Fishing is a popular pastime in Minnesota, with countless lakes, rivers, and streams teeming with a variety of fish species. While most anglers must purchase a fishing license, there are several exemptions and free licenses available for specific groups of people. In this article, we’ll explore how to obtain a free fishing license in Minnesota if you are blind, disabled and receiving supplemental income (SSI, SSD, SSDI), receiving worker’s compensation for total and permanent disability, a foreign exchange student attending school in Minnesota, or a ward of the Commissioner of Human Services.
Exemptions for the Blind and Disabled
Minnesota residents who are legally blind or receiving certain disability benefits may be eligible for a free fishing license. To qualify, you must present current proof of your disability to any license agent. This includes:
A current letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you receive SSI or SSDI benefits
Proof of receiving worker’s compensation for total and permanent disability
Proof of receiving disability benefits under the Federal Railroad Retirement Act or U.S. Postal Service
Residents with a 100% service-connected disability or a developmental disability can obtain a free license directly from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by calling 877-348-0498.
Free Licenses for Foreign Exchange Students
Foreign exchange students attending school in Minnesota can obtain a free fishing license by presenting proof of their foreign exchange student status to any license agent.
Exemptions for Wards of the Commissioner of Human Services
Residents of Minnesota licensed nursing or boarding care homes, wards of the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services, residents of state institutions, or inpatients of a U.S. Veterans Administration hospital may be eligible for a free fishing license. To obtain this license, you must use an application available from the DNR by calling 888-646-6367.
It’s important to note that all fishing for students age 16 and older covered by this license exemption will be catch and release only, and all adult chaperones must have a valid Minnesota fishing license.
In addition to the exemptions mentioned above, Minnesota residents may fish without a license for any species except trout when shore fishing or wading on state-owned land within a state park, or fishing from a boat or on the ice on water bodies that are completely inside the boundaries of a state park.
To fish on a designated trout stream or lake or to harvest trout in a state park, you must have a fishing license and a trout/salmon stamp validation.
If an adult is showing a child younger than 16 how to bait, cast, and remove fish, no license is needed. The child must hold the rod, set the hook and reel in the fish.
You do not need a license to assist a disabled person who must have a valid license unless an exemption applies. You may only fish with the number of lines allowed for all licensed or exempt anglers fishing.
In conclusion, while most anglers in Minnesota must purchase a fishing license, there are several exemptions and free licenses available for specific groups of people. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the proper procedures, you can enjoy fishing in Minnesota without the need for a paid license.