The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting another Take A Kid Fishing Weekend across the state, which is perfect reason to get outdoors for fun family time.

During the three-day weekend, any Minnesota resident can go ice fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. The Minnesota DNR notes that Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year.

The DNR hosts these events throughout out the year and the next one is Saturday, January 14, through Monday, January 16.

“Ice fishing is pure, simple fun for both kids and adults,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “For anyone who wants to try ice fishing, we have helpful information on our website to get you started on the way toward drilling holes through the ice and catching fish.”

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The DNR encourages everyone to check their learn to ice fish page, which provides a wealth of helpful information about ice fishing, including a recorded webinar with tips and techniques anglers can use to have fun catching sunfish, crappie and perch. They also go over inherent dangers anglers need to be aware of.

South Koreans Enjoy Ice Fishing
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The Minnesota DNR also wants to remind everyone that ice conditions vary and there is no such thing as 100% safe ice. Always check local ice conditions before heading out to a lake or river.

The DNR also has a handy ice safe page, which is a great resource to utilize before going out onto the ice.

The following ice thickness guidelines are also important to know:

  • UNDER 4" Stay off
  • 4" Ice fishing or other activities on foot
  • 5" - 7" Snowmobile or small ATV
  • 7” – 8” Side-by-side ATV
  • 9” – 10” Small car or SUV
  • 11” -12” Medium SUV or small truck
  • 13” Medium truck
  • 16” -17” Heavy-duty truck
  • 20”+ Heavy-duty truck with wheelhouse shelter

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