Indiana Fishing License: Costs, Requirements & Where to Buy

Indiana Fishing License Guide: 2026–27 Prices, Rules and Buying Options

Most anglers age 18 or older need an Indiana fishing license to fish in public lakes, rivers and streams unless an exemption applies. For the 2026–27 license year, an annual fishing license costs $23 for Indiana residents and $60 for nonresidents. A resident one-day license costs $10, while visitors can buy a one-day license for $15 or a seven-day license for $35. Qualifying resident seniors age 64 or older can get an annual fishing license for just $3.

Indiana fishing licenses are issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). You can purchase a license online through Go Outdoors Indiana, use the GoOutdoorsIN smartphone app, or visit an authorized license retailer.

This guide explains which license you need, the full fee schedule, residency requirements, age exemptions, senior licenses, trout and salmon stamps, military benefits, private ponds, Lake Michigan fishing, license expiration dates and the steps to purchase or replace a license.

Fishing-licenses.info is an independent informational website. Indiana fishing licenses are issued by Indiana DNR and its authorized license sellers, not by this website.

1. Indiana Fishing License Costs in 2026–27

Indiana offers annual and short-term fishing licenses, senior licenses, special disabled-veteran products and a separate trout/salmon stamp privilege.

The following fees apply to the license year beginning April 1, 2026, and ending March 31, 2027.

Resident fishing license prices

Nonresident fishing license prices

Indiana does not list a standard three-day nonresident fishing license in its 2026–27 fee schedule. Visitors can choose one-day, seven-day or annual fishing products.

Additional license fees

Technology and credit card processing fees may change. Review the final cost before submitting payment. Credit card processing fees are nonrefundable.

Check the official Indiana DNR license fee schedule before buying.

2. Which Indiana Fishing License Should You Buy?

Choosing the correct license can save money, particularly if you plan to fish several times or qualify for senior pricing.

Annual license vs. one-day fishing

For residents, the $23 annual license becomes more economical than repeatedly purchasing $10 one-day licenses once you plan at least three separate fishing days during the license year.

For nonresidents, the $35 seven-day license is generally more economical than three separate $15 one-day purchases when the fishing days fall within the seven-day period.

What if you only want to fish for trout?

An Indiana one-day fishing license includes the trout/salmon privilege. The regular annual fishing license does not automatically include that privilege.

If you intend to fish for trout or salmon using an annual license, you generally need the additional $11 trout/salmon stamp.

Can you buy a fishing license for someone else?

Indiana allows eligible customers to purchase licenses for other people through its licensing system. The purchaser must provide accurate information for the actual license holder.

Licenses are nontransferable. A fishing license purchased for one person cannot simply be used by another person.

3. Where to Buy an Indiana Fishing License

Indiana DNR offers fishing license purchases online, through its mobile app, at authorized license retailers, through many DNR properties and by mail.

Buy online through Go Outdoors Indiana

1. Open the official purchasing website. Visit GoOutdoorsIN.com.
2. Access your account. Sign in or create a customer account using the requested identifying information.
3. Confirm residency. Select Indiana resident or nonresident status according to DNR requirements.
4. Choose fishing licenses. Select the annual, one-day, seven-day or eligible senior fishing product.
5. Add necessary stamp privileges. Select trout/salmon coverage when required and not already included.
6. Review the dates. Confirm the applicable license year or short-term fishing dates.
7. Check the total. Review technology fees and card processing charges.
8. Complete payment. Follow the official payment instructions.
9. Save your license. Download or access the issued license through the official system.
10. Keep proof available. Carry a signed printed license or acceptable signed electronic copy while fishing.

Buy using the GoOutdoorsIN mobile app

The GoOutdoorsIN smartphone app supports eligible fishing license purchases and license management.

You can also use the app to access licenses and certain state outdoor recreation services.

Use the official links provided on the Indiana DNR Licenses and Permits page to find the correct app.

Where to buy a license in person

Indiana has more than 500 authorized license retailers throughout the state. Participating retailers include sporting goods businesses and other approved locations.

Fishing licenses are also available at many DNR properties.

Before visiting:

• Confirm that the location currently sells fishing licenses.
• Check whether it can issue the specific product you need.
• Bring your identification and required customer information.
• Ask about technology fees and accepted payment methods.
• Review the license information before leaving.

Find authorized businesses using the Indiana hunting and fishing license retailer directory.

Can you purchase an Indiana fishing license by mail?

