License Guide

Do I need a fishing license?

To legally fish in Minnesota, all residents of Minnesota, age 16 through 89, must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies (see below“Who doesn’t need a fishing license?”). A self-printed or electronic license is sufficient proof of licensing. All nonresidents need a license except those younger than 16 do not need a license if a parent or guardian is licensed. More details can be found on page 27.

Did you buy a 3-year license in 2022?

Three-year angling licenses bought in 2022 are due for renewal.

Who is a resident?

• To qualify as a resident, a person must maintain a legal residence in Minnesota for at least 60 consecutive days before purchasing a license.
• Residents 21 years of age or older must provide a current Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota public safety ID card or have a receipt for an application for a Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota public safety ID that is at least 60 days old.
• A nonresident under age 21 whose parent is a Minnesota resident.
• Tribal members with an unexpired Tribal ID, with a Minnesota address, who do not hold a driver’s license or state ID in any state, and who have not accepted resident hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses in any other state in the previous 60 days.

Who is a nonresident?

Nonresidents include anyone who does not meet the definition of a resident.

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).
• Anyone not requiring a license is allowed to keep a possession limit of fish.

Free Fishing Weekends

Take a Mom Fishing Weekend—May 10-11, 2025 Minnesota resident moms may fish without a license.

Take a Kid Fishing Weekend—June 6-8, 2025 Minnesota residents 16 and older may fish without a license if they're with children younger than 16.

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend—January 17-19, 2026 Minnesota residents 16 and older may fish without a license if they're with children younger than16.

Am I eligible for a free fishing license?

Anglers who meet certain qualifications can obtain a free license (mndnr.gov/ regulations/fishing/exemptions) if they are:

• Foreign exchange students with proof of foreign exchange student status. Available from any agent.
• Residents 16 and older who have a developmental disability or veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability. Available only from the DNR by calling 877-348-0498.
• Residents who are legally blind, receiving SSI or SSDI, or receiving worker’s compensation for total and permanent disability. Must present current letter from Social Security stating disability or SSI benefits to any license agent to receive free license. SSI/SSDI benefit verification is available online at socialsecurity.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 or at your local Social Security office.
• Residents receiving disability benefits under the Federal Railroad Retirement Act or U.S. Postal Service. Must present proof of disability benefits. Available at any agent.
• Residents of a Minnesota licensed nursing or boarding care home, wards of the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services, residents of state institutions, or inpatients of a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital. Must use application available from the DNR (888-646-6367).

Do I need a license to fish in Minnesota State Parks?

Minnesota residents may fish without a license for any species except trout when:

• Shore fishing or wading on state-owned land within a state park.
• Fishing from a boat or on the ice on water bodies that are completely inside the boundaries of a state park.
• To fish on a designated trout stream or lake or to harvest trout in a state park you must have a fishing license and a trout/salmon stamp validation.

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’m helping someone fish who has a disability?

You do not need a license to assist a disabled person, who must have a valid license unless an exemption applies. You may only fish with the number of lines allowed for all licensed or exempt anglers fishing.

Can I get a refund?

Check your license for accuracy prior to leaving the license agent location. All sales are final. Refunds can only be issued if the:

• Licensee dies before the opening of the licensed season;
• Licensee is unable to participate in the licensed activity because the licensee is called to active military duty or military leave is canceled during the entire open season of the licensed activity; or
• Licensee purchased 2 licenses for the same license season in error.

What are license requirements for nonresident youth?

Nonresidents under 16 may either fish under a parent or guardian’s license (including a family license) or must purchase a nonresident youth license. If fishing under a family license or their own youth license, youth may possess their own limit; if fishing under a parent or guardian’s individual license any fish kept are counted towards the parent’s possession limit.

What if I lose or can’t find my license?

You can go to any license agent and have them print a duplicate license. The cost is $2.50, which includes a 50-cent fee charged by the vendor.

What if I’m not a state resident but am a full-time student at a Minnesota school, college or university?

You may purchase fishing licenses at the resident rate if you reside in Minnesota and show the license agent a fee statement showing full-time enrollment.

What if I’m not a state resident but serve in the U .S . Armed Forces and am stationed in Minnesota or the spouse of a Minnesota resident on active military duty?

By showing proof, you may purchase fishing licenses and stamps at the resident rate.

How can my license be revoked?

• Fishing privileges may be revoked for 1 year for 2 or more convictions of fishing violations in 3 years. Violations of fishing laws in other states may affect your ability to fish in Minnesota.
• Violating the gross over-limits penalty provisions can result in privileges being revoked for 3, 5 or 10 years, depending on the number of fish involved in the violation.
• Failure to pay fines or to appear in court on a violation can result in revocation of all game and fish licenses until the fines are paid.

How to Figure Your Bag Limit for a Conservation License

• Applies to bag limits established for inland waters, experimental and special management waters, and border waters.
• Does not apply to size restrictions, but may only have up to the corresponding bag limit. For example: a normal limit of 5 fish with 3 over 10" for a Conservation License would be 2 fish with only 1 over 10".
• Divide the regular limit in half. If necessary, round down to the nearest whole number. For example: 5 fish regular limit would be a 2 fish conservation limit.
• Conservation licensees are not allowed to keep walleye over 20".

Conservation License Bag Limits