The Indiana youth fishing license exemption lets residents and visitors under 18 fish without buying a fishing license or trout and salmon stamp. Young anglers still follow the rules for open season, gear and harvest. At 18, check which adult license applies.
Indiana Youth Fishing License Rules by Age
| Who is fishing | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Age 17 or younger, resident or visitor | Youth exemption from the fishing license and trout or salmon stamp |
| Age 18 or older | Applicable adult fishing license unless an exemption applies |
| Adult accompanying a young angler | Check adult licensing before fishing or using a line yourself |
The Indiana DNR customer service FAQ confirms the under-18 license and stamp exemptions. The separate youth hunt/trap product has its own rules.
Plan a Family Trip on Public Water
- Choose a public site and confirm open dates and bank or boat access.
- Check the Indiana fishing regulations for the species, size limits and daily harvest allowed at that site.
- Set up gear where children can cast safely. Check life jacket requirements and fit if you are boating.
- Adults who plan to fish should buy a license or verify their own exemption.
On designated Indiana Free Fishing Days, the state waives the public-water license and stamp for resident adults as well.
What Changes at Age 18?
Use the DNR license list to choose a resident or nonresident adult product before fishing. The one-day license includes trout and salmon. Some annual and short-term options require a separate privilege for those fish.
See the Indiana one-day fishing rules and Indiana trout stamp cost guide before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an out-of-state 17-year-old need an Indiana fishing license?
Indiana’s under-18 exemption applies to both resident and visiting anglers.
Do Indiana youth need a trout or salmon stamp?
Indiana DNR exempts individuals younger than 18 from the fishing license and trout and salmon stamp. Fishing regulations still apply.
Can a parent fish with a child under the child’s exemption?
The youth exemption applies to the young angler. Adults who fish must meet the adult license or exemption rules themselves.
