Magnet Fishing Laws in Indiana

State Agency & Regulatory Framework

Indiana made news in the magnet fishing community in 2023 when the state passed legislation specifically addressing the activity — making it one of the few states to do so directly. The law established a permit requirement for magnet fishing in state parks and set rules for handling found firearms (mandatory reporting to law enforcement). The legislation followed advocacy from both magnet fishing enthusiasts and law enforcement agencies concerned about firearm recoveries. Outside state park boundaries, Indiana's general waterway access rules apply. The Wabash River and Ohio River have established public access points managed by IDNR and USACE.

State Park Policy

Indiana State Parks now requires a separate permit for magnet fishing within state park boundaries following 2023 legislation. Contact Indiana DNR's Division of State Parks and Reservoirs at (317) 232-4124 for current permit requirements.

Waterway Access & Navigability

Indiana's navigable waterways include the Ohio River, Wabash River, and several major tributaries. Indiana has historically been navigability-restrictive — not all rivers that appear significant are considered navigable under Indiana law. Verify navigability of specific waterways.

If You Find a Firearm

Regardless of Indiana state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.

Historical Artifact Reporting

Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in Indiana may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and Indiana state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.

Indiana SHPO: Indiana Historic Preservation Office (DNR-DHPA), (317) 232-1646

Quick Reference

• Managing Agency: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — (317) 232-4200
• General Access Status: Permit Required
• State Parks: Indiana State Parks now requires a separate permit for magne...
• SHPO: Indiana SHPO: Indiana Historic Preservation Office (DNR-DHPA), (317) 232-1646
• Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
• Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites

Key Guides for Indiana Magnet Fishers