Education & information

Take Me Fishing

Looking for a good investment?

Then stock up on memories with the purchase of a fishing license. Angling and outdoor memories never lose value. In fact, they offer dividends that often extend to the next generation.

For just $25, mom, dad and family members under age 16 can enjoy a full year of fishing. For just $17 an individual can fish for the whole year.

So join in. Invest in your own life. Discover what more than a million Minnesota licensed anglers already know -- that a fishing license is an investment in family, friends and fun.

Don't know where to start?

Then cast your cursor to into the following streams of information:

General information

Fishing spots

For lake-specific information, try the DNR Lake Finder.
For Twin Cities fishing opportunities, try Fishing In The Neighborhood.
No boat? Use the DNR's statewide list of fishing piers.
A bit rusty on technique? Need a few tips? Find out where, when and how the fish bite.

Trip planning

Brochures to help plan your outing, including fishing and travel guides are available at Explore Minnesota.

Online fun

Experience fishing fun on the web with free online games.
Let kids catch fishing fever with the activities available online at Little Lunkers.

More info...

Learn more about building participation at the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation .

Minnesota's natural resources are threatened by invasive species such as the zebra mussel, Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife, gypsy moth, and garlic mustard. These species, along with new invasive species, are easily spread within the state if citizens, businesses and visitors don't take necessary steps to contain them. Hear about how you can help (mp3).

Good luck fishing!

Everyone is welcome in The Fellowship Of The One That Got Away.

One Last Cast

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A Family Affair

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This spring the DNR is promoting fishing license sales through direct mail, radio advertising and other methods. We've ramped-up our efforts because there has been a downturn in the percentage of Minnesotans who fish. This decline is especially noticeable among youth and young adults, who in a general way are not participating in nature-based activities at the same rate as previous generations. We'd like that to change. Getting outdoors can provide mental and physical health benefits, and license dollars fund activities that have made Minnesota a top-five national angling destination. A summary of annual historic license sales

is available online. Note that Microsoft Excel is required to open this document.

Postcards for the 2009 campaign are printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The paper is made with Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) virgin fiber content, contains 10 percent post-consumer content, is Process Chlorine Free (PCF) and uses lignin-free fiber. For more about forest-friendly paper, visit the Forest Stewardship Council.