While fishing in Indiana on public water nearly always requires a fishing license – unless you are under the age of 18 or in one of a few other special categories – a permit is not required to troll for fish in ponds, lakes, and even streams and rivers running through private land so long as you have the permission of the property owner.
Still, the rules can be confusing, so when in doubt it is always best to
check the website of the Department of Natural Resources, which manages fishing and hunting in Indiana.
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Here are three things to know about fishing on private land in Indiana.
1. Always ask permission
If you don't have permission from the landowner and you fish on private land, you are trespassing and subject to Indiana's laws for this offense.
2. Many private lakes and ponds are cool fishing camps
Indiana has a lot of private stocked lakes and ponds that make ideal weekend fishing getaways. These can be especially fun for families in summer. Note that you'll still need to follow the rules at private fishing lodges as many are catch and release only.
3. No bag limit if truly private water
If you're fishing in entirely private waters, you don't have to follow state-mandated bag limits for fish, although you have to respect the policy of the landowner. However, if you are fishing in a stream running through private property but the fish you catch originated in public waters, you are required to have the proper fishing license to catch. This is especially important if fishing for trout or salmon, which require an extra permit on public lands in Indiana.
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