You’ll pay $7 for an annual Indiana Youth Fishing License that lets anglers 17 and under fish public waters; if you’ll target trout or salmon you’ll add a $7 Trout/Salmon Stamp. Licenses are available online, at retailers, or DNR offices and you must carry proof while fishing. Fees support habitat restoration, stocking, research and education. Some youth are exempt in specific situations. Keep going for details on purchases, exemptions, and how revenue funds conservation.

Who Needs a Youth Fishing License in Indiana

If you’re 17 or younger and plan to fish Indiana’s public waters, you’ll need an annual Youth Fishing License, which costs $7.00 and grants statewide access; however, anyone under 18—resident or nonresident—is exempt from the standard fishing license requirement but must still buy a $7.00 Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp when targeting trout or salmon.

You should understand that the youth fishing regulations are age-specific: the license applies to anglers aged 17 and younger, and the trout/salmon stamp is required if you pursue those species.

Youth fishing rules are age-specific: licenses cover anglers 17 and under, and a trout/salmon stamp is required when targeting those fish.

Carry proof of the youth license when fishing public waters to comply with enforcement and support conservation programs.

Follow fishing safety tips: wear a personal flotation device near open water, use barbless hooks where appropriate, and handle fish with wet hands to protect protective mucous.

Youth Fishing License Fees and Trout/Salmon Stamp Costs

Now that you know who needs a youth license and when a trout/salmon stamp applies, here’s what it costs: the annual Youth Fishing License is $7.00 and grants anglers aged 17 and under access to all public waters for one year.

The Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp—also $7.00—is required when you fish trout or salmon in designated streams or Lake Michigan tributaries.

1. The Youth Fishing License: $7.00 per year; covers all public waters for residents 17 and under.
2. Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp: $7.00; mandatory for trout/salmon in designated streams and Lake Michigan tributaries.
3. Accessibility: Fees are set to keep entry affordable, supporting youth fishing benefits like skills and outdoor engagement.
4. Conservation impact: Revenue funds habitat management, stocking, and maintenance of public fishing areas, directly connecting your purchase to resource stewardship.

You’ll find this fee structure precise and purpose-driven: low cost to encourage participation, with clear conservation impact from collected funds.

Where and How to Buy a Youth Fishing License

You can buy a Youth Fishing License three ways: online through the Indiana DNR Online License System, in person at authorized retailers (sporting goods stores and bait shops), or directly from local DNR offices.

You can purchase a Youth Fishing License online, at authorized retailers, or directly from local DNR offices.

For an efficient online purchase, you’ll complete identity fields, select the annual Youth Fishing License ($7.00), and optionally add the Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp ($7.00) if you plan to target trout or salmon. Receipts and digital licenses are typically available immediately for printing or mobile display.

If you prefer in person availability, visit participating sporting goods stores, bait shops, or your nearest DNR office; staff can process payments and issue credentials on the spot.

Choose the method that minimizes travel and paper waste. Keep proof of purchase with you while fishing to comply with regulations and support conservation funding—those $7 fees directly help habitat management and stocking programs.

Age and Residency Rules for Youth Licenses

You qualify for a Youth Fishing License in Indiana if you’re 17 or younger; the license costs $7.00 and is valid for one year.

Residents and non-residents under 18 are exempt from needing a fishing license, though a separate Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp ($7.00) is required when targeting trout or salmon in designated waters.

These age and residency rules expand access while ensuring fee revenue supports conservation and youth programs.

Age Eligibility Limits

Kids 17 and under qualify for Indiana’s youth fishing privileges, letting them fish all public waters without a general license.

You’ll want to understand age restrictions and eligibility criteria clearly to comply and promote conservation-minded angling.

1. You’re eligible if you’re age 17 or younger; proof of age is required for a youth license.
2. The annual Youth Fishing License costs $7.00; it supports management and access.
3. A Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp is $7.00 and required when targeting those species.
4. Both resident and nonresident youth under 18 are exempt from a general fishing license but still need the trout/salmon stamp when applicable.

Follow these rules to foster sustainable participation and accurate record-keeping for resource conservation.

Resident vs. Nonresident

Although residency changes the paperwork, the age cutoff for youth fishing privileges is the same: 17 and under.

You’ll pay $7.00 for an Annual Youth Fishing License if you meet Indiana resident requirements — a fixed home in the state for at least 60 days and no claim of residency elsewhere — which grants access to all public waters.

If you’re a non-resident youth, you’re covered by nonresident exemptions and don’t need a fishing license, though a valid hunting license is required if you plan to hunt.

Regardless of residency, you must purchase a Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp ($7.00) to target trout or salmon.

These rules balance access, data-driven regulation, and conservation-minded encouragement for young anglers.

Exemptions and Special Cases for Young Anglers

When evaluating exemptions and special cases for young anglers, note that Indiana waives fishing-license requirements for residents and nonresidents under 18, while nonresident youths 17 and younger must hold a valid hunting license but are otherwise exempt from fishing licenses and certain stamps.

You should understand exemptions benefits within fishing regulations to plan outings that comply with law while supporting conservation goals.

1. Residents and nonresidents <18: no fishing license required; simplifies access and reduces administrative burden.
2. Nonresident youths ≤17: must carry a valid hunting license; otherwise exempt from fishing licenses and specific stamps.
3. Legally blind residents: exempt from license requirement during fishing; promotes inclusivity without compromising resource management.
4. State mental rehabilitation facility residents & private pond fishers (with owner consent where fish don’t mingle with public waters): licensed exemption during supervised or private-pond activities.

