Buy a Minnesota Fishing License
Lake Superior by Environmental Protection Agency/Wikimedia Commons
Minnesotans and visitors to the state must possess a valid fishing license before angling in most bodies of water. Residents may choose to purchase a one-day license, a married-couple license or a military license. License applicants can also pay to rent a fishing shelter at this time. Nonresidents must purchase a daily, three- day, weekly, 14-day or annual license. A shelter rental may be coupled with the purchase of a license. Nonresidents under the age of 16 must also purchase a fishing license. A license to catch trout, walleye and sturgeon requires an additional stamp.
Qualifications for Free Fishing Licenses
Lake of the Woods by Xnatedawgx/Wikimedia Commons
Minnesota offers free fishing licenses to developmentally disabled residents and those who suffered a permanent disability in the military. Residents who receive worker's compensation, welfare, or disability checks may also qualify for free fishing licenses. Foreign exchange students with proof of their exchange status are also eligible to receive a free annual fishing license, and Minnesotans over the age of 90 are exempt from licensing requirements.
Enjoy Free Fishing at State Park Lakes
Quarry Park by Andrew Ciscel/Wikimedia Commons
Beginning July 1, 2009, residents of Minnesota may fish without a license at state parks, as long as the lakes or streams do not require a trout stamp. This new fishing regulation does not take effect for all state parks at the same time, so check in with the game warden or local park ranger prior to fishing if you do not already possess a fishing license.
Attend to Your Fishing Line
Minnesota requires you to be vigilant of your fishing line and remain nearby the fishing pole, so that you notice when a fish is caught. The only alternative is a tip-up line, which makes the sign of a catch more visible; you are still required to be within 200 feet of the line's tip-up.
Observe Bow Fishing and Net Fishing Season
Bow fish only between May 1 and the last Sunday of February. From the third Monday in February to April 30, fish may not be caught with a spear, nets of any kind, fish traps, or any other kind of trapping device. The only exception is a net you use to handle a fish you already caught with the help of a fishing rod.
