What Minnesota's Short-Term Nonresident Licenses Cover

Minnesota offers three short-term fishing licenses for nonresidents who want to fish without buying an annual permit. The 24-hour license lets you fish for one calendar day. The 72-hour license covers three consecutive calendar days. The 7-day license runs for seven consecutive calendar days. All three are valid for both walleye and northern pike in addition to other species, and all require you to follow the same daily bag limits and size restrictions as resident anglers.

These licenses are sold through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) licensing system and through authorized vendors across the state — bait shops, sporting goods stores, and resort offices. You can also purchase them online through the DNR website. The licenses are not transferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on them.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's 24-hour, 72-hour, and 7-day nonresident licenses are sold online through the DNR website and at bait shops and sporting goods stores throughout the state.
  • All three short-term licenses cost less than a full annual nonresident license and cover the same species and daily bag limits as resident licenses.
  • The 72-hour and 7-day licenses run for consecutive calendar days, so a 72-hour license purchased on a Friday covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a conservation officer if asked.
  • Short-term licenses do not cover trout in designated trout streams or lakes — you need a separate trout stamp for those waters.

Where to Buy Short-Term Licenses

The fastest way to purchase a short-term license is through the Minnesota DNR website at minnowsota.com. You can buy any of the three options online, print your license immediately, and start fishing the same day. The online system accepts credit and debit cards and generates a PDF you can carry on your phone or print on paper.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit any authorized vendor. These include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods retailers like Cabela's and Gander Outdoors, and many resort offices in fishing areas. Vendors stock the licenses and can issue them on the spot. Call ahead if you are buying late in the day, since some shops close before sunset.

Gas stations and convenience stores do not typically sell fishing licenses in Minnesota, so plan to visit a dedicated sporting goods location or use the online system.

Cost and What Each License Includes

Prices vary slightly by license type and are set by the DNR. A 24-hour nonresident license costs less than a 72-hour license, which costs less than a 7-day license. The exact amounts change year to year, so check the DNR website for current pricing before you purchase. All three licenses cover the same fish species and daily bag limits — there is no difference in what you can catch, only how many days you can fish.

None of the short-term licenses include a trout stamp. If you plan to fish designated trout streams or trout lakes, you must purchase a separate trout stamp in addition to your short-term license. The trout stamp is valid for the same dates as your fishing license.

Daily Bag Limits and Species You Can Keep

Short-term nonresident licenses allow you to fish for walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and other panfish under the same daily limits that apply to Minnesota residents. Walleye has a daily limit of six fish per person in most waters. Northern pike has a daily limit of three fish. Bass limits vary by water body and season, so check the specific lake or river you plan to fish on the DNR website before you go.

Size restrictions also apply. Many walleye waters have a 15-inch minimum size limit, and some pike waters require a 24-inch minimum. These rules change by location and season, so verify the exact regulations for your target water before you fish. The DNR website has a searchable database of every lake and river in the state with its specific rules.

How the Calendar Days Work

The 72-hour and 7-day licenses run on consecutive calendar days, not 72 or 168 hours from the time of purchase. If you buy a 72-hour license on Friday afternoon, it is valid Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — not Friday plus the next 72 hours. Similarly, a 7-day license purchased on a Monday is valid Monday through Sunday of that week.

The 24-hour license covers one calendar day only. If you purchase it on a Friday, it expires at the end of that Friday. It does not carry over to Saturday, even if you buy it early in the morning.

What to Carry and Show to Officers

You must have your license with you at all times while fishing. If you purchased online and printed it, carry the printed copy. If you printed it to your phone, make sure the PDF is accessible without an internet connection, since cell service is unreliable on many Minnesota lakes. A conservation officer can ask to see your license at any time, and you are required to show it immediately.

Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag, especially if you are fishing from a boat. A damaged or illegible license can create problems if an officer cannot read your name or the license dates. If your license is lost or damaged, contact the DNR to request a replacement — you may be able to purchase a new one at a vendor or online.

Trout Waters and Additional Stamps

If you want to fish designated trout streams or trout lakes in Minnesota, your short-term fishing license does not cover that activity. You must purchase a separate trout stamp valid for the same dates as your fishing license. The trout stamp is inexpensive and available through the same vendors and online system as the fishing license.

Trout waters are clearly marked on the DNR website and on printed maps available at bait shops. Some lakes have both trout and warm-water fish, so check before you fish to know which stamp you need. If you are unsure whether a specific water holds trout, call the local DNR office or ask at a nearby bait shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish multiple lakes with one short-term license?

Yes. Your license is valid for any public water in Minnesota during the dates shown on it. You can fish a different lake every day if you want. The license covers the person named on it, not a specific location.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Minnesota law. Conservation officers patrol lakes and rivers and can issue citations. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of equipment. Buying a short-term license costs far less than a citation.

Do I need a license if I am fishing from someone else's boat?

Yes. Every person fishing must have their own valid license, regardless of who owns the boat or who is driving it. The boat owner does not need a license if they are not fishing.

Can I buy a short-term license if I live in Minnesota?

No. Short-term nonresident licenses are for people who do not hold a Minnesota fishing license. Residents must purchase a resident annual license or a resident short-term license if available. Check the DNR website for resident options.

What if my 72-hour license expires in the middle of a fishing trip?

You must stop fishing when your license expires. If you want to continue fishing, you need to purchase another short-term license before you fish again. Plan your trip dates carefully so your license covers all the days you intend to fish.