By the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on April 2, 2018

Walleye might be Minnesota’s most popular fish, but the state’s waters also are renowned for trophy catfish, muskellunge and smallmouth bass. All of the state’s large rivers are home to lake sturgeon, which can weigh as much as 100 pounds. In southeastern Minnesota, trout rise to flies in the region’s cold, clear spring creeks. Along the North Shore, large migratory rainbow trout known as steelhead provide thrills.  

“Whether you are after the fish of a lifetime or some bluegills for the frying pan, when you buy a license you are helping fund work that sustains Minnesota’s unique fisheries,” said Jenifer Wical, the DNR’s Fish and Wildlife marketing coordinator. “When you share your passion by taking someone else fishing, you are helping sustain the future of great fishing in Minnesota.”

There are adult individual angling licenses and licenses for married couples. Anglers can buy licenses for 24-hour, 72-hour and three-year time periods. Lifetime licenses can keep someone fishing long into the future, and come at great prices, especially for children 3 and under and those ages 51 and older. Lifetime licenses also can be given as gifts.

Youth ages 16 and 17 can buy an annual license for $5. Minnesotans 15 and under are not required to buy a license to fish but must comply with fishing regulations. All nonresidents need a license, except those age 15 and younger do not need one if a parent or guardian is licensed.

Buy licenses at any DNR license agent, online with a mobile or desktop device at mndnr.gov/buyalicense, or by phone at 888-665-4236. Mobile buyers receive a text or email that serves as proof of a valid fish or game license to state conservation officers.

Customers are encouraged to update their customer record online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense. Adding an email, while not required, allows the DNR to send important hunting and fishing information, and gather input through surveys.

For those who hunt and fish, a sports license includes angling and small game, and a super sports license includes a trout/salmon stamp, small game with pheasant and waterfowl, and a deer tag (archery, firearms or muzzleloader).

This year license fees increase by $3 for a resident individual angling license, and fees also increase for other license types including deer hunting licenses, sports licenses and lifetime licenses.

To learn more about how the DNR spends hunting and fishing license dollars locally, visit mndnr.gov/LicenseDollarsAtWork and select an area near you.