Sorry guys, but crossbows are not currently legal for bow fishing according to the IDNR website. If you read the regulations closely you will see that this isn't the only silly rule pertaining to bow fishing or spear fishing.
www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/fish/fishng/general.htm#speaFishing
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General Fishing Regulations
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INDIANA
Gaffs, Grab Hooks and Landing Nets
Landing nets, gaff hooks or grab hooks may be used only to assist in the landing of a legally caught fish. They may not be used as the method of catching fish.
Hand or Pole Fishing and Hooks
You may fish with no more than three poles or hand lines at any one time. Each line may have no more than two single or multi-barbed hooks, two artificial baits or two harnesses for live bait.
Single or multi-barbed hooks may be used for hand or pole lines, float or jug fishing, limb, drop or trot lines. Special hook size and barb regulations apply to Lake Michigan and its tributaries.
Trot Lines
A trot line (also called a set line or throw line) is a fishing line with smaller lines attached to it extending out into the water from a fixed point, such as a boat dock or tree. You may fish with no more than one trot line at any one time. The trot line must have no more than 50 single or multi-barbed hooks. Each drop line on a trot line may have only one hook. Trot lines must bear a readable tag clearly showing the name and address of the user, and be checked at least once every 24 hours. It is illegal to use a trot line in Lake Michigan or within 300 yards of any partial or full dam structure on any stream, river, ditch, canal or reservoir.
Limb Lines
A limb line (or drop line) involves suspending a fishing line from a limb extending beyond the bank of a body of water. You may fish with no more than 10 limb or drop lines at any one time. Each line may have no more than one single or multi-barbed hook attached to it. Each line must have a readable tag showing the name and address of the user. All lines must be checked at least once every 24 hours. It is illegal to use a limb or drop line within 300 yards of any partial or full dam structure on any stream, river, ditch, canal or reservoir.
Float Fishing
Float or jug fishing is the use of any buoyed container (made of any material other than glass) that suspends a single fishing line and a single or multi-barbed hook.
As many as five floats may be used, but only one hook may be attached to each float line. Each float must be marked with the user’s name and address, and all lines must be in constant visual contact.
Float fishing is not allowed on lakes and reservoirs for public safety.
Possession Limit
The possession limit on all sport fish and frogs is two day’s daily bag limit. Special possession and bag limits apply for trout and salmon on Lake Michigan.
Closed Seasons/Closed Areas
There is no closed season for bass in Indiana. However, no largemouth bass may be taken at any time from Dove Hollow Lake at Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area.
Inland trout seasons and closures as well as Lake Michigan and its tributary closures are listed. Also, Ohio river paddlefish closures are listed.
All other waters and fish species have no closed season.
Spear Fishing
Suckers, carp, gar, bowfin, buffalo and shad may be taken at the locations below with the equipment listed, and only dur-ing the hours noted. There are no bag limits for these fish. See Lake Michigan for restrictions on Lake Michigan tributaries.
Large Streams
1,500 cfs minimum flow)
White River from the Wabash River upstream to the junction of East and West Forks
West Fork of White River, upstream to the dam below Harding Street in Indianapolis
East Fork of White River, upstream to the dam at the south edge of Columbus
The Wabash River, upstream to the town of Wabash
The Tippecanoe River, upstream to 1/2 mile below its confluence with Big Creek
The Maumee River, upstream to the Anthony Blvd. Bridge in Ft. Wayne
The Kankakee River, upstream to SR 55 bridge
The St. Joseph River (upstream from Twin Branch dam) in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties
Equipment: Fish spear, gig, spear gun, underwater spear can be used all year, day or night.
A pitchfork and bow and arrow can be used only between sunrise and sunset.
Crossbows may not be used.Small Streams
(less than 1,500 cfs flow
Any and all streams or partial streams not listed above.
Equipment: Pitchfork, and bow and arrow only.
Crossbows may not be used.Time: All year, sunrise to sunset.
Non-flowing Waters
(including lakes, ponds and reservoirs)
Equipment: Fish spear, gig, spear gun, underwater spear, pitchfork, and bow and arrow.
Crossbows may not be used.Time: All year, day or night.
