Indiana’s Free Fishing Days for 2026

It's never too early to start thinking about fishing. There are a few days in 2026 when you can fish in Indiana without a license.

As you know, we have so many places in the Hoosier State where you can cast a line out on the water and enjoy a day full of fishing. I know it's only March, and we have had some nice days so far, but I cannot wait to get out on a lake to go fishing on a nice, warm day. It's one of my favorite pastimes. Fishing is something that just puts me at peace with the world. I've taken my kids in the past, and the memories we made are certainly ones that I won't forget. Whether it is with friends, family, or just by yourself, a day on the lake is much better than a day at work, right?

Fishing is something that the whole family can enjoy together, but if you are 17 and older, you must purchase your fishing license first. That being said, there are a few exceptions to that law in Indiana. Each year, the state of Indiana (and others) sets aside a few days in the year when a license is not required. These days are known as "Free Fishing Days".

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Free Fishing Days in Indiana 2026

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters on Free Fishing Days. There are four FREE fishing days coming up this year in the state of Indiana.

• May 10th
• June 6th
• June 7th
• September 26th

Where To Fish in Indiana?

As you know, there are a lot of great options when it comes to areas to fish in Indiana. Some are public, some private, and only a select few have permission to fish. Of course, everyone has their favorite "honey hole", but if you are looking for some new places to fish in the Evansville area, allow me to do a little bit of work for you and give you some tips on some public fishing areas in the Evansville area that you should try out in 2026.