Knowledge Base

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon.

To qualify for a resident fishing license you must:

• Have established a legal residence in Minnesota for at least the past 60 consecutive days.
• If 21 or older, possess a current Minnesota driver’s license, state-issued identification card or have a receipt for an application for a driver’s license or state ID that is at least 60 days old.
• Be at least 16 years of age.

In most cases, Minnesotans don't need a license if they're fishing in a state park.

All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

The DNR's complete listing of fishing licenses can help you decide what to buy.

Fishing in Rochester, MN:

Cascade Lake

• 88 23rd Ave Sw, Rochester, MN 55902

Foster-Arend Park

• 4051 East River Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906

Gamehaven Park and Reservoir

• 1301 50th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904

KR7 Reservoir

• 6317 19th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Silver Creek Reservoir

• 1800 55th Ave NE, Rochester, MN 55906

Silver Lake Park

• 840 7th St NE, Rochester, MN 55906

Willow Creek Reservoir

1343 Lone Pine Dr SW, Rochester, MN 55902