Yes. Indiana DNR accepts qualifying license applications by mail.

Mail applications to:

The application should include the requested personal information, the required license products, any applicable short-term dates, payment details and the $1 technology fee per license.

Indiana DNR’s current instructions request identifying information including the applicant’s name, date of birth, address, physical description, Indiana driver license information where applicable, and the required Social Security number information.

Allow approximately two weeks for delivery according to the current DNR instructions. Because processing and postal delivery take time, online or in-person purchasing is generally more practical for an upcoming fishing trip.

Indiana DNR license assistance

Local phone: 317-232-4200
Toll-free: 877-463-6367
Customer service hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern Time.

4. Who Needs an Indiana Fishing License?

Most people age 18 or older must hold an appropriate Indiana fishing license when fishing in public waters, unless a specific legal exemption applies.

The requirement generally covers public lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, tributaries and applicable boundary waters.

Does catch-and-release fishing require a license?

Generally, yes. The requirement applies to engaging in fishing, not only to keeping fish.

An angler who catches and releases every fish still normally needs a license unless exempt.

Do teenagers need an Indiana fishing license?

No. Indiana exempts both residents and nonresidents younger than 18 from the standard recreational fishing license and trout/salmon stamp requirements.

This differs from states where licensing begins at age 16.

What happens when you turn 18?

Once you reach age 18, the normal licensing requirement applies unless you qualify for another exemption.

For example, an Indiana resident who is 17 can generally fish without purchasing a license. An 18-year-old resident fishing in public waters generally needs the applicable license.

Do you need a fishing license on your own property?

Property ownership alone does not automatically remove fishing license requirements for public waters.

Indiana provides specific exemptions for qualifying isolated private ponds and certain farmland owners or tenants. Those conditions are explained below.

Does Indiana require a separate saltwater fishing license?

No. Indiana does not have a separate general recreational saltwater fishing license category like coastal states.

However, fishing in Lake Michigan or certain tributaries may require the additional trout/salmon stamp and compliance with special waterbody regulations.

5. Indiana Resident vs. Nonresident Requirements

Residency determines which fishing license prices and certain special products are available to you.

Indiana DNR generally defines a resident as someone who has established a true, fixed and permanent home and primary residence in Indiana for at least 60 consecutive days before purchasing a license.

The person also must not claim residency for fishing, hunting or trapping licensing in another state or country.

Common residency situations

Can college students purchase a resident fishing license?

College attendance alone does not automatically establish resident status under Indiana’s general licensing definition.

A student who has established a qualifying permanent primary residence in Indiana and meets the 60-day requirement may qualify. Students who retain residency elsewhere should verify their status before selecting resident pricing.

What identification is required?

Indiana’s licensing system requests customer identification and personal information. An Indiana driver license may assist with customer identification, but accurate residency declarations remain essential.

Contact DNR customer service if you recently moved, have more than one residence, or are unsure which residency category applies.

6. Indiana Fishing License Exemptions

Indiana provides several exemptions under state law. These depend on age, disability status, military service, private-water characteristics and qualifying farmland ownership or tenancy.

Residents and nonresidents younger than 18

People under 18 are exempt from both the standard fishing license and trout/salmon stamp requirements.

All applicable fishing rules still apply, including seasons, fish lengths, bag limits and legal fishing methods.

Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943

Qualifying residents born before April 1, 1943, do not need a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp.

They should carry an Indiana driver license or other identification establishing age and residency.

Legally blind Indiana residents

Indiana residents who are legally blind are exempt from fishing license and trout/salmon stamp requirements.

Indiana DNR states that proof of being legally blind is not required while fishing.

Residents with qualifying developmental disabilities

Indiana residents with a developmental disability as defined by Indiana Code 12-7-2-61 qualify for a fishing license exemption.

Proof of the developmental disability is not required while fishing according to the published DNR guidance.

Residents of qualifying facilities

The exemption also covers:

• Residents of a state-owned mental rehabilitation facility.
• Residents of licensed Indiana health care facilities participating in supervised fishing activities sponsored by the facility.

These are specific legal categories and should not be interpreted as a general exemption for every person receiving health care.

Qualifying private ponds

Fishing in an isolated private pond that does not permit fish to enter from or exit to public waters is exempt from the ordinary fishing license requirement.

The angler must have permission from the property owner.

Qualifying farmland owners and tenants

Indiana provides a fishing license exemption for certain resident farmland owners and resident farmland lessees who farm the land.

