
Time For Another ‘Take A Kid Fishing Weekend’ In Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting another Take A Kid Fishing Weekend across the state, which is the perfect reason to get outdoors for fun family time.
This weekend, the state will experience bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, so you'll want to make sure your fish house has a good heater.
The Minnesota DNR hosts Take A Kid Fishing weekends throughout each year this weekend is the first of 2025.
Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says that ice fishing can be a lot of fun and "this weekend is a great time to share the experience with a kid in your life.”
Take A Kid Fishing Weekend Is Saturday, January 18 - Monday, January 20
For those taking advantage of the opportunity, the three-day weekend allows any Minnesota resident to go ice fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. The Minnesota DNR reminds everyone that Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year.
He reminds newer anglers that the DNR website has a helpful how-to page with extensive information about ice fishing.

The page includes a recorded webinar with tips and techniques for having fun catching sunfish, crappies, and perch. It also also discusses inherent dangers anglers need to be aware of.
Remember Ice Safety Guidelines All Winter
The DNR also reminds everyone to remember ice safety guidelines, not only while ice fishing but also during all outdoor winter recreation activities. That's because ice conditions can vary and there is no such thing as 100% safe ice.
You should not rely on ice thickness reports alone, always be prepared to check the ice by bringing ice picks, rope, an ice chisel, and tape measure. It's also a great idea to bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
Keep the following guidelines in mind every winter:
- UNDER 4" - Stay off
- 4" - Ice fishing or other activities on foot
- 5" to 7" - Snowmobile or small ATV
- 7” to 8” - Side-by-side ATV
- 9” to 10” - Small car or SUV
- 11” to 12” - Medium SUV or small truck
- 13” - Medium truck
- 16” to 17” - Heavy-duty truck
- 20”+ - Heavy-duty truck with wheelhouse shelter
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You can get more information on the DNR's handy ice-safe page, which is a great resource to utilize before going out onto the ice.
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