Outdoor Enthusiests: Get Your Indiana Fishing License Online

It's almost time to head outdoors and cast a line, but first you need a fishing license! If you live in Indiana, your current license is set to expire March 31, 2025.

Time to Renew - or Get Your First Fishing License

There really is something magical about sitting on the bank or in a boat with a line in the water. Of course, to fish in the Hoosier State, you have to have an Indiana state-issued fishing license, according to the Indiana DNR. The current season is set to end March 31, 2025 which means it's time to renew fishing license - or get your first one!

Anyone Over 18 Must Have a Fishing License in Indiana

In Indiana, it is required by law that anyone over the age of 18 fishing in public waters carry a signed license. There are a couple of ways to go about getting your fishing license. You can visit an authorized retailer - there are over 500 hundred across Indiana. Find one near you at IN.gov.

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2025-2026 Fishing License Options for Indiana Residents

You also have the option to purchase your license online. If you are a resident of the state of Indiana, you have the following options:

Annual License: $23.00; Valid April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026. Good for legal game fish, excluding trout and salmon.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) License: $2.75; Valid April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026. Good for legal game fish, excluding trout and salmon.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 10-Year License: $27.50; Valid April 1, 2025 - April 1, 2034. Good for legal game fish, excluding trout and salmon.
Trout/Salmon Stamp: $11.00; Valid April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026. This must be purchased in addition to the licenses mentioned above.
Senior Fishing License (those over age 64): $3.00; Valid April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026. Good for legal game fish, including trout and salmon.

In years past, Indiana residents could purchase a single-day fishing license, but that does not appear to be an option for the 2025-2026 season.

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2025-2026 Fishing License Options for Non-Residents of Indiana

Non-Indiana-residents can purchase an annual fishing license for $60 valid April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 and does not include trout or salmon. An additional $11 trout/salmon stamp must be purchased for these fish. In previous years, a single-day permit and a 7-day license were available for non-Indiana-residents, but these too seem to have fallen to the wayside.

Indiana Offers Durable Hard License Cards for an Additional Fee

Durable license cards are available for an additional $10. These will be printed with up to seven hunting and fishing licenses per card.

Add your durable license card to display your license(s) on a hard card with collectible artwork. Up to seven currently valid licenses may be printed on one long-lasting card that fits in your pocket. This card will also include your hunter education number.

Who Does Not Need a Fishing License to Legally Fish in Indiana?

There are exceptions for who is required to carry a license to fish in Indiana, some of them include,

Indiana residents born prior to April 1, 1943. (driver’s license or other identification to verify age and residency required)
Residents and non-residents younger than age 18.
Indiana residents who are legally blind.
Indiana residents residing in a state-owned mental rehabilitation facility.
Indiana residents residing inany licensed health care facility in Indiana taking part in a supervised fishing activity sponsored by said facility.
Indiana residents with a developmental disability (as defined by IC 12-7-2-61.)
Those fishing in a private pond as long as the pond does not allow fish to enter or exit to public waters. (Property owner permission required.)
Indiana residents home on approved military leave while engaged in full-time military service.Leave orders and a valid Indiana Driver’s License or voter registration card should be carried with you.

Learn More And Get Your 2025-2026 Indiana Fishing License Now

Indiana does offer a handful of free fishing days throughout the year where anyone can fish on those selected days without a license. To learn more about Indiana fishing laws and to obtain your fishing license online, visit GoOutdoorsIN.com.