The exemption also extends to qualifying spouses and children who live with them while fishing on the farmland owned or leased.

Some family-owned business entities can qualify under specific ownership conditions.

Indiana’s published rules state that there is no minimum acreage requirement for qualifying farmland.

Military members on approved leave

Indiana residents engaged in full-time military service while on approved military leave may fish without a standard fishing license.

They must carry their military leave orders and an Indiana driver license or voter registration card to verify residency.

Free Fishing Days

Indiana residents can fish in public waters without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp on designated Free Fishing Days.

This exemption generally does not extend to nonresidents.

Read the current Indiana Fishing Regulations Guide for the complete exemption conditions.

7. Indiana Senior Fishing Licenses: Age 64 and Older

Indiana offers discounted fishing licenses for qualifying residents age 64 or older.

The state’s senior rules include an important birth-date distinction.

Residents age 64 or older born after March 31, 1943

These residents generally must purchase a fishing license unless another exemption applies.

They can choose:

• Annual Senior Fishing License: $3.
• Senior Fish-for-Life License: $23.

Both products include the trout/salmon stamp privilege.

Residents born before April 1, 1943

These residents are exempt from the ordinary fishing license and trout/salmon stamp requirements.

They can voluntarily purchase the $3 senior annual fishing license to support fisheries conservation and fishing access.

Is the Senior Fish-for-Life License really valid for life?

Yes. The $23 Senior Fish-for-Life License is valid for the qualifying holder’s lifetime.

It includes the trout/salmon stamp privilege, making it a practical option for seniors who expect to continue fishing.

When is the lifetime senior license more economical?

At current prices, eight separate $3 annual senior licenses would cost $24, which is more than the $23 Senior Fish-for-Life License.

The actual comparison can be affected by transaction fees, but the lifetime product also avoids repeated annual renewals.

8. Indiana Trout and Salmon Stamp Requirements

Indiana generally requires a trout/salmon stamp privilege in addition to a regular fishing license when fishing for or taking trout or salmon from public waters.

The stamp costs $11 for both residents and nonresidents.

When do you need the stamp?

A trout/salmon stamp is generally required when targeting covered trout or salmon in public waters, including qualifying inland streams and Lake Michigan waters.

The requirement can apply to:

• Rainbow trout.
• Brown trout.
• Brook trout.
• Lake trout.
• Chinook salmon.
• Coho salmon.
• Steelhead and other covered trout or salmon.

Check the precise waterbody and species rules before fishing.

Which licenses already include trout/salmon privileges?

How much does trout fishing cost?

Examples before transaction fees:

• Resident, one day: $10 with trout/salmon privileges included.
• Resident, annual: $23 fishing license plus $11 stamp, totaling $34.
• Nonresident, one day: $15 with stamp privileges included.
• Nonresident, seven days: $35 license plus $11 stamp, totaling $46.
• Nonresident, annual: $60 license plus $11 stamp, totaling $71.

Are trout fishing seasons the same everywhere?

No. Inland streams, lakes and Lake Michigan have different rules.

For example, Indiana’s general inland trout stream season opens on the last Saturday in April at 6 a.m. local time and continues through December 31. Some waters have additional restrictions.

Inland lakes generally do not have the same closed season, but special species and waterbody regulations can apply.

Check the Indiana fish stocking and trout information before planning your trip.

9. Indiana Fishing Licenses for Military Members and Veterans

Indiana provides special fishing license provisions for qualifying military personnel and disabled American veterans.

Indiana residents on military leave

Indiana residents serving in full-time military service who are on approved military leave may qualify for the fishing license exemption.

They should carry:

• Military leave orders.
• Valid Indiana driver license or voter registration card establishing residency.

Nonresident active-duty military stationed in Indiana

Qualifying nonresident active-duty military personnel stationed in Indiana may purchase resident fishing licenses.

Military assignment documentation may be required to establish eligibility.

Disabled American Veterans licenses

Indiana offers special licenses for qualifying resident disabled American veterans.

The DAV license products cover specified hunting and fishing privileges. They do not include deer or turkey hunting privileges.

How to apply for a DAV license

1. Obtain the official Indiana DNR Disabled American Veterans license application.
2. Complete the personal and eligibility information.
3. Provide the required veteran disability documentation.
4. Submit the completed application using the DNR instructions.
5. Wait for the license to be issued before relying on the DAV license privilege.

DAV licenses are not available through the standard online licensing system.

