You’ll pay an $11 Trout/Salmon Stamp (it’s bundled into most Indiana fishing license prices) when you fish trout or salmon, and you must carry a signed copy with your valid license. Purchases are available online via Go Outdoors Indiana or at 500+ retailers, with small tech or reprint fees for digital transactions. Revenue funds stocking, habitat restoration, and trout research, tying your fee directly to conservation — keep going to see who’s exempt and buying options.

What the Trout/Salmon Stamp Covers

The Trout/Salmon stamp is a required endorsement you must have, in addition to a valid Indiana fishing license, whenever you fish for trout or salmon on public waters; its fee is bundled into license pricing and directly funds species-specific conservation actions.

The Trout/Salmon stamp is a required endorsement, bundled into your fishing license fee to fund species-specific conservation.

When you buy the stamp, you fund measurable activities: stocking programs that release age-classed trout and salmon to sustain angler catch rates, habitat restoration projects that improve stream structure and water quality for trout habitats, and targeted research that monitors population trends and informs adaptive management.

You must carry an ink-signed or signed electronic copy while fishing, which guarantees compliance and enables enforcement of regulations designed to protect vulnerable cohorts. Revenue supports both resident and non-resident access, so your purchase directly underpins salmon conservation initiatives statewide.

The stamp thus functions as a focused conservation license fee: a verifiable mechanism that links angler use with quantifiable investments in population maintenance, habitat improvement, and science-based management.

Current Cost of the Trout/Salmon Stamp

You’ll pay $11.00 for Indiana’s Trout/Salmon stamp, a required endorsement you must have in addition to your regular fishing license when targeting trout or salmon on public waters. This fee directly supports trout and salmon habitat work, stocking, and population monitoring — clear Trout stamp benefits tied to measurable conservation outcomes. You must carry the stamp with your fishing license while pursuing these species; it’s an explicit Fishing license requirements component. The stamp’s validity matches the license term (typically April 1–March 31), so budgeting annually is straightforward.

Paying the stamp guarantees you contribute to population data, habitat restoration, and sustained angling opportunities.

Who Needs a Trout/Salmon Stamp in Indiana

Anglers targeting trout or salmon in Indiana must buy and carry a Trout/Salmon stamp in addition to their fishing license; this requirement applies to residents and nonresidents alike and serves as a direct funding source for habitat work, stocking, and population monitoring.

You’ll need the stamp whenever you fish for trout or salmon in public waters; there are no residency exemptions and no special-case waivers.

Carry the stamp with your license for on-water verification by law enforcement. This rule supports Trout fishing and enforces Salmon regulations by ensuring anglers contribute to species management.

1. You standing at a stocked stream bank, license and stamp in your pocket, ready for Trout fishing.
2. You checking regulations and seeing the stamp requirement before launching for salmon.
3. Officers verifying both documents during routine patrols on public waters.
4. Conservation crews using stamp revenues to fund stocking, habitat restoration, and population monitoring.

How to Purchase the Stamp Online and In-Person

You can buy the Trout/Salmon stamp online via Go Outdoors Indiana by adding it to your fishing license at checkout (note a $1 technology fee and a $3 reprint fee for duplicates).

If you prefer in person, over 500 authorized retailers statewide—including bait shops and outdoor stores—sell the stamp and accept standard payment methods at point of sale.

Both online and in-person purchases keep the stamp cost separate from your license and directly fund trout and salmon conservation.

Online Purchase Steps

If you plan to fish for trout or salmon in Indiana, purchase the Trout/Salmon stamp through Go Outdoors Indiana when you buy your fishing license online or get it at one of over 500 authorized in-person retailers; note that online purchases incur a $3 tech fee plus any credit card processing charges.

Complete the online purchase by selecting the Trout/Salmon stamp during checkout—this meets Trout/Salmon requirements and adds the statutory conservation fee to your license.

After payment, download or print the stamped license and sign it in ink or use a signed electronic copy for compliance.

Keep the document with you while fishing; enforcement checks require proof.

1. Select fishing license and add Trout/Salmon stamp
2. Pay fees (including $3 tech fee)
3. Download/print stamped license
4. Sign and carry proof

Retailer In-Person Locations

Wondering where to buy the Trout/Salmon stamp in person? You can visit any of over 500 authorized retailer locations statewide—bait shops and sporting goods stores carry the stamp, ensuring broad access and purchase convenience.

The stamp, $11.00 for residents and $11.00 for non-residents, must be linked to a valid fishing license; bring your license to complete the in-person transaction. These authorized outlets support conservation funding by collecting stamp sales that directly finance trout and salmon management.

