Minnesota FISHING BASICS & LICENSE INFO

When can I fish?

You can fish in spring, summer, fall and winter. You can fish any day of the year if the kind of fish you’re trying to catch can be legally caught on the day you’re fishing.

What can I catch?

You can catch some fish such as crappie, catfish, sunfish, perch and bullhead at any time. Fish such as walleye, northern pike and bass – commonly called gamefish – can only be caught during certain times of the year. Those time periods can vary depending on where you are fishing. Contact the Minnesota DNR or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us to find specific regulations for a particular lake, river or stream.

Where can I fish?

You can fish on lakes, rivers and streams. To get to a fishing area, don’t cross private property without permission. Some areas may have fishing and access restrictions posted.

What if I catch fish?

Contact the Minnesota DNR or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us to find the number of fish you may catch each day in a particular lake, river or stream. No matter where you fish, the number of fish you catch each day are part of the total number of fish in your possession. Fish you have at home in a freezer or back at camp in a cooler are considered to be in your possession and count toward your limit.

Do I need a fishing license?

To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 to 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies (see below “Who doesn’t need a fishing license?”). You must carry your license when fishing or traveling from an area where you were fishing. All nonresidents need a license, except those younger than 16 do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed.

Who doesn’t need a fishing license?

• Residents younger than 16, or residents 90 and older.

• Minnesota residents enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, stationed outside the state, and home on leave (you must carry leave or furlough papers while fishing or transporting fish).

•Minnesota residents who have served in federal active service outside the U.S. during the preceding 24 months who are now discharged from overseas duty (must carry discharge papers while fishing or transporting fish).

What if I’m helping a child fish?

If an adult is showing a child younger than 16 how to bait, cast and remove fish, no license is needed. The child must hold the rod, set the hook and reel in the fish.

What if I don’t have a paper license because it was purchased on a mobile device?

Licenses purchased on a mobile device are issued in electronic format. Purchasers choose to receive an email, text message or both. The email and/or text message stored electronically on your mobile device serves as your license. You must carry your mobile device or a printed copy of the email or text message you received when fishing or traveling from an area where you were fishing.

How long does is my fishing license valid?

License year begins March 1 and ends the last day of February unless otherwise noted. A fishing license continues to be valid for the balance of the license period if the licensee’s age, residency or student qualification status changes.

Where do I purchase a fishing license?

• Purchase online at: mndnr.gov/ buyalicense

• Stop by any license agent

• Call 888-665-4236 (888-MNLICENSE) to buy your new license today!

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