Fishing

nuv ntses • ညၣ် • kalluumeysiga • pesca
Fish Minnesota

Fishing basics

Do I need a license?

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon.

To qualify for a resident fishing license you must:

  • Have established a legal residence in Minnesota for at least the past 60 consecutive days.
  • If 21 or older, possess a current Minnesota driver’s license, state-issued identification card or have a receipt for an application for a driver’s license or state ID that is at least 60 days old.
  • Be at least 16 years of age.

In most cases, Minnesotans don't need a license if they're fishing in a state park.

All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

The DNR's complete listing of fishing licenses can help you decide what to buy.

Buy a license online

When can I fish?

You can fish in spring, summer, fall and winter. You can fish any day of the year if the kind of fish you're trying to catch can be legally caught on the day you're fishing.

What can I catch?

You can catch some fish such as crappie, catfish, sunfish, perch and bullhead at any time. Fish such as walleye, northern pike and bass – commonly called gamefish – can only be caught during certain times of the year. Those time periods can vary depending on where you are fishing. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake, river or stream. If you're fishing for trout, check out our trout fishing information.

How can I fish?

You can catch fish with a line attached to a fishing pole. When the water isn't frozen, you must use only one fishing pole. When the water is frozen, you can use two lines, which don't have to be attached to a fishing pole. Regardless of the time of year, if your line is in the water you have to be right there. In some places and for some fish, spearing, netting and using a bow with an attached arrow are allowed. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake, river or stream.

Where can I fish?

You can fish on lakes, rivers and streams.  To get to a fishing area, don't cross private property without permission. Some areas may have fishing and access restrictions posted. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake, river or stream.

What if I catch fish?

Use the DNR LakeFinder to find the number of fish you may catch each day in a particular lake, river or stream. No matter where you fish, the number of fish you catch each day are part of the total number of fish in your possession. Fish you have at home in a freezer or back at camp in a cooler are considered to be in your possession and count toward your limit.

Programs & events

Shiloutte of a person fishingSpending time with someone who already fishes is the easiest way to learn to fish. If that's not an option, explore these fishing programs and events.

Get started

Use the information we've gathered here to help build your fishing knowledge and skills.

Where to go

Trout fishing

Angler's hands holding a troutFrom south to north, Minnesota is home to spectacular trout fishing.

Proper release of a fishAnglers can boost the odds of fish surviving catch and release by using methods that avoid internal damage caused by hooks, stress and being pulled from deep water.

Contact us

Fishing Regulations

 

Find a lake

Get lake specific information including regulations, fish species, stocking reports and lake maps.

Screenshot of moble LakeFinder application for smart devices

Go mobile!

Get the same information but in a portable, mobile-friendly format that knows exactly where you're at with LakeFinder mobile.

Fish safely

Remember to wear a life jacket and follow our safety tips when you're out with family and friends trying to land that lunker.

Using bait

Other considerations

Connect with others

Discover fishing organizations that can help you connect with the outdoors.

Help others learn

Discover how you can help others learn and involve them in the outdoors. Special grants often are available.

License Dollars At Work campaign link

stop aquatic invasive species

Explore Minnesota logo

nuv ntses • ညၣ် • kalluumeysiga • pesca
Fish mn

Ice fishing basics

Do I need a license?

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon.

Minnesota residents are:

  • People who maintain a legal residence in Minnesota for at least 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing a license. If 21 or older, they must present a current Minnesota driver’s license or identification card to obtain a resident license.
  • A person younger than 21 who is a child of a Minnesota resident.
In most cases, Minnesotans don't need a license if you're fishing in a state park. The DNR's complete listing of fishing licenses can help you decide what to buy.

Buy a license online

When can I get on the ice?

Ice is never 100% safe so there really is no sure answer. You can't judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. But if you take the right precautions and follow thickness guidelines, you can safely fish on the ice.

What can I catch?

You can catch some fish such as crappie, catfish, sunfish, perch and bullhead at any time. Fish such as walleye, northern pike and bass – commonly called gamefish – can only be caught during certain times of the season. Those time periods can vary depending on where you are fishing. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake.

Where can I fish?

Almost all ice fishing happens on lakes. A river or stream may appear frozen and even be snow-covered, but a thin layer of ice on the surface starts to freeze while floating on the denser liquid water below. To get to a fishing area, don't cross private property without permission. Some areas may have fishing and access restrictions posted.

What if I catch fish?

Use the DNR LakeFinder to find the number of fish you may catch each day in a particular lake. No matter where you fish, the number of fish you catch each day are part of the total number of fish in your possession. Fish you have at home in a freezer are considered to be in your possession and count toward your limit.

Get started

Family catching a northern on a tip-up.Spending time with someone who already fishes is the easiest way to learn to ice fish. If that's not an option, use the information we've gathered here to help build your knowledge and skills.

Fish safely

Remember ice never is 100% safe. Your safety is your responsibility. Check ice thickness every few feet early in the season and follow these guidelines.

Find a lake

Get lake specific information including regulations, fish species, stocking reports and lake maps.

Screenshot of moble LakeFinder application for smart devicesGo mobile!

Get the same lake information in a portable, mobile-friendly format that knows exactly where you're at with LakeFinder mobile.

Unlimited opportunities

Some lakes offer unlimited fishing at times. Check the list of lakes to find out where to go.

Trout fishing

Minnesota offers a winter season but you'll need a trout stamp.

Contact us

Fishing Regulations

Connect with others

Discover fishing organizations that can help you connect with the outdoors.

Help others learn

Discover how you can help others learn and involve them in the outdoors. Special grants often are available.

License Dollars At Work campaign link

Back to top