Ind. Code ch. 14-29-8

in effect

Ind. Code § 14-29-8-1 "Stream" defined

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "stream" means a natural or an altered river, creek, slough, or artificial channel that has: (1) definable banks and a bed capable of conducting confined runoff; (2) visible evidence of the flow or occurrence of water; and (3) a watershed in excess of one (1) square mile. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-33-2.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 14-29-8-2 Use of recreational stream

Sec. 2. (a) A person may use a stream that is capable of use by a watercraft for boating, fishing, or other recreational purposes if the stream is designated as a recreational stream by rule adopted by the commission. (b) The right of a person to use a recreational stream is limited to the water within the stream and does not do any of the following: (1) Authorize the use of the bed or bank of the stream, except in an emergency. (2) Establish a right of access to the stream over private land. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-33-4.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 14-29-8-3 Designation as recreational stream; hearing

Sec. 3. (a) The commission shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 for the designation of streams or parts of streams as recreational streams. (b) Before a hearing on the designation of a stream as a recreational stream and in addition to the notification requirements under IC 4-22-2, the commission shall do the following: (1) Publish notice at least twenty-one (21) days before the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where a stream is located that the commission proposes to designate the stream as a recreational stream. The notice must state the time and place of the hearing. (2) Conduct a separate hearing in each county where a stream is proposed to be designated as a recreational stream. (c) If a stream: (1) is located wholly within one (1) county; and (2) is a regulated drain under IC 36-9-27; the county drainage board must concur in the designation before final adoption of the rule. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-33-5.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 14-29-8-4 Use not affecting owner or navigability

Sec. 4. The use of a stream designated under this chapter does not do any of the following: (1) Impose a duty upon the riparian landowner or tenant to provide for the safe use of the stream. (2) Affect ownership of the bed of the stream. (3) Affect a determination of the stream's navigability. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-33-6.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 14-29-8-5 Littering and trespassing

Sec. 5. A person who: (1) throws, dumps, or leaves refuse in the water or on the banks of a stream designated under this chapter; or (2) crosses private land to gain access to a designated stream without the permission of the landowner or tenant of the land; commits a Class B misdemeanor. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-2-33-7.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.22.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/14Fetched: 10/17/2026