Indiana has no daily limit on channel, blue or flathead catfish in rivers and streams, but there is a 13-inch minimum. In lakes the daily limit is 10 with no minimum. In both, only a small number of very large fish may be kept.
Verified 2026-10-24
Limits at a glance
Regulation period: April 2026 through March 31, 2027.
Plate 01
Rivers and streams, statewide
∞no daily limit
Daily limit Unlimited
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
ReleaseMay keep
Size ruleMinimum length 13 inchesKeep no more than one blue catfish of 35 inches or longer, one flathead catfish of 35 inches or longer, and one channel catfish of 28 inches or longer.
Plate 02
Lakes, statewide
10per day
Daily limit 10 per day
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNo minimum lengthSame large-fish caps apply: one blue and one flathead of 35 inches or more, and one channel catfish of 28 inches or more.
Plate 03
Fidler Pond, Failing (Gentian) Lake, Flat Fork Creek Park ponds A and B
5per day
Daily limit 5 channel catfish per day
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNo minimum length listed
Plate 04
Turtle Creek Reservoir
∞no daily limit
Daily limit No bag limit on channel catfish
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNo minimum length listed
Watch for
Limb lines (also called drop lines) must be tagged with your name and address or DNR customer ID, and limb lines are not allowed on the Ohio River.
The Ohio River has separate regulations (page 24 of the guide).
Bullheads are listed separately: unlimited with no minimum size.
Quick answers
What is the daily limit for catfish (channel, blue and flathead) in Indiana?
Rivers and streams, statewide: Unlimited. Size rule: Minimum length 13 inches. Other waters and date windows have different rules; see the table. Verify with Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife.
Which regulations do these Indiana figures come from?
April 2026 through March 31, 2027, as published by Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife. Last verified 2026-10-24.