Nelson Lake

Fishing in Minnesota requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, purchasable online or at vendors.

In Minnesota, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 90 and older. Residents 65 and older are exempt from the trout stamp fee. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

• Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

• Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

• Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.