It’s Another Take A Kids Fishing Weekend In Minnesota

Minnesota fishing season is well underway, and by most accounts, it has been an interesting one.

Statewide, the DNR reported an excellent outlook for northern Minnesota, with walleye populations on popular lakes like Vermilion, Rainy, and Kabetogama showing healthy numbers in the 14-to-19-inch "eater" size range.

On Lake Superior, charter guides out of Duluth have been logging strong salmon catches and are expecting lake trout action to heat up as water temperatures continue to climb.

For Minnesota anglers, the season has plenty of momentum heading into June, and this weekend, there is even more reason to grab a rod and head for the water.

Take a Kid Fishing Weekend Is June 5-7

The Minnesota DNR's annual Take a Kid Fishing Weekend runs Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7, and the rules are simple: Any Minnesota resident 16 or older can fish without a license this weekend as long as they are accompanied by a child 15 or younger.

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Kids 15 and under never need a fishing license in Minnesota, regardless of the time of year, so the whole family can hit the water together at no cost.

"This is a great time of year to take kids fishing," said Benji Kohn, Minnesota DNR volunteer mentor program coordinator. "The weather is usually pleasant, and the fish are often found close to shores and piers. Try heading out to a nearby lake and casting out with a hook, bait, and bobber. Kids will be all smiles when they catch fish."

A Bonus This Year — License-Free Window Extended

This year's Take a Kid Fishing Weekend is great because it encourages families to enjoy fishing together, but the truth is, you don't have to take a kid fishing this weekend to fish without a license.

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The Minnesota DNR is transitioning to a new electronic license system this week, and during that transition, every angler, not just those fishing with kids, may fish without a license from 12 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 8.

All fishing season regulations, bag limits, and size restrictions remain fully in effect throughout the free window, and the new electronic license system opens at midnight on June 9.

 Tips for a Great Day on the Water

The Minnesota DNR's Take a Kid Fishing webpage has resources for anyone new to fishing — including recorded webinars on how to fish, accessible pier and shore fishing locations across the state, and tips on what to do with live bait after a trip.

Shore fishing from a nearby pier is a great starting point for first-timers, and the DNR notes that fish tend to hold in one spot, so moving along the shoreline and casting into different areas is the best way to find them.

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Anglers who want to share their catches from the weekend can upload photos directly through the Minnesota DNR photo uploader. With summer just getting started and the fish biting across the state, this weekend is a great time to make a memory on the water.