Families Fish Free During Minnesota’s Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend

(KNSI) – Minnesota families have a special opportunity this weekend to enjoy ice fishing together without needing a license.

The annual Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend runs from Saturday, January 17th, through Monday, January 19th.

During these three days, any Minnesota resident can fish for free as long as they’re accompanied by a child who is 15 years old or younger. Children in that age group never need fishing licenses in Minnesota, regardless of the time of year.

“Ice fishing is fun. If you’ve ever considered it, this is a great winter to give ice fishing a try,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. He noted that this winter’s weather has been favorable for ice formation across the state, though he emphasized the importance of checking ice depth before heading out.

Families new to the activity can find useful resources on the DNR’s Take a Kid Ice Fishing webpage, which includes beginner tips, ice safety information, and a webinar specifically about taking children ice fishing.

The weekend also coincides with the opening of trout fishing season in lakes outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, giving anglers even more options.

The state is sweetening the deal by waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Monday, January 19th, as part of Free Park Day. This means families can combine fishing with other winter activities like birding, hiking, nature photography, or enjoying hot chocolate around a campfire.

Safety remains the top priority for anyone venturing onto the ice. Officials say white ice is particularly deceptive and requires double the thickness of clear ice to be safe. The DNR urges people not to rely solely on ice condition reports from others. Officials recommend checking ice thickness personally and frequently, since conditions can change quickly.

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