How You Can Fish For Free Without a License in Minnesota

It's not often you get to do something without paying, but you CAN get out and wet a line this weekend without a license and for free in Minnesota.

It's true. You CAN fish for free in the Bold North and you don't even need a license. There are a few details, however. It's all because June is officially Great Outdoors Month in Minnesota. It's a proclamation made by Gov. Walz that encourages Minnesotans to get out and enjoy that many outdoor recreational opportunities here in the Land of 10,0000 Lakes.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says they're offering special programs and incentives to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors during Great Outdoors Month.

The Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park (Curt St John/Townsquare Media-Rochester MN)

For instance, the DNR says they're hosting a Free Park Day on Saturday, June 8, which allows free entrance to all state parks and recreation areas in Minnesota. (There’s a state park or recreation area within 30 miles of most Minnesotans, btw.)

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And, the DNR is also holding its annual Take A Kid Fishing Weekend, which, yes, allows you to fish for free on June 7th, 8th and 9th, 2024-- as long as you take a kid with you:

Minnesotans 16 or older who take a child 15 or younger fishing don't need a license on this special weekend. So plan a special fishing day or weekend and catch some quality time with friends and family.

The DNR says while kids 15 and younger don't need fishing licenses at any time of the year in Minnesota, they must observe all fishing seasons and other regulations. And, of course, outside of this weekend, any adult 16 years and older needs a state fishing license before getting out on the water.

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The DNR Take A Kid Fishing website has a variety of online resources available if you're interested in taking a kid fishing. They have information and recorded webinars on how to fish, accessible piers and shore fishing locations, buying a fishing license, and even what to do with that live bait when you're done fishing. Check it out HERE.