Minnesota Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
How much is a fishing license in Minnesota (MN)?
A resident annual Minnesota fishing license costs $26.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $52.00. Minnesota also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
How does Minnesota compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Minnesota Fishing License →Fishing in Minnesota
Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes and walleye is a way of life — Mille Lacs, Leech, Lake of the Woods and Rainy are legendary. The state also grows muskie, northern pike, smallmouth, crappie and bluegill, while Lake Superior and its North Shore streams add trout and salmon. Ice fishing here is a genuine culture, with heated houses and vehicle-covered lakes, so the fishing calendar truly never closes.
Minnesota Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$26.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$52.00
Non-Resident 72-Hour
Freshwater
$37.00
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$44.00
Youth (under 16)
FreeMinnesota has no senior-discount angling license (seniors pay the resident rate); anglers 65+ are exempt from the $10 trout/salmon stamp. $26.00 is the buyer-pays total; it already includes the $1.00 issuing fee.
✅ Prices verified August 2026 from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Minnesota fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Minnesota. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Minnesotans 15 and younger do not need a fishing license at any time of year. Residents aged 16–17 buy a reduced-rate youth angling license.
- Seniors (65+)
- Minnesota publishes no senior-discount angling license — seniors pay the standard resident rate. The one senior break: anglers 65 and older are NOT required to buy the $10 trout and salmon stamp.
- Anglers with disabilities
- A free permanent angling license is issued to any Minnesota resident over age 16 who is developmentally disabled. A free annual angling and/or spearing license is issued to Minnesota residents who are blind, who are disabled and receiving SSI, SSD or SSDI, or who are receiving worker's compensation for total and permanent disability.
- Veterans & military
- A free permanent angling license is issued to any Minnesota resident over age 16 who is a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability. Minnesota residents in the U.S. military stationed outside the state are exempt from the license requirement, as are patients of a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital (written consent from the institution must be carried).
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Minnesota has no general open free-fishing day. It runs two Take a Kid Fishing weekends — January 17–19, 2026 (ice) and June 5–7, 2026 — on which a Minnesota resident aged 16 or older may fish without a license ONLY while accompanied by a child aged 15 or younger. All other regulations, seasons and limits still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Where to buy a Minnesota fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Minnesota also sell licenses.
Minnesota Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Minnesota species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| WalleyeNo statewide minimum size (only 1 over 20 inches); check specific lake regulations on MN DNR | 6 | No limit | May–Feb (varies by water) |
| Largemouth/Smallmouth BassCatch-and-release only before opener on most lakes | 6 | 12" | May–Nov (varies) |
| Northern PikeZone-based bag (2/10/2) and slot limits — no statewide 24-inch minimum | 3 | No limit | Year-round on most waters |
| CrappieStatewide 10 combined; some lakes have slot limits | 10 | No limit | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Minnesota Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Minnesota?
A resident annual fishing license in Minnesota costs $26.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $52.00. Minnesota also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Minnesota?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Minnesota costs $52.00. For a shorter trip, Minnesota also sells 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Minnesota publishes no senior-discount angling license — seniors pay the standard resident rate. The one senior break: anglers 65 and older are NOT required to buy the $10 trout and salmon stamp. Always confirm current rules with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a Minnesota fishing license?
Buy directly from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Minnesota.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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