Indiana offers diverse freshwater fishing ranging from the deep waters of Lake Michigan to scenic southern reservoirs and winding rivers. Anglers can target world-class steelhead and salmon in the north, while the rest of the state is renowned for its productive bass, walleye, and panfish populations.
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Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
Open year-round with a 14-inch minimum size limit on most waters and a daily bag limit of 5.
Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye
Open year-round; Walleye must be at least 14 inches (with some lake exceptions) and the daily bag limit is 6.
Channel & Flathead Catfish
Open year-round; daily bag limit of 10 for Channel Catfish and 2 for Flathead Catfish in most lakes.
Steelhead & Salmon
Targeted primarily in Lake Michigan and its tributaries; Skamania Steelhead run in summer while Coho and Chinook peak in fall.
Inland Trout
The inland stream trout season opens the last Saturday in April and runs through December 31.
Yellow Perch
Open year-round; Lake Michigan has a daily bag limit of 15, while inland waters vary.
Bluegill & Panfish
Open year-round; very popular in spring; Indiana has a daily bag limit of 25 for Bluegill and 25 for Redear Sunfish.
Crappie
Open year-round with no minimum size limit and a generous daily bag limit of 25.
Top Waters
Lake Michigan (Indiana Coast)
Famous for world-class Salmon, Steelhead, and Yellow Perch fishing near the ports of Michigan City and Portage.
Monroe Lake
Indiana's largest reservoir, offering exceptional opportunities for Crappie, Bluegill, and Hybrid Striped Bass.
Patoka Lake
A premier Largemouth Bass destination known for its standing timber and high-quality recreational fishing.
Wabash River
The longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi, known for massive Flathead and Channel Catfish.
St. Joseph River
A major corridor for summer and winter Steelhead runs, as well as excellent Smallmouth Bass fishing.
Brookville Lake
One of the state's best locations for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass fishing in southeastern Indiana.
Lake Maxinkuckee
A large natural lake in northern Indiana famous for its clear water and strong Walleye and Perch populations.
Tippecanoe River
Highly regarded for float fishing and targeting Smallmouth Bass and various panfish species.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Indiana's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Brother Nature Fishing Charters
Charter/GuideMichigan City, IN
Specializing in Lake Michigan excursions for Salmon, Steelhead, and Lake Trout out of Washington Park Marina.
Fisheye Fishing Charters
Charter/GuidePortage, IN
Offering professional multi-species fishing trips on the southern shores of Lake Michigan.
Big Lake Guide Service
Charter/GuideAngola, IN
Professional guiding for Walleye, Bass, and Panfish on the natural lakes of Steuben County.
Fins and Grins Charters
Charter/GuidePortage, IN
A full-time charter service targeting Coho, Chinook, and Steelhead on Lake Michigan.
Ye Olde Tackle Box
Bait & Tackle ShopNorth Webster, IN
A legendary local shop providing specialized gear and live bait for northern Indiana's lake country.
Keepin' It Reel Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopEvansville, IN
A southern Indiana hub for catfishing gear, live bait, and local fishing information.
Westside Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopIndianapolis, IN
Serving central Indiana anglers for decades with a massive selection of live bait and terminal tackle.
Angler's Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopIndianapolis, IN
Providing fresh bait and expert advice for fishing the White River and local reservoirs.
Mike's Fishing & Firearms
Bait & Tackle ShopMooresville, IN
A family-owned shop offering a wide variety of fishing tackle for central Indiana waters.
Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina
MarinaBloomington, IN
The largest marina on Lake Monroe, providing boat rentals, slips, and direct lake access.
Kent's Harbor Marina
MarinaBrookville, IN
A full-service marina on Brookville Lake featuring boat sales, rentals, and fishing supplies.
Patoka Lake Marina & Resort
MarinaBirdseye, IN
Offering a floating bait shop, boat rentals, and lodging on one of Indiana's premier fishing lakes.
Main Harbor Marina
MarinaPortage, IN
Ideally located for quick access to the big water of Lake Michigan for salmon and trout anglers.
FlyMasters of Indianapolis
Fly ShopIndianapolis, IN
A premier full-service fly shop offering gear, fly tying materials, and educational classes.
Moving Waters Outfitters
Fly ShopZionsville, IN
Dedicated fly shop specializing in river trips and gear for Smallmouth Bass and Trout.
Wildcat Creek Outfitters
Fly ShopZionsville, IN
Knowledgeable shop focusing on fly fishing equipment and guided trips across Indiana rivers.
Dry Dock Marine Center
Boat DealerAngola, IN
A full-service marine dealer specializing in fishing boats and pontoons for the northern lakes.
Just Add Water Boats
Boat DealerIndianapolis, IN
Central Indiana's source for premium fishing boats, sales, and certified marine service.
Wana RV & Marine
Boat DealerShipshewana, IN
Family-owned dealership offering a wide range of fishing boats and outdoor recreational vehicles.
Sycamore Marine
Boat DealerLawrenceburg, IN
Serving southeast Indiana and the Ohio River region with boat sales and engine maintenance.
T&G Custom Rods
Rod BuilderWhiteland, IN
Specializing in handcrafted custom fishing rods tailored to specific species and techniques.
Black Creek Custom Rods
Rod BuilderColumbus, IN
Crafting high-performance, personalized fishing rods for discerning anglers across the Midwest.
Indiana Custom Rods
Rod BuilderFort Wayne, IN
Focused on precision-built fishing rods and expert rod repair services.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.