What the Nonresident Youth Angling License Covers

Minnesota's Nonresident Youth Angling License is for people aged 16 and 17 who live outside Minnesota and want to fish in the state's public waters. It costs less than a full nonresident license and lets you fish for any species in any public water where fishing is allowed — lakes, rivers, and streams. The license runs for one calendar year from the date you purchase it.

You do not need this license if you are a Minnesota resident, even if you are 16 or 17. Residents that age can fish with a resident license or, in some cases, without one. You also do not need it if you are fishing on private property with the owner's permission, though you still must follow Minnesota's fishing regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • The nonresident youth license is for people aged 16–17 who live outside Minnesota and want to fish state waters.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or at authorized vendors in Minnesota.
  • The license is valid for one calendar year from the purchase date and covers all legal fishing methods and species.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a conservation officer if asked.
  • Minnesota fishing regulations — including season dates, catch limits, and gear restrictions — apply to all anglers, regardless of license type.

How to Purchase the License

You can buy the nonresident youth angling license online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website at mndnr.gov. Go to the licensing section, select "Fishing Licenses," then choose the nonresident youth option. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and address. Payment is by credit or debit card, and you receive your license immediately as a PDF or digital file that you can print or display on your phone.

If you prefer to purchase in person, you can buy the license at any authorized vendor in Minnesota — this includes sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some resorts. Vendors can issue the license on the spot. The price is the same whether you buy online or in person. Keep your license with you whenever you fish; conservation officers may ask to see it.

Cost and License Duration

The nonresident youth angling license costs less than a full nonresident license. The exact price varies slightly depending on whether you purchase online or through a vendor, but the difference is minimal. Check the DNR website for the current year's price before you buy.

Your license is valid for one calendar year from the date you purchase it. If you buy it in March, it expires on December 31 of that year. If you buy it in November, it expires on December 31 of the following year. You do not need to renew mid-year; one purchase covers you for the remainder of that calendar year plus all of the next year if you buy early.

What You Can Fish For and Where

With a nonresident youth angling license, you can fish for any species in any public water in Minnesota where fishing is allowed. This includes walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and trout in designated trout streams and lakes. You can use any legal fishing method — rod and reel, hand line, or other gear permitted under Minnesota rules.

Public waters include state parks, national forests, and lakes and rivers open to the public. Some waters have special restrictions or are closed to fishing during certain seasons. The DNR website lists which waters are open and which have specific rules. Always check before you go, because regulations change by location and season.

Minnesota Fishing Regulations You Must Follow

Your license does not override Minnesota's fishing regulations. You must follow all season dates, catch limits, size restrictions, and gear rules that apply to the water and species you are fishing. For example, walleye season may open on a specific date and close on another; you cannot fish for walleye outside those dates. Some species have minimum or maximum size requirements, and some waters limit how many fish you can keep per day.

Regulations vary by location and change year to year. Before you fish, check the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations handbook, available free on the DNR website. You can also call the DNR at 651-296-6157 to ask about specific waters or species. Ignoring regulations can result in fines, even with a valid license.

Identification and What to Carry

You must have your license with you at all times while fishing. A printed copy or a digital image on your phone is acceptable. If a conservation officer stops you, you must show your license immediately. You do not need to carry any other identification, but having your ID is a good idea in case there are questions about your age or residency.

Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get damaged. If you lose your license, you can purchase a replacement through the DNR website or at any authorized vendor. There is usually a small fee for a replacement, so keeping track of your original is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with this license in Canada or other states?

No. The nonresident youth angling license is valid only in Minnesota. If you want to fish in another state or country, you need a license from that jurisdiction. Each state and province has its own licensing system and regulations.

What if I turn 18 before my license expires?

Your nonresident youth license remains valid until its expiration date, even after you turn 18. You do not need to upgrade or purchase a new license. Once it expires, you would need to purchase a standard nonresident adult license if you want to continue fishing in Minnesota.

Do I need a separate license for different fishing methods?

No. One nonresident youth angling license covers all legal fishing methods — rod and reel, hand line, bow and arrow, and spear — as long as those methods are allowed in the water you are fishing. Some waters restrict certain methods, so check local rules before you start.

Can I fish on private land without a license?

You do not need a license to fish on private property if you have the owner's written permission. However, you still must follow Minnesota's fishing regulations regarding seasons, catch limits, and size restrictions. The license exemption applies only to the licensing requirement, not to the rules themselves.

Where can I find the current fishing regulations?

The Minnesota DNR publishes a free Fishing Regulations handbook updated each year, available on mndnr.gov. You can also call 651-296-6157 or visit a DNR office. Regulations change by season and location, so check before each trip to make sure you are following the current rules.