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WATER EVENTS

MARINE EVENTS

A permit may be required for any of the following situations when placed or conducted on public waters. Permits are issued following a site investigation. Persons planning an event or wanting to place a structure in the waterway must contact the DNR, Law Enforcement Division headquarters for more information and the appropriate forms. This applies to events or structures such as:

  • Boat race;
  • Water ski event;
  • Water ski course or jump;
  • Swimming platform or anchored swim raft; and
  • Buoys, markers or flags.

Major organized boating activities to be conducted on public waters will require a permit. If you plan to host an event that involves fifteen or more watercraft as participants, or the event will draw 50 or more boats as spectators you will need this permit. If you conduct an event on public water, which also will disrupt normal boat traffic, then you will also need to apply.

FISHING TOURNAMENTS

In Indiana, fishing tournaments on public waters can only be regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. A county or city park department (or another local entity such as a conservancy district) might place restrictions on the use of an access site, including restrictions pertaining to fishing tournaments. It is advisable to check with the owner/operator of the launch facility before planning your event to see what regulations apply.

For more information visit: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/fish/rule.htm

What is considered a fishing tournament?

A fishing tournament is defined as an activity involving fifteen (15) or more watercraft used for taking fish where:

  • Persons compete for a trophy, citation, cash, prize, or
  • A fee is charged to participants.

Department of Natural Resources properties that have public water where fishing tournaments are managed include all the reservoir properties: Monroe, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Huntington, Brookville, Hardy, Patoka, Lieber and Raccoon lakes. Additional rules apply to Lake Wawasee and Syracuse Lake in Kosciusko County, and Sylvan Lake in Noble County. Anyone wishing to hold a tournament on any of these lakes must contact Department of Natural Resources, State Parks and Reservoirs.

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