In Indiana, anyone 18 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in public lakes, streams, rivers, tributaries, and boundary waters. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources manages all fishing licenses and regulations in the Hoosier State. Youth under 18 and certain senior residents are exempt from license requirements. Both residents and non-residents can purchase licenses through multiple convenient methods including online, in-person at retailers, by phone, or by mail.
Quick Reference: Indiana Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $23.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $60.00 |
| License Required Age | 18 and older |
| Youth Exempt | Under 18 |
| Senior Exempt | Born before April 1, 1943 |
| License Expiration | April 1 through March 31 |
| Buy Online | Indiana DNR |
Who Needs an Indiana Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
A resident is an individual that has established a true fixed and permanent home and primary residence in Indiana for 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing a license or permit and does not claim residency for hunting, trapping, or fishing in another state or country. All residents age 18 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters unless they qualify for an exemption. Residents must hold an ink-signed copy of their license while fishing, though signed electronic copies are also acceptable. The license must be presented to an Indiana Conservation Officer or any other authorized law enforcement official upon request.
Non-Resident Requirements
All individuals who do not meet the 60-consecutive-day Indiana residency requirement are considered non-residents. Non-residents age 18 and older must have a valid non-resident fishing license to fish in Indiana’s public waters. The same requirements apply regarding carrying the license while fishing and presenting it to law enforcement upon request. Non-residents have multiple license options including one-day, seven-day, and annual licenses to accommodate different fishing trip durations.
Indiana Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $23.00 | April 1 through March 31 |
| One-Day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) | $10.00 | One day |
| Senior Annual Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) | $3.00 | April 1 through March 31 |
| Senior Fish-for-Life (includes Trout/Salmon) | $23.00 | Lifetime |
| Voluntary Senior Annual Fishing | $3.00 | April 1 through March 31 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege | $11.00 | April 1 through March 31 |
| Annual Hunting & Fishing | $32.00 | April 1 through March 31 |
| Disabled American Veterans Hunt/Fish | $2.75 | Annual |
| 10-Year DAV Hunting & Fishing | $27.50 | 10 years |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $60.00 | April 1 through March 31 |
| One-Day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon) | $15.00 | One day |
| Seven-Day Fishing | $35.00 | Seven days |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege | $11.00 | April 1 through March 31 |
Lifetime Licenses
Lifetime licenses were discontinued on July 1, 2005. However, those who purchased lifetime licenses before that date still retain their privileges. The Basic Fishing lifetime license covers the annual resident fishing license but does not include the trout/salmon stamp privilege. The Comprehensive Fishing lifetime license covers the annual resident fishing license and trout/salmon stamp privilege. The Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing lifetime license includes all hunting and fishing licenses and stamp privileges covered by the comprehensive hunting and comprehensive fishing licenses, but does not include trapping.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Residents and non-residents under age 18 are exempt from needing a fishing license and trout/salmon stamp. Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943, do not need a fishing license when fishing in Indiana waters. These exempt residents should carry their valid Indiana Driver’s License or other identification to verify age and residency. Indiana residents who are at least 64 years old and were born after March 31, 1943, need to purchase a senior fishing license to fish in Indiana. Both the Annual Senior Fishing and the Senior Fish-for-Life licenses include the trout/salmon stamp.
Other Exemptions
Several other categories of Indiana residents are exempt from fishing license requirements. Residents who are legally blind do not need a license, and proof of being legally blind is not required while fishing. Residents of a state-owned mental rehabilitation facility and residents of any licensed health care facility in Indiana taking part in a supervised fishing activity sponsored by the facility are exempt. Residents who have a developmental disability as defined by IC 12-7-2-61 are also exempt, and proof of the disability is not required while fishing.
Resident owners of Indiana farmland, resident lessees of Indiana farmland who farm that land, and the spouses and children living with them are exempt while fishing on the farmland they own or lease. This exemption does not apply to land owned by a business, corporation, or partnership unless the shareholders, partners, members, or owners are composed solely of the members of an immediate family. Farmland means agricultural land that is devoted or best adaptable to the production of crops, fruits, timber, or the raising of livestock, or is assessed as agricultural land for property tax purposes. There is no acreage requirement to qualify for this exemption.
Anyone fishing in a private pond that does not allow fish entry from or exit to public waters is exempt, provided the angler has permission from the property owner to fish in that pond.
Military and Veterans Exemptions
Residents of Indiana engaged in full-time military service while on approved military leave are exempt from needing a fishing license. The person must carry leave orders and a valid Indiana Driver’s License or voter registration card to prove residency. Nonresident military personnel on active duty and stationed in Indiana may purchase an Indiana resident license. Resident disabled American veterans can obtain an annual DAV fishing and small game hunting license for $2.75 or a 10-year license for $27.50 by first completing an application form. This form is available from the DNR at 317-232-4200 or can be downloaded from the Indiana DNR website.
