Take a Kid Fishing in the BWCA

The MInnesota DNR provides a weekend of free fishing for Minnesotans 16 and older who wish to bring a child 15 and under fishing. No license is necessary June 5-7th so it’s a great opportunity to wet a line without having to pay for a license.

At Voyageur Canoe Outfitters we think it is important to get kids into the wilderness and away from electronics. Fishing is a great way to pass the time and get kids outside.  We want you to bring a kid to the BWCA next weekend and for those folks who book a Complete Outfitting Package for next weekend we’ll provide a fishing package free of charge. We’ll get you set up with a rod, reel, tackle and bait so you can take a kid fishing. We’ll also show you the basics of fishing including tying a knot and other useful information.

Can’t come visit June 5-7th? We still want you to bring a kid fishing so if you book a Complete Outfitting Package from now until June 5th we’ll offer the same package free of charge for your trip in 2015. You’ll just need to purchase your outfitting package and fishing license. Sign up to receive our Fishing Booklet to learn more about fishing and hope to see you this summer at Voyageur!

Take a kid fishing and fish free June 5-7

Minnesotans age 16 or older don’t need a fishing license to take a child age 15 or younger fishing on Friday, June 5, to Sunday, June 7, during Take a Kid Fishing Weekend.

“This is an annual opportunity to introduce a child to fishing without the prior purchase of a fishing license,” said Mike Kurre, mentoring program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “It’s a great weekend to make some memories and go fishing with family and friends.”

For those new to fishing, the DNR’s Fish Minnesota Web page at www.mndnr.gov/fishmn answers basic fishing questions and explains fishing terminology. The site also includes links to a beginner’s guide to fishing, fishing regulations and information on where to fish.

“It is incredibly rewarding to watch a kid smile ear-to-ear while they reel in a fish,” Kurre said. “Kids love fishing, and at your fingertips there are resources that make it easier to learn how to fish and teach others.”

Fishing classes from the DNR’s I Can Fish! program run throughout the summer at state parks. And even when it’s not Take a Kid Fishing Weekend, Minnesota residents generally can fish in state parks without a fishing license if the body of water doesn’t require a trout stamp.

For links to state park fishing information, the beginner’s guide to fishing and more, see the DNR’s Take a Kid Fishing page at www.mndnr.gov/takeakidfishing.