What special fishing regulations apply at East Fork White River?

East Fork White River carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override Indiana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Smallmouth bass and Flathead catfish. One of them reads: "Southern Indiana stream smallmouth + flathead catfish + walleye + sauger; black bass 12–15 in protected slot (release 12–15 in, keep ≤ 2 over 15 in), 5 / day combined." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish East Fork White River?

Yes. East Fork White River is in Indiana, so a valid Indiana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) — Division of Fish & Wildlife. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for White River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Indiana rules.

Do East Fork White River's special rules replace Indiana's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Indiana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on White River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on White River?

Smallmouth bass and Flathead catfish have a water-body-specific rule on East Fork White River, each linking to its full Indiana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Indiana limits.

2026 regulation year

East Fork White River 2026 — Indiana Fishing Regulations

Indiana statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 9, 2026

East Fork White River carries 3 special-regulation overlays on top of Indiana's 2026 fishing rules — covering Smallmouth bass, Flathead catfish. Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Southern Indiana stream smallmouth + flathead catfish + walleye + sauger; black bass 12–15 in protected slot (release 12–15 in, keep ≤ 2 over 15 in), 5 / day combined
Source: Indiana special-water list

Per-species rules on East Fork White River

Smallmouth bass regulations →
12–15 in protected slot (release 12–15 in, keep ≤ 2 over 15 in), 5 / day combined; southern Indiana smallmouth
Flathead catfish regulations →
13 in min, no daily limit, 1 flathead ≥ 35 in/day; IN state-record flathead 79 lb 8 oz (White River, 1966)

Official source

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) — Division of Fish & Wildlife publishes the authoritative 2026 Indiana fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Indiana fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Indiana Department of Natural Resources's emergency-order feed — check it before any Indiana trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Indiana

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at East Fork White River?: East Fork White River carries 3 special-regulation overlays that override Indiana's statewide 2026 rules, covering Smallmouth bass and Flathead catfish. One of them reads: "Southern Indiana stream smallmouth + flathead catfish + walleye + sauger; black bass 12–15 in protected slot (release 12–15 in, keep ≤ 2 over 15 in), 5 / day combined." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish East Fork White River?: Yes. East Fork White River is in Indiana, so a valid Indiana fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) — Division of Fish & Wildlife. The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for White River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Indiana rules.
Do East Fork White River's special rules replace Indiana's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Indiana's statewide 2026 regulations apply on White River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on White River?: Smallmouth bass and Flathead catfish have a water-body-specific rule on East Fork White River, each linking to its full Indiana regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Indiana limits.

← Back to Indiana regulations overview