For the application and current eligibility requirements, visit Indiana DNR Licenses and Permits or call 317-232-4200.

10. Indiana Fishing License Expiration, Renewal and Replacement

When does an annual Indiana fishing license expire?

Indiana’s annual fishing licenses are valid from April 1 of the applicable license year through March 31 of the following year.

For example:

A license purchased in November 2026 for the 2026 license year still expires March 31, 2027.

How do you renew a license?

1. Visit GoOutdoorsIN.com or open the official GoOutdoorsIN app.
2. Access your existing customer account.
3. Review your previous license.
4. Choose the current fishing license year and product.
5. Verify your personal information and residency.
6. Add the trout/salmon stamp if required.
7. Complete payment and save your new license.

Can you show an Indiana fishing license on your phone?

Yes. Indiana accepts signed electronic fishing licenses.

The license must be available when requested by an Indiana Conservation Officer or another authorized law enforcement officer.

Keep the digital copy accessible and ensure any required signature is present.

What if you lose your fishing license?

You may be able to access or reprint your license through the official licensing system.

Indiana’s legacy online license instructions describe a five-day free reprint period after purchase and a possible $3 reprint fee afterward. Because reprint services and charges may change with the current licensing platform, check your account or contact DNR before paying for a replacement.

Are Indiana fishing licenses refundable?

No. Indiana DNR states that licenses issued by the department are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Before purchasing, confirm the license year, resident status and any necessary trout/salmon privileges.

Does Indiana still sell lifetime fishing licenses?

Indiana discontinued new general lifetime fishing licenses on July 1, 2005.

Existing lifetime licenses issued before that date remain subject to their original terms.

Qualifying residents can still purchase the separate Senior Fish-for-Life License for $23.

What do older lifetime licenses cover?

Indiana DNR distinguishes between previously issued lifetime products:

• Basic Fishing: Covers the annual resident fishing license but not the trout/salmon stamp.
• Comprehensive Fishing: Includes the resident fishing license and trout/salmon stamp.
• Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing: Includes covered hunting and fishing privileges under the specific license terms.

Owners of older lifetime licenses should confirm their exact privilege category before fishing for trout or salmon.

11. Fishing in Private Ponds and on Farmland

Indiana fishing license rules distinguish between public waters, isolated private ponds and qualifying farmland.

Private pond exemption

An angler generally does not need a fishing license when fishing in a qualifying private pond that does not allow fish to enter from or exit to public waters.

Permission from the property owner is required.

Does privately owned land always mean private water?

No. Indiana DNR explains that some lakes are legally public waters even when the surrounding land is privately owned or there is no public access.

Natural lakes, connected waterways and impoundments may be subject to public-water fishing regulations.

What about ponds connected to public waters?

The private-water exemption generally does not cover ponds where fish can move between private and public waters.

Fish originating in public waters remain subject to applicable regulations even when they move into private waters.

Farmland owners and tenants

Indiana provides special exemptions for resident farmland owners, resident lessees who farm the land and qualifying family members living with them.

The exemption applies under specific conditions to fishing on the farmland owned or leased.

Farmland can include land devoted or suited to agricultural production, timber, crops or livestock, as well as qualifying agriculturally assessed property.

There is no minimum acreage requirement for the qualifying farmland exemption.

For details about the legal distinction, see Indiana DNR Private Pond and Lake Management.

12. Indiana Free Fishing Days

Indiana designates several Free Fishing Days each year when residents can fish public waters without purchasing a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp.

Indiana Free Fishing Days in 2026

Indiana DNR’s 2026 recreation calendar includes:

These 2026 dates have already passed.

For 2027, check the official Indiana DNR calendar when the new dates are announced. Do not assume the same calendar dates apply each year.

Who qualifies?

Indiana Free Fishing Days apply to Indiana residents.

Nonresidents do not automatically receive the same license exemption.

What rules remain in effect?

• Fishing seasons.
• Daily bag limits.
• Minimum and maximum fish lengths.
• Protected-species restrictions.
• Fishing methods and equipment rules.
• Public and private property access requirements.

Read the official Indiana Free Fishing Days page before planning a license-free fishing trip.

13. Fishing License Rules for Lake Michigan and Border Waters

Indiana anglers commonly fish inland lakes, Lake Michigan, the Ohio River and waterways near neighboring state borders.

Fishing license requirements may differ depending on the location and any applicable reciprocal agreement.

Lake Michigan fishing licenses

Anglers fishing in Indiana waters of Lake Michigan generally need an Indiana fishing license unless exempt.

