Fish Species

• Indiana fishing information reveals the Hoosier state's bounty of sport fish. The veritable who's who of game fish span the spectrum from black bass including largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, to temperate bass including hybrid striped bass, striped bass and white bass. The catfish are strong and plentiful ranging from channel catfish, blue catfish and white catfish to bullhead catfish. Several species of sunfish can be found as well as several species of trout including steelhead, brown and lake trout, and king salmon and coho showing up in Indiana waters.
  
  

Where To Fish

• Indiana offers 800 fishing areas and access sites that include public access sites, public fishing areas, wetland conservation areas, state parks, reservoirs and of course, the lake regions. A fee (daily use) or a DNR Lake Permit may be required to launch your boat at DNR state parks and Reservoirs and DNR State Forest properties. Indiana fishing reports change rapidly, but some hot spots as of June 2010 include Cataract Lake for crappie, Hardy Lake for bass and West Boggs Lake for bluegill, crappie, channel and bullhead catfish. Check fishing reports often for updates.
  
  

Ice Fishing

• Ice fishing in the Hoosier state is a widely enjoyed winter recreational activity. With frozen lakes and ponds dotting the states 36,420 square miles during winter, there is ice fishing to be done. Indiana fishing information suggests that four inches of fresh solid ice is the minimum needed for safe ice fishing. Drilling your own test holes and a life jacket are precautions any angler venturing onto a frozen body of water must take. Indiana law limits the diameter of fishing holes to 12 inches and requires that fishing shanties have reflectors on the sides to prevent snowmobile accidents in poor visibility.
  
  

Regulations

• Indiana fishing information covers the catching of most type of fish species with restrictions for trout in inland streams, Lake Michigan and it's tributaries, and for paddlefish found in the Ohio River. Trot lines, a line extending from a fixed point into the water (with no more than 50 single or multi-barbed hooks) is allowed, as well as spear fishing for carp, gar, bowfin, buffalo and shad under certain conditions and on limited waters. Restrictions include the use of firearms, casting nets, taking of sturgeon or any fish on the endangered species list and exceeding bag limits.
  
  

Licensing

• Indiana fishing licenses may be purchased online through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or an authorized agent. Fishing licenses are offered to both resident and non-residents in various offerings. Resident licenses ranging from annual, one-day, to combination hunting and fishing licenses. As is the case with many states, trout fishing requires a separate permit or stamp. Non-resident licenses are offered in annual, one day (including trout/salmon) and seven day fishing varieties.
  
  

Great Lakes Fishing

• Fishing the Indiana's 43 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline is based on season and location. Indiana's share of Lake Michigan is approximately one percent of Lake Michigan's 224 miles of total shoreline. The fishing on this one percent however, is worthwhile. Fishing Lake Michigan can be done from boat, pier or stream on months ranging from mid-February to November. Fish species for Lake Michigan fishing include coho and king salmon, steelhead, lake trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass.