The Minnesota fishing opener is this Saturday, May 14, and if you chose to fish within a Minnesota state park, participating in the annual event is free and easy.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says that Minnesota residents do not need a license when shore-fishing at most lakes within the state parks. A change in state law, which went into effect in July 2009, made the free fishing possible. Other rules and regulations apply, such as the legal limit of fish that can be caught.

In addition to stocking Minnesota lakes and streams with fish, the DNR also stocks parks with fishing kits that visitors can borrow for free. The fishing kits, which include a pole and tackle, are now available at 36 state parks.

To see a map of where the free fishing opportunities are, and to see where you can obtain free loaner equipment (also including GPS units, binoculars and bird guides, and activities for kids), just follow the links below.

Good luck!

 

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