Free Fishing Days in Minnesota

While fishing in Minnesota usually requires a license, on these special days you can fish “for free” – AKA without a fishing license!

Minnesota is a top fishing destination, and for good reason! Our beloved state offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the country. From lakes to streams to rivers, we have abundant opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish. (My personal favorite for eating is perch, but I won’t turn down a nice walleye, either.)

A regular angling license is relatively inexpensive (just $25/year as of 2021), but there are several opportunities to fish for free in Minnesota, as well. Here’s a list of current Free Fishing Days in Minnesota:

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Free Fishing Days in Minnesota

Take a Mom Fishing Weekend – May 8 – 9, 2021
Minnesota resident moms fish free. (Please note: This was previously advertised as May 15 – 16, but there was an error in the catalogue. Mother’s Day Weekend is the correct date for this event.)

Take a Kid Fishing Weekend – June 11 – 13, 2021
Minnesota residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16.

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend – January 15 – 17, 2022
Minnesota residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Fish for Free in Most MN State Parks

Minnesota residents can fish for free (a.k.a. without a fishing license) in most Minnesota state parks, including ice fishing. A Minnesota resident may fish in a state park without a fishing license when:

• the body of water does not require a trout stamp
• fishing from shore or wading in water within the state park
• fishing through the ice, from a boat or a float on a designated lake that is completely encompassed within a Minnesota state park

All park rules must be followed as usual, along with any rules and regulations relating to the taking of game and fish. You will still need a vehicle permit to enter a Minnesota state park.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Plus, many Minnesota state parks have loaner equipment available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fishing kits include a rod, a reel, and a stocked tackle box. Check out this map of all the state parks with free fishing opportunities, including some parks with free loaner equipment.