Follow posting, catch-reporting, and size/season rules; exemptions don’t override conservation-oriented regulations meant to sustain fish populations.

Benefits of Getting a Youth Fishing License

While exemptions make it easier for many young anglers to go fishing, getting an annual Youth Fishing License ($7) brings concrete benefits you won’t get from relying on exemptions alone.

For $7 you gain one-year access to all public waters in Indiana, a clear cost-to-benefit ratio that supports both recreation and stewardship. License fees directly fund habitat preservation and fish stocking programs, so your purchase has measurable conservation impact.

You’ll also expand opportunities: with the optional Youth Trout/Salmon Stamp ($7) you can legally fish designated streams and Lake Michigan tributaries.

Beyond access, holding a license accelerates skill development by encouraging consistent practice, access to regulated waters, and participation in mentored outings. It cultivates environmental appreciation through direct exposure to managed fisheries and funded conservation projects.

Finally, a licensed youth often experiences stronger family bonding during repeat trips, helping convert occasional outings into sustained outdoor engagement that reinforces conservation-minded behavior and fishing proficiency over time.

License Reprints, Tech Fees, and Payment Options

When you buy a Youth Fishing License, know that duplicate prints cost $3 if you need one later, but you can reprint it free online within five days of purchase.

Expect a $1 tech fee for mail or DNR property transactions, or a $3 tech fee plus a credit card processing fee for online purchases.

You can pay online through the Indiana DNR system, at authorized retailers, or by phone, so choose the method that minimizes fees and supports efficient license administration.

Reprint and Duplicate Costs

If you need a replacement or extra copy, expect a $3 reprint fee at retail locations while online reprints are free within five days of purchase; duplicate licenses can also be printed online and are subject to the same reprint fee.

You should follow reprint procedures and adhere to duplicate regulations to maintain valid documentation and support conservation enforcement.

Note: tech fee and payment channels affect total cost and delivery time.

1. Reprint fee: $3 at retailers; online free within 5 days.
2. Duplicate rule: reprint fee applies to all license types when printed online.
3. Payment channels: online, 500+ retailers, or mail (check/credit info).
4. Mail timing: allow 2–3 weeks for delivery; plan ahead to avoid lapses.

Tech & Payment Fees

1 clear rule governs extra tech charges: expect a $3 technology fee plus a nonrefundable credit-card processing charge for online purchases, a $1 technology fee for mail or DNR property purchases, and a $3 reprint fee for duplicate licenses printed online (note: online reprints are free within five days of the original purchase). You can buy licenses online, by phone, or at 500+ retailers; mail purchases take 2–3 weeks. Below is a concise fee breakdown and payment methods reference.

Plan purchases to minimize fees and support conservation-minded licensing.

How Youth License Revenue Supports Conservation

Although it costs just $7 a year, your youth fishing license directly funds habitat restoration, fish stocking, and maintenance of public access sites across Indiana’s waters.

You’ll see clear conservation impact because licensing revenue provides targeted funding allocation to the Division of Fish & Wildlife for research, management, and on-the-ground projects. Your purchase supports ecosystem recovery and data-driven decisions that maintain fish population health.

1. Habitat restoration: funds stream to projects that improve spawning and nursery areas.
2. Fish stocking: revenue pays for hatchery production and strategic stocking to sustain angling opportunities.
3. Education programs: fees underwrite youth outreach that teaches sustainable fishing and stewardship.
4. Public access & maintenance: dollars keep boat ramps, shorelines, and facilities safe and usable.

You’re investing in measurable outcomes — improved population metrics, maintained access, and trained next-generation anglers — ensuring long-term ecological and recreational benefits from a modest annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Youth Fish on a Private Pond With This License?

Yes — you can fish on a private pond with the license if local private pond regulations allow it, and you meet fishing license requirements; you’ll follow size, bag limits, seasons and any owner permission for conservation compliance.

Are Night Fishing Hours Allowed on a Youth License?

Yes — you can fish at night if local night fishing regulations permit; you’ll follow posted youth fishing hours, possession limits, and conservation rules, and you’re expected to use legal gear, report catches, and protect habitat.

Does the Youth License Include Ice Fishing Privileges?

Yes — your youth license typically covers ice fishing privileges, but you’ll need to follow ice fishing regulations and youth fishing rules, including season dates, size and bag limits, gear restrictions, and any additional local safety requirements.

Can a Youth Angler Use Live Bait or Only Artificial Lures?

Like a compass, you’ll follow rules: you can use live bait where fishing regulations permit, but bait restrictions vary by area and species, so check local regulations and conservation guidelines before choosing live or artificial tackle.

Is Catch-And-Release Required for Certain Species With This License?

Yes — you’ll sometimes be required to use catch-and-release for certain species; check catch limits and species restrictions for your area. Regulations specify which species must be released to protect populations and maintain sustainable fisheries.

Conclusion

You’re set to fish responsibly and support Indiana’s waters by getting a youth license — usually inexpensive (often free or under $15 depending on age/residency) and sometimes requiring a trout/salmon stamp. Buy online, at bait shops, or DNR offices; reprints and tech fees may apply. Rules vary by age, residency, and exemptions like mentor programs. Your small purchase funds habitat restoration and stocking, so cast a line like it’s 1890 and protect fisheries with data-backed stewardship.