What Indiana fishing licenses cost

An Indiana resident fishing license costs $17.95 for a one-year license. A three-day license costs $9.95. A one-day license costs $6.95. Non-residents pay $30.95 for a one-year license, $16.95 for a three-day license, and $11.95 for a one-day license.

These prices cover freshwater fishing in Indiana's lakes, rivers, and streams. If you want to fish in both freshwater and saltwater (which applies if you fish the Great Lakes), you need a separate Great Lakes stamp, which costs $10.95 for residents and $10.95 for non-residents and is added to your base license cost.

You buy licenses through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops across the state. The license is valid when ready upon purchase if you buy it online or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana resident one-year fishing licenses cost $17.95; non-residents pay $30.95 for the same period.
  • Short-term options exist: three-day licenses cost $9.95 for residents and $16.95 for non-residents; one-day licenses cost $6.95 for residents and $11.95 for non-residents.
  • A Great Lakes stamp costs $10.95 and is required if you fish Lake Michigan or other Great Lakes waters in addition to freshwater.
  • You can purchase licenses online through the Indiana DNR website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops throughout the state.

Who needs a license in Indiana

Anyone 18 years old or older who fishes in Indiana must have a valid license. This applies whether you fish from shore, a boat, or wade into the water. The license covers all freshwater species unless you also want to fish the Great Lakes.

Children under 18 do not need a license to fish in Indiana. However, they must still follow all other fishing regulations, including catch limits and season dates. If a child is fishing with an adult, the adult needs the license but the child can fish without one.

Residents are defined as people who have lived in Indiana for at least 30 days before buying a license. If you moved to Indiana recently, you may still may have access to as a resident for licensing purposes once that 30-day period passes.

Where to buy your license

The Indiana DNR website (on.IN.gov/BuyALicense) is the fastest way to purchase a license. You can buy it there 24 hours a day, and it becomes valid when ready. You do not need to print anything—the DNR can look up your license by name and date of birth when you fish.

You can also call the DNR at 317-232-4080 during business hours to buy a license over the phone. A representative will process your payment and email you a confirmation.

Licensed vendors throughout Indiana sell licenses in person. These include Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Walmart, local bait and tackle shops, and many sporting goods stores. Buying in person takes a few minutes, and you receive a printed license card on the spot.

What your license covers

Your Indiana fishing license covers freshwater fishing for all species in the state's lakes, rivers, and streams. This includes bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, pike, and walleye. The license does not limit you to one location or one type of fish—you can fish anywhere in the state and target any freshwater species.

The license does not cover commercial fishing or selling your catch. It is for personal use only. You must still follow Indiana's specific rules about which fish you can keep, how many, and during which seasons. Those rules change by species and location, so check the current regulations before you fish.

If you want to fish the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, or Lake Huron where they border Indiana), you need to add a Great Lakes stamp to your license. Without it, you can only fish freshwater inland waters.

License validity and renewal

A one-year resident license is valid for 12 months from the date you purchase it. A three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it. A one-day license is valid only on the day you purchase it.

When your license expires, you must buy a new one before you fish again. The DNR does not send renewal reminders, so it is your responsibility to track the expiration date. You can check your license status on the DNR website by entering your name and date of birth.

If you buy a license near the end of the year, you may want to purchase a one-year license rather than a short-term one, since the one-year license will carry you into the next calendar year and may offer better value depending on when you plan to fish.

Special licenses and stamps

Beyond the standard fishing license, Indiana offers a few add-on stamps if you want to fish for specific species. The trout stamp costs $11.95 for residents and $11.95 for non-residents and is required if you fish in designated trout streams or trout lakes. Without it, you cannot legally keep trout even if you have a regular fishing license.

The Great Lakes stamp, mentioned earlier, costs $10.95 and allows you to fish in Indiana's Great Lakes waters. Some anglers buy both a regular license and a Great Lakes stamp so they can fish both inland and Great Lakes waters during the same year.

Indiana also offers a lifetime fishing license for residents. The cost depends on your age at purchase: residents aged 18 to 64 pay a one-time fee, while residents 65 and older pay a lower one-time fee. This is a single purchase that never expires and never needs renewal, making it a good option for people who plan to fish for many years.

Checking regulations before you fish

Having a valid license is only the first step. Indiana has specific rules about which fish you can keep, how many of each species, and when the season is open. These rules vary by location and species and change from year to year.

The Indiana DNR publishes a free fishing guide each year that lists all current regulations. You can read it from the DNR website or pick up a printed copy at any vendor that sells licenses. Reading the guide before you fish keeps you from accidentally breaking the law.

Some waters have special rules—catch-and-release only, slot limits (you can only keep fish within a certain size range), or shortened seasons. Check the guide or the DNR website for the specific water you plan to fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish without a license if I am on private property?

No. You need a valid Indiana fishing license to fish anywhere in the state, including private ponds and lakes on your own property. The only exception is children under 18, who do not need a license regardless of where they fish.

What happens if I get caught fishing without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Indiana law. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of your equipment. The exact penalty depends on the circumstances, but it is always cheaper and easier to buy a license upfront than to deal with enforcement action.

Do I need a separate license to fish from a boat?

No. Your standard Indiana fishing license covers fishing from shore, a boat, or while wading. You do not need any additional license based on how you fish, only based on where (freshwater versus Great Lakes) and what species (trout requires a stamp).

Can I buy a license as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can purchase a license online or at a vendor and give the confirmation number or printed card to someone else. They can then use that license to fish. Make sure you buy the correct type—resident or non-resident—based on where the person lives.

What if I lose my license card?

If you bought your license online, the DNR can look it up by your name and date of birth when you fish—you do not need the card. If you have a printed card and lose it, contact the DNR or return to the vendor where you bought it to request a replacement. There may be a small fee for a duplicate card.