Hamilton County Fishing Licenses
Last Updated: August 2026
If you plan to fish in Hamilton County or elsewhere in Indiana, you may need an Indiana fishing license. Fishing licenses are issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rather than Hamilton County.
Licenses can be purchased online, through the GoOutdoorsIN app or from authorized license retailers.
Quick Answer
For 2026–2027, an Indiana resident annual fishing license costs $23. A resident one-day fishing license costs $10 and includes the trout/salmon privilege.
Annual licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
→ Buy an Indiana Fishing License Online
Indiana Fishing License Costs
Current basic fishing-license fees include:
| License | Indiana Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $23 | $60 |
| One-Day Fishing | $10 | $15 |
| Seven-Day Fishing | — | $35 |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp | $11 | $11 |
Indiana residents age 64 or older who were born after March 31, 1943 can purchase an Annual Senior Fishing License for $3 or a Senior Fish-for-Life License for $23.
Who Needs a Fishing License?
Most people fishing in Indiana public waters need an appropriate fishing license unless they qualify for an exemption.
One important exemption is for Indiana residents and nonresidents under age 18. Indiana also has exemptions for certain landowners and other qualifying individuals.
→ Check Indiana Fishing License Requirements
Where to Buy a Fishing License
The easiest option is to purchase your license online through GoOutdoorsIN.
Licenses are also available:
- Through the GoOutdoorsIN smartphone app
- At authorized Indiana license retailers
- At most DNR properties
- By mail through the Indiana DNR
Online and app purchases currently include a $3 technology fee per license plus a credit-card processing fee. Purchases from retailers and DNR properties have a $1 technology fee.
→ Find an Indiana Fishing License Retailer
Do I Need a Trout/Salmon Stamp?
If you’re fishing for trout or salmon, you may need the additional Trout/Salmon Stamp Privilege, currently $11.
The one-day fishing license already includes the trout/salmon privilege. Indiana’s senior fishing licenses also include it.
Before You Go Fishing
Having a fishing license doesn’t mean every fish can be taken at any size or in any quantity.
Indiana has regulations covering seasons, daily bag limits, minimum sizes, legal fishing methods and specific waters. Check the current regulations for the species and location where you plan to fish.
→ 2026–2027 Indiana Fishing Regulations
Local Tips
- Buy your license before heading to the water.
- A regular annual Indiana resident fishing license is currently $23.
- Children under 18 generally don’t need an Indiana fishing license.
- Don’t automatically buy a trout/salmon stamp if you don’t need one.
- Check the fishing regulations for the particular lake, river or species you’re targeting.
- Your annual license expires March 31 — it isn’t valid for 12 months from the purchase date.
- The GoOutdoorsIN app can store and display your active licenses on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Indiana fishing license?
For an Indiana resident, an annual fishing license is currently $23. A one-day resident license is $10.
Can I buy an Indiana fishing license online?
Yes. Fishing licenses can be purchased online through GoOutdoorsIN.
Do children need a fishing license?
Indiana residents and nonresidents under age 18 are exempt from needing a fishing license.
How long is an annual fishing license valid?
Indiana annual licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Do senior citizens need an Indiana fishing license?
It depends on age and birth date. Indiana residents age 64 or older who were born after March 31, 1943 need a senior fishing license. Residents born before April 1, 1943 are exempt, although they may purchase a voluntary senior license.
Official Resources
Indiana DNR – Licenses & Permits
Purchase fishing licenses and find licensing information.
→ Indiana DNR Licenses & Permits
Indiana DNR – License Fees
Current resident and nonresident fishing-license fees.
→ View Indiana License Fees
Indiana Fishing Guide & Regulations
Current fishing rules, license information and regulations.
→ View the 2026–2027 Fishing Guide
Summary
Most adults fishing in Hamilton County need an Indiana fishing license unless they qualify for an exemption. A resident annual fishing license currently costs $23, and licenses can be purchased online through GoOutdoorsIN or from authorized retailers.