Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend

Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19
During this three-day weekend, any Minnesota resident can go fishing for free if  fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year.

Tips If You’re New to Ice Fishing
Want to learn how to go ice fishing? We have helpful information on our website to get you started. Check the DNR learn to ice fish page for more information about ice fishing, including a recorded webinar with tips and techniques anglers can use to have fun catching sunfish, crappie and perch. Fishing information, including regulations, fishing basics and the popular DNR LakeFinder, is available on the DNR fishing page.

Always be cautious on the ice. Don’t rely on reports alone — always check the ice.

If you are going out on the ice, check the ice and not just for thickness. White ice can be deceiving. If the ice is white, double the ice thickness guidelines. No ice can ever be considered “safe ice,” but following the guidelines on the DNR website can help minimize the risk.

Also please pick up your trash and waste and bring a container for this purpose. We have more on the ice fishing shelter page about Minnesota’s waste law involving winter fishing.