Rules & Regulations
Cast net laws in Indiana
Legal with restrictionsInformational only — this is not legal advice
Fishing regulations change, sometimes with little notice, and can vary further by county, water body, or season within a state. This page is a starting point for research, not a substitute for the law. Always verify current rules directly with your state's fish & wildlife agency or TakeMeFishing.org before you fish. BasicGear is not responsible for citations, fines, or gear seizures resulting from reliance on this page.
Last verified: 2026-07-08 — regulations are re-checked periodically; see the date above before assuming this is current.
Summary
Cast nets may take minnows, crayfish, and other bait fish only — no game fish retention — with added distance restrictions near dams (200–500 yards).
Size, mesh & licensing
- Max size
- 20 ft diameter (10 ft radius); described by Indiana DNR as applying to "most waters"
- Mesh
- Maximum 3/4 in stretch mesh
- Water type
- Not water-type specific / freshwater
- License
- Yes — valid Indiana sport fishing license
Recommended BasicGear net
Cast Net — Basic Series — Pick 1/4" or 3/8" mesh (both comfortably under Indiana's 3/4" stretch cap) in a size up to 10 ft radius.
Official source
Indiana DNR — Fish Netting & Trapping Rules↗
High confidenceLast verified: 2026-07-08
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