Minnesota

A nonresident annual fishing license in Minnesota costs $56.00. For comparison, Minnesota residents pay $25.00. Short-term options: 24 Hour: $14.00; 72 Hour: $29.00; 7 Day: $40.00. The license year runs March 1 - February 28/29 following year.

Purchase your Minnesota fishing license online at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html. Valid ID; 2026 fees increased ~$1 for residents, $2-3 for nonresidents due to CPI adjustment. Licenses are administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Under 16 exempt; Residents 90+ free; specific senior discounts. Always check the official Minnesota website for the most current exemption details and any additional categories that may qualify.

Trout stamp required for designated trout waters; walleye stamp for specific management areas. Be sure to purchase any required stamps or endorsements before heading out, as they are often checked during enforcement.

Fishing seasons in Minnesota: Walleye/Northern Pike opener typically mid-May; Bass opener typically late May for harvest season; year-round catch-and-release bass season on all inland waters effective February 23, 2026 (harvest season dates unchanged). Bag limits: Walleye: 6/day; Northern Pike: 10/day (varies by zone); Bass: 6/day; Panfish: 20/day (varies). Always consult the current Minnesota fishing regulations for the most up-to-date season dates and limits, as they can change annually.

Specific border water regulations; catch-and-release special regulation waters; experimental regulations on some lakes. Year-round catch-and-release bass season on all inland waters effective February 23, 2026. Lake Superior changes effective 2026: Atlantic salmon bag limit changed to 5 combined salmon total (one-fish limit removed); brook trout and splake season on Lake Superior and tributaries now closes September 30.. For the complete set of rules including gear restrictions, size limits, and special waters, visit the official Minnesota fish and wildlife website.

Minnesota has the following border water or reciprocal agreements: Minnesota-Wisconsin boundary waters agreement; Minnesota-North Dakota border waters; Minnesota-South Dakota border waters; Lake Superior shared with Wisconsin. California is not directly included in these agreements, so a standard nonresident license is required.

For the most current regulations, license prices, and season dates, visit the official Minnesota fishing page at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html. To purchase a license online, visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html.