The cost depends on whether you’re an Indiana resident, how long you plan to fish, and whether you qualify for a senior license or another exemption.
Here are the current published Indiana DNR fishing license fees. Online purchases also incur a $3 technology fee per license and a credit card processing fee.
Indiana fishing license costs
| License type | Resident cost | Nonresident cost |
| Annual fishing license | $23 | $60 |
| One-day fishing license (includes trout/salmon) | $10 | $15 |
| Seven-day fishing license | Not available | $35 |
| Annual senior fishing license | $3 | Not available |
| Senior Fish-for-Life license | $23 | Not available |
| Voluntary senior annual fishing license | $3 | Not available |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp | $11 | $11 |
| Annual hunting and fishing combination | $32 | Not listed |
The annual senior fishing license and Senior Fish-for-Life license include the trout/salmon stamp. The voluntary senior annual license is for residents who are already exempt from the regular fishing license requirement but want to support Indiana’s fisheries.
Which Indiana fishing license should you choose?
The best option depends on how often you fish and whether you’re visiting from another state.
| Your situation | License to consider |
| You live in Indiana and fish throughout the year | Annual resident fishing license |
| You’re visiting for one day | One-day fishing license |
| You’re visiting for a week | Seven-day nonresident fishing license |
| You’re a qualifying Indiana resident aged 64 or older | Annual senior fishing license |
| You’re an eligible senior looking for long-term coverage | Senior Fish-for-Life license |
| You were born before April 1, 1943, and are an Indiana resident | Fishing license exemption; voluntary senior license available |
A regular one-day fishing license includes trout and salmon privileges, so you don’t need to purchase a separate trout/salmon stamp for that license. For other license types, check whether the stamp is included before fishing for those species.
Not sure how many days you’ll need? Check the forecast first. If the weather looks rough later in the week, a one-day license may be all you need. Fishbox shows the forecast for your spot by day, so you can decide before you buy.
At what age do you need an Indiana fishing license?
Indiana’s fishing license age rules are more generous than those in some other states. Generally, anyone under 18 can fish without purchasing a fishing license. There is also an exemption for Indiana residents born before April 1, 1943.
| Angler | License requirement |
| Under 18 | Generally no fishing license required |
| Age 18 or older | Generally needs a valid license unless exempt |
| Indiana resident born before April 1, 1943 | Exempt from the fishing license requirement |
| Eligible Indiana resident aged 64+ born after March 31, 1943 | Can purchase a discounted senior fishing license |
Other exemptions apply to certain eligible people with disabilities and specific circumstances.
Do kids need a fishing license in Indiana?
No, children under 18 generally don’t need a fishing license in Indiana, whether they’re residents or visitors.
Short outings work best with young anglers, so pick a spot close to the parking lot and check the forecast first. You can find nearby lakes and ponds in Fishbox and skip a long drive for a short session.
What if you’re visiting from another state?
If you live outside Indiana, you’ll generally need an Indiana out-of-state fishing license to fish in the state’s waters, unless a specific exemption applies.
Nonresidents have three main options:
| Nonresident license | Cost | Best for |
| One-day fishing license | $15 | A single fishing day |
| Seven-day fishing license | $35 | A week-long visit |
| Annual fishing license | $60 | Multiple trips throughout the year |
For a short trip, the one-day or seven-day license may be the most practical option. If you visit Indiana regularly, compare the annual fee with the combined cost of several short-term licenses.
The one-day license includes trout and salmon privileges. For other license types, check the current rules for additional stamp requirements, especially if you’re fishing for trout or salmon.
You can purchase a nonresident license through the official Indiana DNR licensing portal.
Can you get an Indiana senior lifetime fishing license?
Indiana offers a Senior Fish-for-Life license for eligible residents aged 64 and older who were born after March 31, 1943. It costs $23 and includes the trout/salmon stamp. This license remains valid for the holder’s lifetime.
It’s important to distinguish this from Indiana’s general lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. The state no longer sells new general lifetime licenses, although previously issued ones remain valid. The Senior Fish-for-Life option is still listed by the DNR.
| Senior option | Cost | Who it’s for |
| Annual senior fishing license | $3 | Eligible Indiana residents aged 64+ born after March 31, 1943 |
| Senior Fish-for-Life | $23 | Eligible Indiana residents aged 64+ born after March 31, 1943 |
| Voluntary senior annual fishing license | $3 | Residents born before April 1, 1943, who are already exempt |
If you’re eligible and plan to fish for years, the Senior Fish-for-Life license may be more convenient than renewing an annual license. Review the official fee schedule before purchasing to confirm your eligibility.
When does an Indiana fishing license expire?
Knowing the Indiana fishing license expiration date helps you avoid heading out with a license that’s no longer valid.
Indiana annual fishing licenses and stamp privileges are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year. For example, a 2026 annual license is valid from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.
| License type | Validity |
| Annual fishing license | April 1 through March 31 of the following year |
| One-day fishing license | For the purchased day |
| Seven-day nonresident license | For the specified seven-day period |
| Annual senior fishing license | April 1 through March 31 of the following year |
| Senior Fish-for-Life license | Lifetime validity |
If you’re wondering when your Indiana fishing license expires, check the license details in your online account rather than relying on the date you purchased it. Buying a license late in the season doesn’t necessarily give you 12 months of coverage.
How to renew your Indiana fishing license
Renewing your Indiana fishing license is straightforward. You can use the official online licensing system to purchase the license you need for the new license year.
- Visit the Indiana DNR licensing portal. Go to GoOutdoorsIN.
- Sign in to your account. Retrieve your existing customer information or follow the site’s instructions if you need to locate your account.
- Choose your fishing license. Select the appropriate resident or nonresident option for the upcoming season.
- Review the fees. Remember that online purchases incur a $3 technology fee per license and a credit card processing fee.
- Complete the purchase. Keep your new license available while fishing and confirm its validity dates.
You can also buy licenses from authorized retailers and most DNR properties. Mail-in applications are another option, but the DNR advises allowing up to two weeks for delivery.
A useful tip: Renew before your next fishing trip rather than waiting until you’re already at the water. Check the new license’s dates and make sure any required stamp privileges are included.
Got your license? Plan your next fishing day
Once your license is sorted, the next step is choosing where to fish and when conditions look promising.
Indiana has a variety of fishing environments, from inland lakes and rivers to Lake Michigan. But choosing a location is only part of the plan. Weather and changing conditions can affect how enjoyable and productive your time on the water will be.
Fishbox helps you explore fishing spots and use fishing forecasts and weather information to plan your next outing. Instead of picking a location at random, you can compare potential spots and check conditions before heading out.
Whether you’re planning a quick evening session or a weekend by the water, Fishbox can help you prepare.
Ready to find your next fishing spot?