Indiana Non-Resident Fishing License 2026 — Costs, How to
March 19, 2026
If you’re coming to Indiana from another state to fish, this guide has everything you need — license costs, how to buy, what extras you need, and rules specific to non-resident anglers.
Non-Resident License Options
Indiana offers three fishing license types for non-residents:
| License Type | Cost | Duration | Includes Trout Stamp? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $60 | April 1 – March 31 | No — add $11 |
| 7-Day | $35 | 7 consecutive days | No — add $11 |
| 1-Day | $15 | Single calendar day | Yes |
The license year runs April 1 through March 31 — not the calendar year. A license purchased in January 2026 expires March 31, 2026.
Which License Should You Buy?
- Day trip or testing the waters? The 1-day license ($15) includes the trout/salmon stamp, making it the simplest option.
- Week-long vacation? The 7-day license ($35) plus trout stamp ($11) = $46 total. Worth it if you’ll fish more than 3 days.
- Multiple trips planned? The annual license ($60) plus trout stamp ($11) = $71 total. Pays for itself after two weekend trips.
Trout and Salmon Stamp
If you plan to fish for any salmonid species — including chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, lake trout, brown trout, or brook trout — you need the trout/salmon stamp ($11) in addition to your annual or 7-day license.
This applies to:
- Lake Michigan — salmon, steelhead, lake trout
- Lake Michigan tributaries — steelhead runs, salmon runs
- Stocked trout waters — Brookville tailwater, inland trout streams
- Any DNR-stocked trout water
The 1-day license already includes the trout stamp — no additional purchase needed.
How to Buy Your License
Online (Recommended)
The fastest option. Purchase through the GoOutdoorsIN portal.
You’ll need:
- Full name and date of birth
- Home address (out-of-state address is fine)
- Valid ID number — driver’s license or last 4 of SSN
- Credit or debit card
Processing fees: $3 technology fee + credit card processing fee (approximately $2–3 total in fees).
Your license is valid immediately. Save the confirmation email — you can show it on your phone if checked by a conservation officer. No need to print it.
In Person
Buy at any license retailer across Indiana:
- Bait and tackle shops — 547 locations statewide. Staff can help you pick the right license.
- Walmart sporting goods counters
- Rural King and Tractor Supply stores
- DNR properties — state parks, fish and wildlife areas, reservoirs
In-person purchases add a $1 technology fee (less than online).
By Phone
Call the Indiana DNR at (317) 232-4200 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern).
Who Is a Non-Resident?
Indiana defines a resident as someone who has maintained a fixed, permanent residence in the state for at least 60 consecutive days. If you don’t meet that threshold, you’re a non-resident.
Exceptions
- Active-duty military stationed outside Indiana but with a valid Indiana driver’s license or state ID are treated as residents and pay resident prices.
- College students attending school in Indiana but maintaining permanent residence in another state are non-residents.
- Snowbirds who split time between Indiana and another state — if you haven’t lived in Indiana for 60 consecutive days, you’re a non-resident.
Non-Resident Exemptions
You do not need a license if you are:
- Under 18 years old — regardless of residency
- Fishing during a designated Free Fishing Day
- A disabled veteran (some exemptions may apply — contact the DNR)
Even if exempt, you must follow all Indiana fishing regulations including bag limits and size limits.
Border Water Rules for Non-Residents
If you’re coming from a neighboring state, your home state’s license may be valid on certain border waters:
Ohio River (Kentucky Residents)
If you hold a Kentucky fishing license, it’s valid on the entire main-stem Ohio River thanks to the reciprocal agreement. You do NOT need an Indiana license for the Ohio River — but you do need one for any Indiana tributaries, embayments, or inland waters. See border water rules.
Lake Michigan (Michigan/Illinois Residents)
Your home state license is NOT valid in Indiana’s Lake Michigan waters. You need an Indiana license (plus trout stamp) to fish from Indiana ports, piers, or charters. See border water rules.
Wabash River (Illinois Residents)
There is no reciprocal agreement on the Wabash River. If fishing from the Indiana side, you need an Indiana license. See border water rules.
What Non-Residents Can and Cannot Do
You CAN:
- Fish all public waters in Indiana (lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs)
- Use up to 3 poles simultaneously
- Keep fish up to the daily bag limit (possession limit is 2x daily bag)
- Use all legal fishing methods (rod and reel, fly fishing, trotlines, etc.)
- Fish from a boat or from shore
- Book fishing guides and Lake Michigan charters
- Show an electronic copy of your license (phone screenshot or email)
You CANNOT:
- Purchase a lifetime license (resident-only)
- Get the senior discount (resident-only, age 65+, $3)
- Obtain a free disabled veteran license (may vary — contact DNR)
- Transport live fish between bodies of water (this applies to everyone)
- Snag fish (prohibited statewide)
- Fish without a license on private property unless it’s your own (non-residents rarely qualify for this exemption)
Plan Your Trip
- Buy your license at GoOutdoorsIN
- Check border water rules if fishing the Ohio River, Lake Michigan, or Wabash River — full guide
- Pick your destination — see our visitor guide for seasonal recommendations
- Book a guide — browse 79 licensed fishing guides
- Find bait and tackle — 547 shops across Indiana
- Review regulations — full regulation guide
Related Guides
- Indiana Fishing License — full guide
- Fishing Indiana as a Visitor — complete trip planning guide
- Indiana Border Water Fishing Rules
- Indiana Fishing Regulations
- Best Fishing Spots Near Indianapolis
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Indiana non-resident fishing license?
An Indiana non-resident annual fishing license costs $60. A 7-day license is $35, and a 1-day license is $15 (includes trout/salmon stamp). Add $11 for the trout/salmon stamp if buying the annual or 7-day license and planning to fish for trout or salmon.
Can I buy an Indiana fishing license online as a non-resident?
Yes. Purchase through the GoOutdoorsIN portal at in.gov/dnr. You need your name, date of birth, address, and a valid ID number (driver's license or SSN). Your license is valid immediately — save the confirmation email to show on your phone.
Do non-resident children need a fishing license in Indiana?
No. Children under 18 — regardless of residency — do not need a fishing license in Indiana. They must still follow all bag limits, size limits, and regulations.
Is there a lifetime fishing license for non-residents in Indiana?
No. Indiana does not offer lifetime or senior-discount fishing licenses for non-residents. The annual ($60), 7-day ($35), and 1-day ($15) licenses are the only non-resident options.
What counts as a non-resident in Indiana?
Indiana defines a resident as someone who has maintained a fixed, permanent residence in the state for at least 60 consecutive days. Anyone who does not meet this definition is classified as a non-resident for licensing purposes. Active-duty military with valid Indiana ID are treated as residents.