Bowfin in Indiana
Guide rows, record weight and lakes holding Indiana bowfin.
- no statewide rowbag
- 16 lb. 8.3 oz.record
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Indiana bowfin, the essentials
The 18 statewide rows of the Indiana guide carry no line for bowfin. A lake-by-lake entry in the guide may still apply.
In 2009, Mutton Creek gave up the state bowfin record of 16 lb. 8.3 oz. Hindman Lake and Moss Lake (Noble County) top a list of 2 Indiana pages where the DNR names it.
Bowfin (Amia ocellicauda), Amiidae (bowfins).
Record bowfin in the DNR program
| Weight as printed | Water | County | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 lb. 8.3 oz. | Mutton Creek | Jackson County | 2009 |
Indiana DNR Indiana Record Fish Program list (keeper: Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife (Indiana Record Fish Program); angler names left off here), read November 5, 2026.
Lakes and rivers with bowfin on the DNR list
- Hindman Lake12 acres (NHD outline area), Noble County
- Moss Lake (Noble County)9 acres (NHD outline area), Noble County
Indiana DNR public lakes layer (county, owner, fisheries district number, location text), read November 5, 2026.
Piscifun gear a Hoosier angler might bring to Indiana bowfin
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Glacial lakes, quarry pits and creek bends near Bowfin, photographed
Photo: LouisvilleUSACE, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Chris Happel, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Warren LeMay, CC0 1.0
bowfin in Indiana, reader questions
What is the daily bag for bowfin in Indiana?
The guide prints no statewide bag for it; local entries can still apply.
Which Indiana water produced the top bowfin?
The program shows 16 lb. 8.3 oz. from Mutton Creek, 2009.
What Indiana lake should I try for bowfin?
Try Hindman Lake and Moss Lake (Noble County), out of 2.
Are there special regulation waters for bowfin?
It has no named local entry; each water's general rules still hold.
Which Indiana waters got bowfin from the DNR?
The DNR lists no stocking of it.
What does the DNR require to fish for bowfin?
Anglers 18 and older carry an Indiana fishing license ($23 a year for residents, $60 for nonresidents).
Which scientific name does the DNR list use for bowfin?
Amia ocellicauda; family Amiidae (bowfins), on the DNR Fishes of Indiana list.
Are Indiana free days open to bowfin anglers?
The Indiana DNR set Free Fishing Days for May 10, June 6-7, and Sept. 26, 2026, for Indiana residents (no license or trout/salmon stamp needed; all other rules apply). Normal limits hold.
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Click into a Hoosier lake or stream above for its launches and special lines.