Indiana Trout Season is Near: Here’s How Many Have Been Stocked

The fishing season is finally upon us, and I couldn't be more excited. I grew up fishing in Indiana waters with my dad and grandfather, and it's something I continue to enjoy more and more as I get older. However, I haven't had much time to do so in recent years since going back to school. Luckily, I'm two months away from graduation, which just means I'm two months closer to spending some much-needed time on the water.

Most of the fish I grew up catching included bluegill, bass, and catfish, but this year, I'm hoping to go after some trout, and if you are too, there is good news. The Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife has unveiled their 2024 Inland Trout Stocking Plan, and it looks like there will be plenty of fish to go around. However, if you've never cast a line for trout before, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

There is no set season for taking trout from Indiana lakes; however, there is a set season for trout fishing in inland streams. The opening day of trout fishing for inland streams (other than Lake Michigan tributaries) is always the last Saturday in April. Therefore, the opening day this year will be Saturday, April 27, 2024. Anglers can begin casting their lines at 6 a.m. local time that day, with the season running through Dec. 31.

Get our free mobile app

According to Indiana's fishing regulations, there is no minimum size limit for trout caught from lakes, except for an 18-inch size limit for brown trout at Oliver, Olin, and Martin lakes in LaGrange County and Brookville Lake tailwater in Franklin County. That said, when it comes to inland streams, there is a 7-inch, five-bag limit per day. but only one of those fish can be a brown trout. Additionally, trout seekers will need to obtain an Indiana fishing license with a trout or salmon stamp before heading out on the water.

When it comes to Indiana lakes, DNR is currently in the process of stocking over 23,000 rainbow trout in addition to around 2,000 brown trout. Another 23,000 rainbow trout are already being placed into Indiana's streams, accompanied by over 11,000 brown trout. If you're keeping track at home, that's just shy of about 60,000 fish. DNR plans to do some more stocking in May and this coming fall.