Take a kid fishing and fish free June 7-9

Celebrate the end of the school year with a potential angler-to-be by fishing for free with a child 15 or younger, June 7-9, during Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.

“This is a great opportunity to discover fishing,” said Mike Kurre, the DNR’s mentoring program coordinator. “Minnesotans 16 or older who take a child 15 or younger fishing don’t need a license that weekend. Opportunities for beginning anglers abound throughout Minnesota.”

Getting started is easy. A boat isn’t needed and there’s even loaner poles and tackle in some areas.

Start by going to www.mndnr.gov/takeakidfishing to learn some terms, basic techniques and shore-fishing locations. DNR fisheries offices throughout Minnesota also offer some good, old-fashioned angling advice about fishing spots that will keep young anglers happy and safe.

The DNR’s Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) program provides urban shore-fishing opportunities across the metro with family-friendly settings, piers, loaner equipment at some locations and a real chance to catch quality fish. Learn more online at www.mndnr.gov/fin.

Four of Minnesota’s nine state parks that are offering this summer’s weekly I Can Fish! program have sessions scheduled during Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend. Sessions at each park explore the basics of fishing, fish identification and angling tips and tricks. For more information, go to www.mndnr.gov/state_parks/can_fish.html.

Even when it’s not Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend, Minnesota residents may fish in a state park without a fishing license if the body of water doesn’t require a trout stamp. Anglers must fish from shore or wade in water within the state park or from a boat or a float on a designated lake within a Minnesota state park. More information on fishing in state parks is available at www.mndnr.gov/state_parks/fishing.html.

“Fishing is one of the easiest and most-accessible outdoor activities in Minnesota,” Kurre said. “Take a kid fishing and, come the end of the trip, you’re both likely to be hooked.”

DNR will have booths at NW Sportshow in Minneapolis

Outdoor enthusiasts can learn about fishing, hunting, hiking trails, water safety and much more by visiting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) booths at the 80th Annual Northwest Sportshow, which runs March 28-April 1 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

DNR specialists will be available to answer questions at the main DNR booth located in Lobby D. The DNR License Center will be selling state parks stickers, and fishing and hunting licenses.

Attendees can also visit the DNR's invasive species information booth in Lobby C to pick up educational materials and talk with invasive species staff and conservation officers specializing in invasive species issues. The new aquatic invasive species rules decal, which is required for all boats, will be available for free at the booth.

The DNR Enforcement Division will also offer an interactive LaserShot shooting range for youth and adults. This family favorite gives participants a chance to test their skills at one of four shooting simulation stations. The range located in the lobby near the entrance to Hall C.

Daily admission is $10 for adults 16 and older. Youth 15 and younger are admitted for free. On March 29, seniors 62 and older will receive a discounted admission of $7 for the day.