Support the fish horizontally, never vertically by the jaw (especially bass over 3 pounds)
- If a fish is deeply hooked, cut the line rather than extracting the hook
Waters With Special Regulations
Several Indiana lakes and rivers have regulations that differ from the statewide standards. Always check the DNR regulation guide or signage at the access point for:
- Waters with restrictive slot limits
- Waters with reduced bag limits
- Catch-and-release only waters
- Waters closed to certain fishing methods
The complete regulation booklet is available as a free download from the Indiana DNR website.
License Requirements
Before you fish, make sure you have the right Indiana fishing license. The license year runs April 1 through March 31. Licenses are available online, by phone, or at bait shops across Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the daily bag limit for bass in Indiana?
The daily bag limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass combined is 5 fish. The minimum size limit is 14 inches statewide, though some lakes have an 18-inch minimum. Possession limit is 10 bass (two daily limits).
Is there a size limit for crappie in Indiana?
No. Indiana has no statewide size limit for crappie. The daily bag limit is 25 crappie per day. Some specific waters may have local restrictions — check the DNR regulation guide for your lake.
How many fishing poles can I use in Indiana?
You may use up to 3 poles or lines simultaneously while fishing in Indiana. Each line may have no more than 3 hooks, lures, or baited hooks.
Can I fish at night in Indiana?
Yes. There are no hour restrictions on fishing in Indiana. You can fish 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Night fishing is popular for catfish, walleye, and summer bass.
Do I need a fishing license for catch and release?
Yes. A valid Indiana fishing license is required regardless of whether you keep or release fish. The only exceptions are anglers under 18, Free Fishing Days, and other specific exemptions.