Free fishing weekend ahead on Indiana's public waters

This weekend kicks off a national fishing and boating week, with free fishing days happening all over the country.

Normally, anglers pay $23 for an annual Indiana fishing pass and $11 for trout and salmon stamps. But this weekend, these fees are waived for fishing on public waters.

Anglers can catch fish like bluegill, crappie catfish, large and smallmouth bass, white bass, trout and salmon.

MORE: Indiana DNR where to fish finder

Cindy Stites is Wildlife Recreation Program Manager with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. She said more Hoosiers getting hooked on fishing is good for conservation. The fees pay for conservation efforts.

“We want to get more people outdoors. We want more people to enjoy the outside spaces, public lands, public water in Indiana, want them to be more involved in what conservation is in our state," Stites said.

And we hope that if they go out and enjoy these free fishing days, that will encourage them to buy a fishing license so they can continue to do that the rest of the year.”

Conservation aside, Stites said fishing just plain good for you.

“It's relaxing. It's a chance to be outdoors. Generally it's quiet," Stites said. "It's a chance to put food on your table — but catch and release fishing is enjoyable as well.”

She said it's also a great way to see more of nature while you're out fishing.

This is the only full weekend of free fishing the DNR offers. The next free day is September 24.

More information is available at in.gov/dnr.