Those targeting trout or salmon generally need the separate trout/salmon stamp unless their license already includes the privilege or they are exempt.

Lake Michigan has specific fishing regulations covering:

• Trout and salmon.
• Yellow perch.
• Bass and other species.
• Special seasonal rules.
• Fish lengths and daily harvest limits.
• Tributaries and defined management areas.

Do not automatically apply general inland fishing limits to Lake Michigan.

Fishing near Michigan and Illinois

Having a Michigan or Illinois fishing license does not automatically authorize fishing throughout Indiana.

Boundary-water licensing depends on the specific waters and any applicable agreement.

When crossing state waters on Lake Michigan, check the requirements of each state where you intend to fish.

Ohio River fishing

Fishing along the Indiana–Kentucky border involves special Ohio River regulations and applicable reciprocal licensing provisions.

The precise requirements depend on the portion of the river and where the angler fishes.

Do not assume that an Indiana license authorizes fishing throughout Kentucky or that a Kentucky license is valid on every Indiana tributary.

Review Indiana DNR’s 2026–27 Fishing Regulations Guide for current Lake Michigan and Ohio River requirements.

14. Indiana Fishing Regulations Before You Go

A valid fishing license allows covered fishing activities, but it does not override fish harvest limits, seasons or restrictions on equipment.

Indiana publishes annual statewide fishing regulations and separate requirements for designated waters.

What to check for every fishing trip

• Species: Identify the fish you intend to catch.
• Daily limits: Confirm the maximum number of fish you may keep.
• Length limits: Check minimum, maximum or slot length restrictions.
• Season: Verify whether the species is open to harvest.
• Equipment: Use permitted hooks, lines, bait and other gear.
• Special waterbody rules: Check whether the lake, river or stream has different requirements.
• Additional stamps: Obtain the trout/salmon privilege when required.
• Property access: Confirm whether the fishing location is open to public use.

General inland trout rules

Indiana’s 2026–27 fishing regulations include these general inland stream trout rules:

Special regulations apply on some waters, including certain lakes in LaGrange County and designated trout streams.

For example, selected waters have special brown trout rules, including an 18-inch minimum and restrictions on how many brown trout may be retained.

Fish stocking information

Indiana DNR stocks trout, catfish, bass and other species in selected waters.

Stocking schedules may change due to weather, water temperatures and other operational conditions.

Anglers can use the Indiana Fish Stocking database to check stocking information by species, county, waterbody and year.

Special fishing locations

State parks, fish and wildlife areas, designated trout waters and other managed locations may have additional access rules.

Always check posted rules and the current regulation guide before fishing.

Official source: Indiana Fishing Guide and Regulations, 2026–27.

15. Common Indiana Fishing License Situations

These examples help explain the correct license or exemption for typical fishing trips.

Fishing trip checklist

1. Confirm your fishing location and target species.
2. Check whether you are younger than 18 or qualify for another exemption.
3. Verify resident or nonresident status.
4. Compare one-day, seven-day, annual or senior license options.
5. Check whether a trout/salmon stamp is required.
6. Confirm the fishing license expiration date.
7. Review the current size limits, daily limits and seasons.
8. Purchase through Indiana DNR or an authorized retailer.
9. Keep a signed printed or acceptable electronic license available.
10. Follow posted property and waterbody rules.

16. Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Fishing Licenses

17. Official Indiana Fishing License Resources

Indiana DNR is the authoritative source for fishing license prices, requirements, exemptions and regulations. Use the following resources to confirm current information.

• Indiana DNR Fishing License Fees — current resident, nonresident, senior, trout/salmon and specialized license prices.
• Indiana DNR Licenses and Permits — official purchasing methods, mail applications, customer information and special licenses.
• Go Outdoors Indiana — official fishing license purchases and account management.
• Indiana License Retailer Directory — participating in-person license sellers.
• 2026–27 Indiana Fishing Guide and Regulations — current fishing rules, license exemptions, species limits and special waters.
• Indiana Free Fishing Days — resident license-free fishing dates and conditions.
• Indiana Fish Stocking Information — stocked species, locations and trout stocking plans.
• Indiana Private Pond and Lake Management — private-water classifications, management and related requirements.
• Indiana DNR Customer Service Center — assistance with license purchases, eligibility and specialized products.

Contact Indiana DNR

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Licensing customer service: 317-232-4200
Toll-free: 877-463-6367
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern Time.