Here’s How Kids Can Go Ice Fishing For Free in Minnesota
Here in the Land of 10,000 Now-Frozen Lakes, we know that just because it's winter doesn't mean the fish aren't still biting. And this weekend, kids across the state can try their luck at ice fishing, and it won't cost a dime.
That's right, for a limited time this weekend, young anglers here in the Bold North can hook a good time (and maybe a big catch) with zero cost and all the fun. It's all part of a special program the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is sponsoring over the Martin Luther King Day holiday here in the North Star State.
Fishing itself is big business here in Minnesota. A recent report in Outdoor News cites research by the American Sportfishing Association that says the Gopher State ranks fourth in the nation with fishing generating $4.2 billion to the state's economy. That includes 28,120 jobs across Minnesota that are supported in some way by fishing!
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While most of that fishing activity happens in the spring, summer and fall before there's ice on the lakes, Explore Minnesota still says that around 10 percent of Minnesota’s 1.5 million licensed anglers head back to their favorite lakes for ice fishing once they freeze.
And thanks to the DNR's Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend, Minnesota kids 15 years old and younger can ice fish without a license on Saturday, January 18th through Monday, January 20th, 2025. The event is extended one day this year, thanks to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday 1/20/25, which is also one of the DNR's Free Park Days, which lets you into any of Minnesota's 73 state parks and rec areas without a fee.
Explore Minnesota says that as long as you're bundled up and dressed to withstand the cold weather, this weekend is a great time to try your hand at ice fishing-- even if you've never done it before:
Don’t let fanatics, winter weather or the mind-boggling array of gear intimidate you. At its roots, ice fishing ranks among the more basic outdoor sports and can accommodate any skill level. Considering you don’t need a boat to get on the water, winter fishing can be more accessible, too.
The DNR also has some tips on how you can take advantage of this year's Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend:
- New to ice fishing? Learn how to ice fish and ways to catch different species of fish.
- Find useful information on the DNR's fishing page, including resources about fishing basics, where to fish and fishing regulations.
- Consider trout fishing as an option for the weekend when the winter season opens on Saturday. Since you don't need a license when fishing with a kid, you won't need a trout stamp either.
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