Free Fishing Days

Indiana's four Free Fishing Days are
May 2, June 5-6, and Sept. 25, 2021.

What are Free Fishing Days?

On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters. All other rules such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. 

Free Fishing Days are an excellent opportunity to learn how to fish, take youth fishing, or introduce a friend to fishing. DNR also offers instruction for learning more about fishing, teaching new anglers, and finding places to fish close to home through the Learn to Fish Program. Learn to Fish workshops are hosted around the state throughout the year. On Free Fishing Days, these workshops allow individuals new to fishing to learn without purchasing a license. Prefer to learn on your own? See Fishing Tips and Videos.

Learn to Fish workshops

Learn to Fish workshops are two- to four-hour hands-on workshops in which participants gain knowledge, skills, and the confidence needed to go fishing for the first time or to use a new skill. Equipment and bait are usually provided. Attend one of our workshops to discover the joy of fishing.

Where to Go

• Where to Fish 
• Urban Fishing
• Indiana Fish Stocking locations
• Fish & Wildlife properties
• All DNR properties

Fishing Information

• General fishing information
• Fishing Guide & Regulations
• What's Biting Where
• Fishing Tips and Videos

Buy a Fishing License

If you enjoyed the Free Fishing Days, please consider purchasing a fishing license so you can fish throughout the entire year (license year is April 1 to March 31 of the following year). License sales support research, habitat management, public access, fish stocking, and education programs.

Want to host a fishing event? Email us at learn2fish@dnr.IN.gov.