INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers across the state that it’s time to renew their gear—and their paperwork. All annual fishing licenses and stamp privileges from the previous season will officially expire on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Starting April 1, a valid 2026–2027 license is required for all residents ages 18 to 63 to fish in Indiana’s public waters.
How to Get Your 2026 License
The DNR offers several convenient ways to secure your license before the deadline:
- Online: Purchase through the DNR Activity Hub (requires an Access Indiana account). Note that a $3 technology fee and credit card processing fee apply.
- In Person: Visit one of the hundreds of local retailers, bait shops, or any DNR property.
- By Mail: Send a completed order form with the required fee to the DNR Customer Service Center in Indianapolis.
Anglers can now purchase durable hard card licenses featuring winning photography from a recent statewide contest. These credit-card-style licenses are waterproof and feature images ranging from a striking wild turkey to vibrant fish art.
2026 License Fees at a Glance
| License Type (Resident) | 2026 Fee |
| Annual Fishing | $23.00 |
| One-Day Fishing (Includes Trout/Salmon) | $10.00 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege | $11.00 |
| Senior Annual Fishing (Ages 64+) | $3.00 |
| Senior “Fish-for-Life” | $23.00 |
| Hunting & Fishing Combo | $32.00 |
Free Fishing Days & Stocking Updates
If you’re looking to introduce a friend to the sport, the DNR has announced the 2026 Free Fishing Days. On these dates, Indiana residents can fish public waters without a license or trout/salmon stamp:
- Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day)
- Saturday & Sunday, June 6–7
- Saturday, Sept. 26
For those ready to hit the water now, the DNR has already begun its spring trout stocking program. Thousands of rainbow trout are being released into lakes and streams across the state, including popular “Urban Fishing” spots such as Delaware Lake at Fort Harrison State Park and Dobbs Park Pond in Terre Haute.
Anglers are encouraged to use the Indiana Fish Stocking Dashboard online to find real-time updates on release locations and species near them.
While the license requirement is waived on Free Fishing Days, all other regulations—including size and bag limits—remain in effect.
