In Indiana, fishing tournaments on public waters can only be regulated by the DNR. A county or city park department (or another local entity...such as a conservancy district) might place restrictions on the use of an access site, including restrictions pertaining to fishing tournaments. It is advisable to check with the owner/operator of the launch facility before planning your event to see what regulations apply.
A fishing tournament is defined (by Administrative Rule 312 IAC 5-3.5) as an activity involving fifteen (15) or more watercraft used for taking fish where:
- persons compete for a trophy, citation, cash, or prize; or
- a fee is charged to participants.
Apply for a fishing tournament permit on one of the properties/lakes listed below.
DNR Properties
DNR properties where fishing tournaments are managed include all the reservoir properties: Monroe, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Brookville, Hardy, Patoka, Lieber, and Raccoon lakes. Anyone wishing to hold a tournament on any of these lakes must apply online. For questions, contact:
DNR, State Parks & Reservoirs
Attn: Fishing Tournament Administrator
402 W. Washington St. Room W298
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-3345
Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake, Kosciusko County; Sylvan Lake, Noble County
Anyone wishing to hold a fishing tournament on Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake, Kosciusko County or Sylvan Lake in Noble County must apply online. For questions, contact:
DNR, Division of Fish & Wildlife
Attn: Linnea Petercheff
402 W. Washington St. Room W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-6527
lpetercheff@dnr.IN.gov
