Bowfishing in Indiana gives you a hands-on way to target rough fish species while helping manage invasive populations — and the Hoosier State is generally welcoming to the sport. But before you string up a reel and hit the water, you need to understand exactly which fish are legal, what gear is allowed, and where the rules change depending on water type.
This guide breaks down Indiana’s bowfishing laws in plain language, covering everything from license requirements and legal species to night shooting rules and equipment restrictions — so you can get out there confidently and stay on the right side of Indiana DNR regulations.
Is Bowfishing Legal in Indiana
Yes, bowfishing is legal in Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) explicitly permits the use of a bow and arrow as a fishing method, and it is one of several legal alternative gear types recognized under state fishing regulations.
A bow and arrow or crossbow can be used year-round at any time of day to take invasive carp, bowfin, buffalo fish, common carp, gar, shad, and suckers from streams, rivers, and non-flowing waters (including lakes, ponds, and reservoirs). That broad permission makes Indiana a solid destination for bowfishers of all experience levels…