Fishing Regulations in Indiana
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Indiana fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Indiana requires a fishing license for anyone 18 years and older. Residents and non-residents can purchase annual or temporary licenses online through the Indiana DNR. A trout and salmon stamp is required when fishing for those species. Free fishing days are offered each year, typically in June.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round; catch and release encouraged during spawn | Some lakes have special 12-inch or slot limit regulations. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round | Combined daily limit with largemouth bass on most waters. |
| channel-catfish | 10 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Liberal limits throughout the state. |
| bluegill | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Excellent panfish opportunities statewide. |
| crappie | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | Some lakes have reduced limits of 15 per day. |
| walleye | 6 per day | 14 inches minimum | Year-round | Brookville Lake is the premier walleye destination. |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round; catch and release encouraged during spawn
Notes: Some lakes have special 12-inch or slot limit regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Combined daily limit with largemouth bass on most waters.
Bag Limit: 10 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Liberal limits throughout the state.
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Excellent panfish opportunities statewide.
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Some lakes have reduced limits of 15 per day.
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 14 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Notes: Brookville Lake is the premier walleye destination.
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Monroe
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Patoka Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish
Brookville Lake
reservoirSpecies: walleye, largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill
Wabash River
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, carp, walleye
Lake Wawasee
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, bluegill, crappie, yellow-perch
Mississinewa Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, walleye, channel-catfish
Blue River
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 14 lbs 12 oz | 1991 | Ferdinand State Forest Lake |
| Smallmouth Bass | 7 lbs 3 oz | 2001 | Lake Lemon |
| Channel Catfish | 40 lbs 7 oz | 1964 | Lake Shafer |
| Bluegill | 3 lbs 4 oz | 1992 | Private Pond |
| Crappie | 4 lbs 8 oz | 2000 | Turtle Creek Reservoir |
| Walleye | 14 lbs 4 oz | 1969 | Brookville Reservoir |
| Yellow Perch | 2 lbs 4 oz | 1977 | Lake Wawasee |
| Carp | 40 lbs | 1967 | Wabash River |