What a nonresident annual license covers in Indiana

A nonresident annual fishing license in Indiana lets you fish in the state's public waters for a full calendar year without buying a new license each trip. The license costs $31.95 and is valid from January 1 through December 31. It covers freshwater fishing only — if you want to fish Lake Michigan, you need a separate Lake Michigan license.

The annual license gives you the same legal right to fish as a resident, with one major difference: you cannot fish in some private waters that residents can access. You are also bound by the same daily catch limits, size restrictions, and season dates as residents. The license is not transferable — it is tied to you, not to a fishing rod or a boat.

You do not need a separate license to fish from a boat you own or rent, or to fish from shore. The single annual license covers all freshwater fishing methods except commercial netting and spearfishing, which require their own permits.

Key Takeaways

  • An Indiana nonresident annual license costs $31.95 and is valid for the entire calendar year, January through December.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state.
  • The license covers freshwater fishing only; Lake Michigan fishing requires a separate Lake Michigan license.
  • Nonresidents are subject to the same catch limits, size restrictions, and season dates as residents, but cannot fish some private waters open to residents.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a conservation officer if asked.

How to buy your nonresident annual license

You can purchase an Indiana nonresident annual license three ways: online, by phone, or in person at a retailer. The fastest method is online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) website at on.IN.gov/BuyALicense. You will need a valid driver's license or ID, an email address, and a payment method. The license is emailed to you immediately as a PDF, which you can print or show on your phone while fishing.

If you prefer to buy by phone, call the IDNR at 317-232-4200. A staff member will take your information and payment over the phone, and your license will be mailed to you. This method takes five to seven business days. You can also buy in person at any authorized retailer — most sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some Walmart locations sell Indiana fishing licenses. Retailers have the same license in stock and can issue it on the spot.

Bring proof of residency if you buy in person, though most retailers will accept your out-of-state driver's license as proof that you are not an Indiana resident. The license fee is $31.95 regardless of where you buy it; some retailers may add a small processing fee.

What species you can fish for and when

Indiana's freshwater seasons and limits change by species and by water body. Bass, bluegill, and catfish are available year-round in most lakes and rivers, with no closed season. Walleye, pike, and musky have specific seasons that vary by location — some waters open in spring, others in fall. Trout is stocked in certain streams and has its own season dates.

Daily catch limits also vary. For example, largemouth and smallmouth bass have a combined limit of five fish per day in most waters, with a 12-inch minimum size. Bluegill and other sunfish have a 25-fish daily limit. Walleye is typically four fish per day with a 15-inch minimum. These rules change by water body, so check the IDNR's current regulations before you fish.

The IDNR publishes a free Fishing Guide that lists every species, season date, size limit, and daily catch limit for each major water body in the state. You can download it from the IDNR website or pick up a printed copy at any license retailer. Carry it with you — conservation officers expect you to know the rules for the water you are fishing.

Where nonresidents can and cannot fish

You can fish most public lakes, rivers, and streams in Indiana with a nonresident annual license. This includes state lakes like Brookville Lake, Mississinewa Lake, and Monroe Lake, as well as the Ohio River and Wabash River. You can also fish from public access areas and boat ramps maintained by the state.

You cannot fish private ponds or lakes without the owner's written permission, even if you have a license. Some private clubs and resorts restrict fishing to members only. A few state-managed waters are closed to nonresidents — these are rare and are marked on IDNR maps and in the Fishing Guide. Always check before you go.

If you plan to fish a specific lake or river, visit the IDNR website and search for that water body by name. The page will list access points, parking, what species are there, and any restrictions. This saves a wasted trip and helps you plan which gear to bring.

Lake Michigan fishing and additional permits

If you want to fish Lake Michigan, your Indiana nonresident annual license does not cover it. You need a separate Lake Michigan license, which costs $11.95 for the year. You can buy it the same way as the freshwater license — online, by phone, or at a retailer. Some people buy both licenses together.

Lake Michigan has different species, seasons, and catch limits than inland waters. Salmon, trout, and perch are the main species. The lake is shared with Michigan and Illinois, so regulations are coordinated across states. The IDNR publishes a separate Lake Michigan guide with all the rules.

If you want to fish for trout or salmon using specialized methods like spearfishing or netting, you need a separate permit for each method. These are uncommon for visiting anglers but are available through the IDNR if you are interested.

What to carry and show to a conservation officer

You must have your license with you at all times while fishing. If you bought it online and received a PDF, you can print it or show it on your phone — both are legal. If you bought it at a retailer, you will receive a paper license card. Either form is valid.

A conservation officer can ask to see your license at any time. If you cannot produce it, you can be cited for fishing without a license, which carries a fine. If your license has expired or you are fishing a species outside its season, you can also be cited. Ignorance of the rules is not a defense, so read the Fishing Guide before you go.

Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get damaged. If you lose a paper license, you can buy a replacement for $2 at any retailer or through the IDNR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the day I buy my nonresident annual license?

Yes, if you buy online or at a retailer. The license is valid immediately. If you buy by phone, the license is valid when you receive it in the mail, which takes five to seven business days. Most people buy online to start fishing the same day.

Do I need a separate license for each person in my family?

Yes. Each person who fishes needs their own license. Children under 17 can fish for free with a resident adult, but nonresident children need their own nonresident license. There is no discount for families or groups.

What happens if I fish without a license or after it expires?

You can be cited by a conservation officer and fined. The fine varies but is typically $100 to $500 depending on the violation. It is cheaper and easier to buy the license upfront. You can renew online anytime before it expires.

Can I fish in Indiana with a license from another state?

No. You must have an Indiana license to fish in Indiana waters. Licenses are not reciprocal between states. If you fish in multiple states during the year, you need a separate license for each one.

Is there a nonresident three-day or one-day license?

Indiana does not offer short-term nonresident licenses. The only nonresident option is the annual license at $31.95. If you are visiting for just a few days, the annual license is still your only choice, but it remains valid for the rest of the calendar year if you return.