Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in most Minnesota state parks, including ice fishing!
A Minnesota resident may fish in a state park without a fishing license when:
- Fishing from shore or wading in water within the state park; or
- Fishing through the ice, from a boat or a float on a designated lake that is completely encompassed within a Minnesota state park;
- And the body of water does not require a trout stamp.
Read the full statute
Learn more about fishing in Minnesota
You will still need a vehicle permit to enter a Minnesota state park. All park rules must be followed as usual, as well as any fishing rules and regulations.
Note: This is only true for Minnesota state parks, not for Minnesota state recreation areas or for city, county, regional or national parks -- all of these require Minnesota residents to have a fishing license.
At parks with trout fishing opportunities, a trout stamp must be purchased before fishing.
Free loaner equipment is not available during the COVID-19 pandemic.