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Home » Great Deals » Free Fishing Days in Minnesota

Free Fishing Days in Minnesota

Published May 6, 2022 | Updated May 11, 2022 | by Laura | 3 Comments

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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!

Free Fishing Days in Minnesota

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 2022), but there are several opportunities to fish for free in Minnesota, as well. Here’s a list of current Free Fishing Days in Minnesota:

Girl Fishing in Minnesota

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Free Fishing Days in Minnesota

Take a Kid Fishing Weekend – June 10 – 12, 2022
Minnesota residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16.

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend – January 14 – 16, 2023
Minnesota residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16.

Take a Mom Fishing Weekend – May 13 – 14, 2023
Minnesota resident moms fish free.

kids fishing

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.

child ice fishing

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Filed Under: freebies, Great Deals, Kids

Comments

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  1. Jai says

    March 26, 2019 at 11:56 am

    How awesome – love it when a state promotes getting in the outdoors. Great idea.

    Reply
  2. Kim says

    March 29, 2019 at 7:18 am

    Nebraska has a similar program. It’s such a good idea – it gets families out into the parks!

    Reply
  3. Cody Jackson says

    December 14, 2021 at 8:23 am

    I hope they keep this initiative running for a few years yet. It’s a good way to get people out of their house and away from their screens. And you might end up with a free meal out of it too!

    Reply
Hi, I'm Chrysa, and I'm here along with my friends Kristi and Laura to share fun and thrifty ways for you and your family to enjoy all the awesome things Minnesota has to offer! Read More

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