Indiana DNR permanent Invasive Carp Harvest Permit rule (312 IAC 9-10-28)
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented an Invasive Carp Harvest Permit, opening new avenues for large-scale removal of invasive carp, fostering economic opportunities, and protecting native fish populations and recreational anglers.
Key Rule & Permit Information:
- Purpose:
- The primary goal is to increase the harvest of invasive carp (silver, bighead, grass, and black carp) to protect native fish populations and improve water safety.
- Program Signup:
- Contact the Invasive Carp Program (contact info below) for an Invasive Carp Harvest Permit Application.
- Submit your application to the Indiana DNR Invasive Carp Program.
- Approved anglers will receive an Indiana DNR Carp Harvest Program-flagged marker buoy to mark their net.
- Eligibility:
- A commercial fishing license is not required while harvesting invasive carp.
- Anglers and helpers cannot have a suspended or revoked sport fishing license or commercial fishing license.
- Uses and Rules:
- The permit is free of charge.
- Invasive carp captured under this permit may be sold.
- Permit holders are authorized to use gear not typically allowed in these waters (gill nets and seines).
- This permit is not required for recreational harvest through legal fishing methods.
- Only invasive carp species can be harvested while using the permit.
- Bycatch must be released immediately upon capture.
- Anglers must use gear in a manner that does not prevent navigation of other watercraft.
- Deployed gear must always be attended; overnight dead-sets are not allowed.
- Only authorized gear may be possessed during harvest.
- Anglers may have helpers on board to assist.
- Permit holders must obtain approval from the DNR Invasive Carp Program at least 48 hours before each fishing event.
- Fishing is permitted only at approved locations and times.
- Gear must be visibly marked with buoys provided by DNR.
- Permit holders are required to submit a harvest report to the DNR Invasive Carp Program within seven days of fishing (or before the next fishing dates), detailing the species, number, and pounds of carp harvested, as well as any bycatch released.
- Permit Monitoring:
- Anglers must allow authorized DNR staff to perform onboard and dockside inspections.
- DNR staff will occasionally perform ride-alongs to gather additional fish data.
For full administrative code details, refer to the Indiana Administrative Code (312 IAC 9-10-28)
How to Apply:
Interested individuals can apply by contacting the DNR Invasive Carp Program by phone at 812-827-2852 or emailing CarpHarvestPermit@dnr.IN.gov.
A copy of the application and additional information can be found at the DNR Permits and Commercial Licenses website.
