Indiana fishing guide

Welcome to your key source for all fishing-related information in Indiana. Discover not only the prime fishing spots but also learn about the diverse species inhabiting these waters. Stay informed about the latest fishing regulations and licensing requirements for fishing in Indiana

902 spots

54 fish

19 lakes

10 rivers

What kind of fish can you catch in Indiana

Below are 54 types of fish that can be caught in Indiana. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Indiana and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Indiana to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

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High, middle or low popularity for fishing

Sorted by: Popularity

Largemouth bass

Smallmouth bass

Channel catfish

Flathead catfish

Shorthead redhorse

River suckerfish

Pumpkinseed sunfish

Tiger muskellunge

Smallmouth buffalo

Longear Sunfish

Freshwater drum

Redbreast sunfish

Bigmouth buffalo

Northern pikeminnow

Licenses for fishing in Indiana

For more detailed information and to purchase a fishing license, you can visit eRegulations

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
Annual Fishing	$23	$60
One-Day Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon)	$10	$15
Seven-Day Fishing	-	$35
Senior Annual Fishing (includes Trout/Salmon)	$3	-
Senior Fish for Life (includes Trout/Salmon)	$23	-
Trout/Salmon Stamp	$11	$11
Annual Hunting and Fishing	$32	-
Disabled American Veterans Hunt/Fish	$2.75	-
Disabled American Veterans 10-Year Hunt/Fish	$27.50	-

Additional Information:

Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943, are exempt from needing a fishing license.
Residents and nonresidents under age 18 also do not need a fishing license.
Other exemptions include residents who are legally blind, residents of state-owned mental rehabilitation facilities, and residents taking part in supervised fishing activities sponsored by licensed health care facilities.

Fishing Regulations in Indiana

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Fishing with explosives, chemicals, or electrical equipment is illegal.
Use of nets, seines, traps, or snares for fishing is generally prohibited.
Snagging fish is not permitted, except for specific species in designated areas.
Use of set lines or jug fishing is restricted in many areas.
Spearing fish is only allowed in certain waters and during specific seasons.
Chumming is prohibited in public waters statewide.
Fishing with more than three poles or lines simultaneously is not allowed.

Catch Limits

Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted): 5 fish daily limit combined.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish: No daily limit.
Channel and Blue Catfish: Daily limit of 10 combined.
Flathead Catfish: Daily limit of 5.
Walleye, Sauger, or Saugeye: Daily limit of 6 combined.
Northern Pike: Daily limit of 3.
Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Daily limit of 1, minimum size 36 inches.
Crappie (White and Black): Daily limit of 25 combined.
Trout and Salmon: Daily limit of 5, no more than 2 can be lake trout.
Yellow Perch: Daily limit of 15.
Striped Bass, White Bass, or Hybrid Striped Bass: Daily limit of 12 combined.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Fishing in designated swimming areas or within 100 feet of a public beach is prohibited.
Private property fishing requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Certain state parks and nature reserves have specific access restrictions.
Boat fishing is restricted or prohibited in some environmentally sensitive areas.
Seasonal closures of certain water bodies for conservation purposes.

Zones of Special Regulation

Special size and bag limits in effect in designated Fish Management Areas.
Catch-and-release only areas for certain species or during specific seasons.
Restricted fishing areas around fish hatcheries and wildlife refuges.
Area-specific gear restrictions, such as barbless hooks only.
Seasonal fishing restrictions in certain water bodies to protect wildlife.

Protection of Rare Species

No fishing for endangered or threatened fish species.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive species.
Restrictions on fishing in areas designated for the protection of rare species.
Mandatory catch and release of accidentally caught rare species.
Monitoring and reporting requirements for encounters with rare species.

Seasonal Restrictions

Seasonal closures for certain species during spawning or nesting periods.
Winter ice fishing is subject to specific safety regulations and area closures.
Special spring restrictions in certain areas to protect spawning fish.
Temporary fishing bans during specific environmental or ecological studies.
Alterations in bag and size limits during different seasons for certain species.

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