What Indiana fishing licenses cost
An Indiana resident fishing license costs $17.95 for a year. A three-day license costs $9.95. A one-day license costs $7.95. Non-residents pay $30.95 for a year, $16.95 for three days, and $11.95 for one day. These are the base license fees; some waters and fish species require additional stamps or permits that cost extra.
You buy licenses through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops across the state. The IDNR does not charge a processing fee when you buy online, but some vendors may add a small fee.
Licenses are valid from the date you purchase them. A one-year license runs for 12 months from that date, not a calendar year. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires March 14 of the next year.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana resident annual licenses cost $17.95; non-residents pay $30.95 for the same period.
- Short-term licenses (one day or three days) are available at lower cost if you fish occasionally.
- Some fish species and waters require separate stamps or permits beyond the base license fee.
- You can buy licenses online through the IDNR website, by phone, or at sporting goods and bait shops without extra processing charges online.
Who needs a license in Indiana
You need a fishing license if you are 18 or older and fish in Indiana waters. This includes lakes, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. The license requirement applies whether you fish from shore, a boat, or wade into the water.
A few people do not need a license. Children under 18 can fish without one. Residents 65 and older do not need a license. You also do not need a license if you fish on your own private property, provided the water does not connect to public waters.
If you are not sure whether your age or situation exempts you, the IDNR website lists all exemptions. Fishing without a required license carries a fine.
Additional stamps and permits beyond the base license
The base fishing license lets you catch most fish species in most Indiana waters. However, some fish require a separate stamp, which is an add-on fee. A trout stamp costs $11.95 for residents and $16.95 for non-residents and is required if you fish for trout in designated trout streams. A salmon and steelhead stamp costs $11.95 for residents and $16.95 for non-residents if you target those species in Lake Michigan.
A musky stamp costs $11.95 for residents and $16.95 for non-residents if you want to keep muskellunge. Without the stamp, you can catch and release musky but cannot keep it. Walleye and sauger have no separate stamp—they are covered under the base license.
You do not need a stamp to fish for bass, bluegill, catfish, or most panfish. Check the IDNR fishing guide before your trip if you are unsure whether your target species requires a stamp.
Where to buy an Indiana fishing license
The easiest way to buy online is through the IDNR website at on.IN.gov/fishing. You can purchase a license in minutes, print it when ready, and start fishing the same day. You will need your name, address, and date of birth. The site accepts credit and debit cards.
You can also call the IDNR at 317-232-4080 during business hours to buy a license by phone. A representative will process your order and mail the license to you or provide a temporary permit number you can use while you wait for the physical copy.
Sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations sell licenses in person. Staff can answer questions about local fishing conditions and which stamps you need. Vendors may charge a small processing fee on top of the license price, so ask before you buy.
Resident versus non-resident rates
Indiana charges different prices for residents and non-residents. A resident is someone with a valid Indiana driver's license or state ID, or someone who has lived in Indiana for at least 30 consecutive days. Non-residents pay roughly 70 percent more for an annual license.
If you moved to Indiana recently and do not yet have an Indiana ID, you can show proof of residency—such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and an Indiana address—to buy a resident license. The IDNR website explains what documents count as proof.
Non-residents who fish in Indiana only occasionally may find a three-day or one-day license more affordable than paying the full annual rate.
What happens if you fish without a license
Fishing without a required license is a violation of Indiana law. A conservation officer can stop you and check your license. If you do not have one and do not may have access to for an exemption, you face a fine. The amount varies depending on whether it is your first violation and the specific circumstances, but fines can range from $100 to several hundred dollars.
Beyond the fine, you may be required to pay restitution for fish taken illegally. A conviction can also affect your ability to fish in Indiana in the future. It is simpler and cheaper to buy a license before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish in Indiana with an out-of-state license?
No. You must have an Indiana license to fish in Indiana waters, even if you hold a valid license from another state. Buy an Indiana license before you fish, or you risk a fine.
Do I need a separate license for each family member?
Yes. Each person 18 and older needs their own license. Children under 18 do not need a license and can fish with a licensed adult.
How long does it take to get a license if I buy it online?
You can print your license when ready after purchase and fish the same day. The IDNR sends a physical copy by mail, but you do not need to wait for it—the printed version is valid.
What if I lose my license after I buy it?
Contact the IDNR at 317-232-4080 and provide your name and date of birth. They can issue a replacement or provide a temporary permit number while a new copy is mailed to you.
Are there any free fishing days in Indiana?
Indiana occasionally holds free fishing days when you can fish without a license. Check the IDNR website for the current year's dates, as they change annually.