If you prefer, the same stamp is available online via Go Outdoors Indiana for a seamless alternative, but in-person retailer locations remain critical for anglers without immediate online access or who want direct assistance.

Buy where it’s most practical for your trip.

Payment Methods Accepted

Alongside in-person retail options, the Trout/Salmon stamp is available online via Go Outdoors Indiana and must be purchased with a valid fishing license.

You’ll choose payment methods that reflect conservation funding priorities; accepted fees vary by channel and are itemized at checkout. Online purchases incur a $3 technology fee plus credit card processing; mail or DNR-property transactions add a $1 technology fee.

Over 500 authorized retailers accept standard in-person payments.

1. Buy online: credit/debit, $3 tech fee, card processing.
2. Mail: check or card, $1 tech fee, processing applies.
3. At DNR sites: on-site card, $1 tech fee.
4. Retailer counters: cash/card, no tech fee.

You can reprint lost stamps online for a fee or free within five days.

Stamp Exemptions and Special Cases

When planning trout or salmon fishing in Indiana, know that certain people and situations are exempt from the trout/salmon stamp requirement: residents born before April 1, 1943, youths under 18, and residents who are legally blind don’t need a fishing license or stamp.

Fishing on private ponds that don’t connect with public waters is also exempt with the landowner’s permission. You should confirm stamp validity and exemption criteria before fishing: a valid trout/salmon stamp is otherwise required in addition to a fishing license for targeting trout and salmon in Indiana public waters.

For residents born before April 1, 1943, the exemption covers both license and stamp; the same applies to legally blind residents and youths under 18.

For private ponds, verify that fish populations don’t mingle with public waters and obtain written permission from the landowner when possible.

These exemptions streamline compliance while maintaining clear boundaries between public-water management and private-stocked fisheries.

How Stamp Revenue Supports Conservation and Stocking

Because every Trout/Salmon stamp you buy funnels restricted funds into fisheries work, your purchase directly underwrites stocking protocols, habitat restoration, and targeted research to sustain trout populations in Indiana public waters.

Every Trout/Salmon stamp directs restricted funds to stocking, habitat restoration, and research that sustain Indiana’s trout populations.

You see funding allocation translated into measurable outcomes: numbers of fish stocked, stream miles restored, and studies completed. Stamp revenue supports maintenance of public fishing areas and outreach that changes angler behavior.

1. Stocking: scheduled fingerling and adult trout releases to meet catch-rate targets and genetic goals.
2. Habitat preservation: streambank stabilization, in-stream structure placement, and cold-water refuge protection.
3. Research: telemetry, population monitoring, and angler-survey analyses that inform adaptive management.
4. Access and education: improved access points, signage, and workshops that reduce illegal harvest and habitat damage.

You get a clear return on investment — improved angling opportunity and resilient trout populations — because revenue is ring-fenced for conservation outcomes.

Combined License and Stamp Options for Residents and Nonresidents

When you buy a resident license you’ll see options like the 10-Year DAV Hunting & Fishing license for $27.50 that covers general fishing but still requires a separate Trout/Salmon stamp to target trout and salmon.

As a nonresident you’ll pay an additional Trout/Salmon stamp fee on top of your fishing license, so compare package choices to minimize cost.

Purchasing the combined license and stamp directly funds stocking and habitat preservation for Indiana’s aquatic ecosystems.

Resident Combined Options

If you plan to fish for trout in Indiana, you’ll need both a valid resident fishing license and the separate Trout/Salmon stamp—the license covers general angling while the stamp is the additional conservation fee required specifically for trout and salmon.

You’ll evaluate resident fishing options by combining the annual or senior fishing license with the Trout/Salmon stamp; the stamp is always an extra cost. You must buy the stamp to comply with trout fishing regulations.

Track combined costs when budgeting and renewals to avoid violations. The stamp funds habitat, stocking, and monitoring programs that sustain trout populations.

1. A license card in your wallet.
2. A stamped permit for trout waters.
3. Data-driven stocking maps in your phone.
4. Visible conservation funding receipts.

Nonresident Package Choices

Building on resident package choices, nonresident anglers need to factor the Trout/Salmon stamp into their cost calculations along with either the $60 annual nonresident fishing license or a seven-day nonresident license for short visits. The stamp is always required if you target trout or salmon.

You’ll decide between annual or seven-day licenses based on trip frequency and cost-effectiveness. The Trout/Salmon stamp is an additive fee that legally enables trout/salmon harvest or possession.

