Indiana · Fishing license

Indiana fishing license

Do I need one?

Yes — anyone 18 or older needs one.

A year costs $23 if you live here and $60 if you don't. Just passing through? One-day fishing costs $15. Trout and salmon need the 11-dollar stamp on top of an annual licence; the one-day licences already cover them.

What it costs

If you live in Indiana

licensePrice
Annual fishing $23
One-day fishingIncludes trout and salmon on that day. $10
Senior annual fishing $3
Trout and salmon stampNeeded on top of the annual licence for trout and salmon. $11

If you're visiting

licensePrice
Annual fishing $60
Seven days $35
One-day fishingIncludes trout and salmon on that day. $15
Trout and salmon stamp $11

A technology fee comes on top: 1 dollar by post, at a DNR property or at a retailer, 3 dollars per licence online or in the GoOutdoorsIN app, plus card processing. Trout and salmon need the 11-dollar stamp with an annual licence — the day licences already include them.

The full price breakdown →

How long it lasts

Indiana's licence year runs 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Buying in March buys you weeks, not a year.

Who doesn't need one

Indiana DNR words the age rule this way: Indiana DNR exempts "Residents and nonresidents under age 18" — the state sets the bar at 18, higher than the usual 16, and also exempts anyone born before 1 April 1943.

Where to buy it

Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.

Days you can fish without one

all
Indiana holds free fishing days each year, on which no licence is needed in public water. All other rules stay in force. The pages read for this entry name no 2026 dates, so none are claimed here.

Indiana DNR publishes this as a recurring rule rather than a fixed date. Check the exact days on their free fishing page before you plan around it.

More on free fishing days →

Where to use it today

Waters we read every morning in Indiana.