Volunteers Needed for State Fair Fishin’ Pond
Summer is here, and preparations for the Indiana State Fair are underway! If you’re looking for a fun way to get involved and give back, consider volunteering at the DNR State Fair Fishin’ Pond.
Volunteer registration is now open, and DNR needs all hands on deck to reel in the next generation of anglers at this popular, hands-on, and FREE fishing experience for youth ages 5–17. Volunteers are needed throughout the State Fair which runs Aug. 7–23 in Indianapolis.
Volunteer duties include registering participants, baiting hooks, removing fish from hooks, preparing equipment, and helping guide participants around the pond. Training will be provided by DNR staff before the event. Volunteers also receive free parking and State Fair admission for days worked, and a DNR Fishin’ Pond volunteer T-shirt.
Protect Indiana’s Rare and Endangered Species
Did you know that DNR’s rare and endangered species work relies on donations? DNR biologists work year-round to protect our state’s most vulnerable wildlife, but it wouldn’t be possible without your donations. This spring, consider donating to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund and help conservation projects that keep our environment diverse and beautiful.
Pro tip: You can now support the fund by adding a donation or rounding up when you buy a license.
We truly appreciate the generosity that keeps this important work moving forward.
Set Yourself Up for Hunting Success
The off-season is the perfect time to prepare for your upcoming hunting activities. Here are some ways to get ready for the hunting seasons:
- Check out DNR’s Hunting Resources page to familiarize yourself with regulations, season information, and tips to help you plan ahead.
- Explore new public hunting locations with the Where to Hunt map.
- Sharpen your shooting skills at one of Indiana’s DNR shooting ranges.
- Learn new skills at upcoming hunting workshops and events.
Have questions? Email Learn2hunt@dnr.IN.gov.
Tracking the Health of Indiana’s Fish Communities
Each year, DNR fisheries biologists survey Indiana’s natural lakes as part of the Fisheries Status & Trends Program. Since 2010, biologists have looked at fish communities, water quality, and aquatic habitat at more than 100 lakes across Indiana.
These surveys generate long‑term data on common species like bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch, and lesser‑known native fish such as bowfin, spotted gar, lake chubsucker, and yellow bullhead. Altogether, the program has identified the location and presence of more than 60 fish species in Indiana’s lakes.
This summer, biologists will continue to survey lakes across multiple Indiana counties in order to monitor year‑to‑year changes in native fish populations and habitat quality. Each survey provides valuable information that helps resource managers protect clean water, conserve diverse native species, and maintain high‑quality fishing and outdoor recreation for future generations.
Report Observations of Armadillos
Have you seen an armadillo in Indiana? Report your observation using DNR’s Report A Mammal tool. This tool allows you to submit a photo or brief video to help document the observation. Sightings of dead armadillos are accepted.
Armadillos have been found in Indiana since 2003, but their numbers have been increasing in recent years. This has made observing them much more common, especially in the southern half of the state.
With your reports, DNR biologists can monitor this species and answer questions like: How far will they travel across the state? Did last winter impact their populations? Can we confirm they are reproducing in Indiana? Once the data is collected, DNR biologists can develop new understandings about armadillos in their expanding range.
Fisheries Webinar Recordings Now Available
If you’re preparing to fish Indiana’s public waters, be sure to check out our recent webinars presented by the DNR fisheries team. The videos will give you fishing resources, tips and tricks by region, the science and surveys behind the fishing regulations, and recent survey results. Recordings of these webinars are available on the DNR YouTube channel and are broken up by region.
Northwest and Central (districts 1 and 4) can be found here
Northeast (districts 2 and 3) can be found here
South (districts 5 and 6) can be found here
Don’t know what district you’re in? Find out by looking at our district biologist map.
Northern bobwhite nest, photo credit Justin Hill
Protect Grassland Birds with Responsible Mowing Practices
Grassland bird populations are facing the steepest decline of any bird group in North America. It’s been shown that agricultural and lawn care practices directly affect the success of ground nesting grassland birds. Luckily, the following small changes can be made to help protect those nests in the summer months:
Raise the blade. Cutting grass 8 inches or higher helps protect ground nesting birds and also benefits soil and vegetation.
Delay haying until at least mid-July. Primary nesting season in Indiana is April 1 through Aug. 1.
Leave unmowed strips or blocks. Leave corridors of high vegetation so wildlife can travel protected from predators. Mow fields from the inside out so wildlife can escape to unmowed areas.
Add a flushing bar. This is a simple device added to a tractor that pushes birds (and fawns) out of an area being mowed.
Species such as Northern bobwhite, ring-necked pheasant, Eastern meadowlark, and loggerhead shrikes depend on grasslands to nest and rear their young. This is why Indiana DNR strives to protect grassland habitats through the Grassland for Gamebirds and Songbirds initiative. We hope you’ll join the cause!
Ryan Hagerty, USFWS
Ol’ Reliable: Panfish
Some of the most reliable species to fish for during the summer are panfish. The term “panfish” encompasses several species such as bluegill, redear sunfish, pumpkinseed, and crappie. These species are found in almost all Indiana bodies of water, making them a common catch for both new and experienced anglers.
As spring transitions to summer, you can find them in shallow water where they make their nests for spawning. These shallow areas in the lake bottom are also known as “beds” and have a hexagonal shape if there are several in one area. You can also find them under docks and vegetation such as pond lilies.
To learn more about panfish, visit the Indiana Fishing Species page on the DNR website.
Ready to catch some? Check out the interactive Where to Fish map to locate a fishing spot near you.
Upcoming events
- 6/17 - Plant Native Workdays, Indiana State Fairgrounds DNR Building
- 6/19 - Annual Frog Gigging Night, Goose Pond FWA
- 6/25 - Basic Fishing Workshop, Huntington City-Township Public Library
- 6/29 - Full Moon Paddle, Hovey Lake FWA
Recent news releases
- Indy woman saved by bystanders on Sugar Creek (Parke County)
- UPDATE: Indiana Conservation Officers seek help finding track chairs stolen from Fort Harrison State Park
- Indiana DNR to hold meeting for public comment on Liberty Mine permit application
- DNR reminds Hoosiers of remaining 2026 Free Fishing Days
- DNR seeks State Fair Fishin’ Pond volunteers
More
- Buy a license
- Hunting information
- Where to Hunt
- Fishing information
- Where to Fish
- Fish & Wildlife properties
- Donate to help rare and endangered species
About Fish and Wildlife Management in Indiana
Fish and wildlife management and public access are funded by fishing and hunting license revenue and also through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These programs collect excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, and motorboat fuels. The money is distributed among state fish and wildlife agencies based on land size and the number of licensed anglers and hunters in each state. Find out more information about fish and wildlife management in Indiana at wildlife.IN.gov.