Get Outdoors! Minnesota’s Take A Kid Fishing Weekend Kicks Off Friday

A fun tradition is set to continue across the state of Minnesota as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources presents another Take A Kid Fishing weekend.

This is a great opportunity to spend time outside with the special kids in your life and maybe even catch dinner.

Take a Kid Fishing weekend runs from Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12. During that time, Minnesota residents can fish without licenses if they take children 15 or younger along.

The Minnesota DNR says youth 15 and younger do not require fishing licenses at any time of the year, though they must observe all fishing seasons and other regulations.

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The difference during Take a Kid Fishing weekend is that it allows adults to fish without a license as long as they take a child fishing with them. Minnesota residents also may generally fish in state parks without a fishing license if the body of water does not require a trout stamp.

“Fishing together with kids is a fun way to spend time in the outdoors,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Making great memories can be as easy as finding some rods and reels, finding or buying worms for bait, and heading to a nearby lake to give fishing a try.”

The DNR has a handy Learn to Fish page that covers fishing basics including where to fish, how to catch different types of fish, and the importance of fishing ethics and being stewards of Minnesota’s natural resources.

Another helpful DNR resource for anglers across Minnesota is the the online map of piers and shore fishing sites.

Parking at these locations is generally located within 300 feet of the pier or shore fishing site, with a hard surface path from the parking area. Most are also designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Remember, anyone 16 or older can buy fishing licenses online, which helps support management of the state’s fishing resources and habitat that benefits fish and aquatic systems.

If you participate in Take A Kid Fishing weekend, the Minnesota DNR would love for you to share your experience! You can upload photos and stories by using the DNR photo upload webpage. Your photos could be used in DNR social media, in email notifications and on the DNR website.