Non resident benefits include access to diverse fisheries, but they come with regulatory obligations—follow Indiana fishing regulations and carry proof of license and stamp.

Note youth non-residents 17 and younger don’t need a license but must have the Trout/Salmon stamp when pursuing those species.

Trout Stamp Inclusion

One clear choice you’ll make before fishing for trout or salmon in Indiana is whether to buy a combined license-and-stamp package (available to residents) or to purchase a separate Trout/Salmon stamp alongside your fishing license (required for nonresidents).

You must have a valid Trout/Salmon stamp in addition to your fishing license; residents can streamline this by buying the combined option, while nonresidents purchase the stamp separately.

Stamp fees fund trout habitat preservation and stocking, so buying one directly supports conservation and compliance with fishing regulations.

Before you fish, confirm both license and stamp to avoid fines and help sustain populations.

1. Cold stream with restored trout habitat
2. Angler checking license and stamp
3. Stocking truck releasing fingerlings
4. Ranger enforcing fishing regulations

Military, Veterans, and Discounted Stamp Eligibility

Because Indiana recognizes military service and disability, active-duty personnel on approved leave don’t need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp while fishing in the state.

Non-resident service members on active duty may buy resident licenses and stamps at resident rates. You should note military exemptions and veteran benefits are defined by statute and administered by the Indiana DNR, so documentation and status determine eligibility.

If you’re a resident disabled American veteran, you’re eligible for discounted fishing licenses and reduced trout/salmon stamp fees; the DAV fishing license application (which includes the trout/salmon stamp) is available from the DNR.

To obtain the reduced rates, you must provide proper proof of disabled veteran status—VA documentation or other authorized verification.

These provisions lower barriers to angling for service members and veterans while sustaining conservation funding, because the reduced-fee programs still contribute to habitat and stock management through targeted revenue streams administered by DNR.

Common Questions About Using the Trout/Salmon Stamp

Wondering what you need to carry and how long it lasts? You must have a valid Trout/Salmon stamp plus your fishing license when trout fishing in Indiana’s public waters.

The stamp costs $11.00 for residents, $15.00 for non-residents, and the revenue funds conservation efforts like habitat restoration and population management. It’s valid for the license year (April 1–March 31). Carry either an ink-signed paper stamp or a signed electronic copy while fishing.

1. A printed, ink-signed stamp clipped into your license holder, drenched in stream-side light.
2. A signed electronic stamp displayed on your phone with clear timestamp metadata.
3. A full-season calendar from April 1 to March 31 showing uninterrupted coverage.
4. A funding flow diagram: $11/$15 → conservation efforts → restored trout and salmon habitat.

You’re responsible for possession and presentation during enforcement checks; stamp sales directly support targeted habitat and management initiatives for trout and salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy a Trout Stamp as a Gift for Someone Else?

Yes — you can purchase a trout stamp for someone else. You’ll complete gift purchasing through the issuing agency, provide recipient details if required, and your purchase directly funds conservation, habitat restoration, and trout population monitoring programs.

Is a Separate Trout Stamp Required for Ice Fishing?

No, you typically don’t need a separate trout stamp for ice fishing; you must follow ice fishing regulations and trout stamp requirements specific to your state, so check local rules to verify compliance and support conservation data-based management.

Does the Stamp Expire at the Same Time as My Fishing License?

Yes — your trout stamp duration usually matches your fishing license, so you’ll have fishing license synchronization; states often synchronize expiration dates for easier compliance and conservation tracking, though check your state’s regulations for exact dates.

Are Refunds Available if I Change My Fishing Plans?

Like a closed hatch, refunds are generally limited: you’ll seldom get refunds once issued, but refund policies vary by state and depend on fishing regulations, purchase timing, and administrative rules—check your agency’s data-driven policy details.

Can Volunteers or River Stewards Receive Free Stamps?

It depends on your state: some volunteer programs offer complimentary stamps for documented conservation efforts, while others require standard purchase. Check specific agency policies and eligibility criteria, since availability, proof requirements, and quantities vary by jurisdiction.

Conclusion

You’ve seen what the trout/salmon stamp funds and who needs it — now act. The current stamp fee directly finances stocking, habitat restoration, and angler education; buying one is the fastest way to support measurable conservation outcomes. Purchase online or at license vendors, check exemptions (veterans, certain youth/military cases), or choose combined license options to streamline compliance. Track annual revenue reports to visually confirm how fees translate into stocked fish per river mile and restored habitat acres.