What the Trout and Salmon Stamp Covers
Indiana's Trout and Salmon Stamp is an add-on to your fishing license that lets you legally fish for trout and salmon in Indiana waters. Without it, you cannot keep trout or salmon even if you hold a valid fishing license. The stamp costs a separate fee beyond your base license and is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
The stamp covers both trout and salmon species in the same permit — you do not buy them separately. It applies to all public trout and salmon waters in Indiana, including stocked streams, rivers, and designated trout lakes. Some private waters may have their own rules, so check with the landowner before fishing.
Key Takeaways
- You must carry both a valid Indiana fishing license and a Trout and Salmon Stamp to legally keep trout or salmon.
- The stamp is sold by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through license vendors and online, and the fee varies by resident or non-resident status.
- Indiana stocks trout in fall and spring, so the best fishing windows are typically September through November and March through May.
- Catch limits and size restrictions differ by species and water body, so check the current Indiana fishing guide before you fish.
- The stamp is not required if you are fishing catch-and-release only, but many anglers buy it anyway for the option to keep fish.
Who Needs the Stamp and Who Does Not
Anyone who wants to keep trout or salmon in Indiana must have the stamp. This includes residents, non-residents, and visitors. If you are fishing catch-and-release only — meaning you return every fish to the water — you do not need the stamp, only your base fishing license.
Children under 17 and seniors 65 and older may have reduced or waived license fees in Indiana, but the Trout and Salmon Stamp fee structure is separate. Check the current year's regulations with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to confirm pricing for your age group.
How to Buy the Stamp
You can purchase the Trout and Salmon Stamp in three ways: online through the Indiana DNR website, by phone through their license line, or in person at a licensed vendor. Licensed vendors include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some hardware and grocery stores across the state. The online option is fastest if you need the stamp immediately.
When you buy the stamp, you will receive a confirmation number or physical stamp document. Keep this with you while fishing — you must show both your fishing license and your Trout and Salmon Stamp to a conservation officer if asked. If you buy online, print your confirmation or have it ready on your phone.
Trout Stocking Seasons and Where to Fish
Indiana's Department of Natural Resources stocks trout twice yearly: once in fall (typically September through November) and once in spring (typically March through May). Stocked streams and designated trout lakes receive fingerlings and adult trout during these windows. The best fishing pressure and catch rates usually occur in the weeks immediately after stocking.
Popular trout streams include the Eel River in northeastern Indiana, the Tippecanoe River, and several limestone creeks in the south-central region. Designated trout lakes include Brookville Lake, Mississinewa Lake, and Monroe Lake. Water temperature matters — trout prefer cooler water, so early morning and evening fishing is often more productive in summer, and winter fishing can be excellent when water temperatures drop.
Catch Limits and Size Restrictions
Indiana sets daily catch limits and minimum size requirements for trout and salmon. These rules vary by species and sometimes by specific water body. As of recent regulations, the daily limit for trout is typically five fish per day with a minimum size of seven inches, but this can change year to year.
Salmon regulations are less common in Indiana because natural salmon populations are limited, but when salmon are stocked or present, separate rules apply. Always check the current Indiana Fishing Guide published by the DNR before your trip — regulations are updated annually and sometimes mid-season. The guide is free and available online or at license vendors.
Regulations You Must Follow While Fishing
Beyond the stamp and catch limits, Indiana has specific rules about how you can fish for trout. Most trout waters allow both artificial lures and live bait. Some designated catch-and-release areas or trophy sections may restrict you to artificial flies only — check the water-specific rules in the Indiana Fishing Guide.
You must fish during legal hours (typically sunrise to sunset, but confirm for your specific water) and you cannot use explosives, poisons, or electrofishing devices. If you are fishing on private land, you need the landowner's permission regardless of whether you have a stamp. Trespassing charges can result even if you have all the right permits.
What Happens If You Fish Without the Stamp
Fishing for trout or salmon without the required stamp is a violation of Indiana fishing law. A conservation officer can issue a citation, which typically results in a fine. The fine amount depends on whether it is your first violation and the specific circumstances, but violations can also result in loss of fishing privileges for a set period.
If you are unsure whether you need the stamp for a particular trip, buy it — the cost is small compared to the risk of a citation. If you plan to fish catch-and-release only, you can skip the stamp, but be prepared to explain that to an officer if stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the stamp if I am fishing for other species like bass or catfish?
No. The Trout and Salmon Stamp applies only to trout and salmon. If you are fishing for bass, catfish, pike, or any other species, you need only your base fishing license. However, if you are fishing the same water and might keep trout, you should have the stamp with you.
Can I buy the stamp for just one day or one trip?
The Trout and Salmon Stamp is sold as an annual permit valid for one calendar year. Indiana does not offer daily or short-term stamps. If you fish trout multiple times in a year, the annual stamp is the only option.
What if I lose my stamp or confirmation number?
Contact the Indiana DNR license line with your purchase information and they can reissue your confirmation or provide proof of purchase. Keep your receipt or confirmation email until your stamp year ends. If you are stopped by an officer and cannot produce proof, you may receive a citation even if you did purchase the stamp.
Are there any waters where the stamp does not apply?
The stamp applies to all public trout and salmon waters in Indiana. Private ponds or streams may have different rules set by the owner. Always ask permission before fishing private land and confirm what permits or stamps that landowner requires.
Can I fish for salmon in Indiana, or is it trout only?
Salmon are stocked or present in some Indiana waters, but trout are far more common. The Trout and Salmon Stamp covers both, so if you see salmon in a particular lake or river, the stamp covers your fishing for them. Check the Indiana Fishing Guide or contact the DNR to learn which waters have salmon.