Special Permits and Endorsements
Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege
To legally fish for or take trout and salmon from public waters in Indiana, anglers must have both a valid trout/salmon stamp and a valid fishing license. The trout/salmon stamp costs $11.00 for both residents and non-residents. This stamp is included automatically in the one-day fishing licenses, Senior Annual Fishing, and Senior Fish-for-Life licenses. All other annual fishing license holders must purchase the trout/salmon stamp separately if they plan to target these species.
How to Buy Your Indiana Fishing License
Online Purchase
You can purchase your license through the Go Outdoors Indiana website, which is available 24 hours a day. The online licensing system provides fast and convenient access to all license types. Online transactions include a $3 support system maintenance fee per license and a credit card processing fee, which are subject to change. The credit card processing fee is non-refundable. You can reprint your license online for free up to five days after you purchased your license.
By Phone
Licenses can be purchased by calling 317-232-4200 or 877-463-6367 (toll-free). The phone service operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. When calling, have your payment information and personal details ready including your name, date of birth, Indiana Driver’s License number, Social Security Number, complete address, and physical description.
By Mail
To purchase a license by mail, send a check or money order payable to DNR, or credit card information including card number, expiration date, and CVV code to: DNR Customer Service, Attention: Licenses, 402 W. Washington St., Room W255B, Indianapolis, IN. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Include the licenses you need and dates for one-day or multi-day licenses, your name, date of birth, Indiana Driver’s License number, Social Security Number (required by IC 14-22-11-3), complete address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, height, weight, sex, and color of hair and eyes. There is a $1 tech fee to purchase a license by regular mail.
In-Person Purchase
Licenses are available at numerous retail locations throughout Indiana including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and other authorized vendors. There is also a $1 tech fee to purchase a license at a DNR property. Duplicate licenses can be purchased online or at retailers. The cost of a reprint or duplicated license is $3 for each license purchased at a retailer.
License Validity and Expiration
All annual licenses and stamp privileges are valid from April 1 of the current year through March 31 of the following year. For example, a 2025 annual license would be valid from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. One-day licenses are valid for the specific date selected at time of purchase. Seven-day non-resident licenses are valid for seven consecutive days from the start date selected. The Senior Fish-for-Life license is valid for the rest of the holder’s life.
A fishing license may be revoked if the license holder is convicted of violating fish and wildlife regulations. Any equipment used in the violation of Indiana fish and wildlife laws may be seized for evidence and be confiscated upon conviction. There are fines and penalties for fishing without a valid license.
Reciprocal Agreements with Neighboring States
Indiana allows non-resident landowners, including their spouse and children living with them, to fish in public waters from the farmland they own in Indiana without a fishing license, but only if the state in which the person resides allows Indiana residents the same privilege. Ohio residents who own farmland in Indiana and fish from their farmland are exempt from needing fishing licenses. North Carolina residents who own farmland in Indiana and fish from their farmland are exempt from needing a license. Virginia residents who own farmland in Indiana and fish from their farmland are exempt from needing a license. Iowa residents who own farmland in Indiana and fish from their farmland do not need a license for most activities but may have restrictions. Wisconsin residents who own farmland in Indiana and fish from their farmland have limited exemptions. States such as Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee do not provide a license exemption for adults fishing in Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Indiana state fishing license?
An Indiana resident annual fishing license costs $23.00, while a non-resident annual fishing license costs $60.00. Residents can also purchase a one-day license for $10.00, and non-residents can purchase a one-day license for $15.00 or a seven-day license for $35.00. Senior residents age 64 and older can purchase an annual senior fishing license for $3.00 or a Senior Fish-for-Life license for $23.00, both of which include the trout/salmon stamp.
At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Indiana?
Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943, do not need a fishing license when fishing in Indiana waters. These residents should carry their valid Indiana Driver’s License or other identification to verify age and residency. Residents who are at least 64 years old and were born after March 31, 1943 need to purchase a senior fishing license to fish in Indiana.
Can I buy a fishing license online in Indiana?
Yes, you can purchase your Indiana fishing license online through the Go Outdoors Indiana website, which is available 24 hours a day. Online transactions include a $3 support system maintenance fee per license and a credit card processing fee, which are subject to change. You can reprint your license online for free up to five days after purchase.
Can non-residents get an Indiana fishing license?
Yes, non-residents can purchase Indiana fishing licenses. Non-resident options include an annual fishing license for $60.00, a one-day fishing license for $15.00 (which includes the trout/salmon stamp), and a seven-day fishing license for $35.00. All non-residents age 18 and older must have a valid license to fish in Indiana’s public waters unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
Do I need a special stamp to fish for trout and salmon in Indiana?
Yes, to legally fish for or take trout and salmon from public waters in Indiana, you must have both a valid trout/salmon stamp and a valid fishing license. The trout/salmon stamp costs $11.00 for both residents and non-residents. This stamp is automatically included in one-day fishing licenses, Senior Annual Fishing licenses, and Senior Fish-for-Life licenses, but must be purchased separately by other annual license holders.
For the most current information and to purchase your license, visit the official Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.