Outdoor Enthusiests: It’s Time to Renew Your Indiana Fishing License for 2025

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.

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.

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.