DNR promotes free Mother’s Day fishing weekend for Minnesota moms

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is turning Mother’s Day weekend into a no-cost entry point to the water for women across the state, including Lake County families who have never tried fishing before. Under Minnesota law, resident mothers may fish without a license during the Saturday and Sunday that coincide with Mother’s Day, and the 2026 Take a Mom Fishing Weekend runs May 9-10.

The DNR is pairing that license exemption with a free virtual fishing challenge aimed specifically at Minnesota moms. The effort is being run with the Student Angler Organization and Women Anglers of Minnesota, and the agency says the goal is participation, not pressure. Moms can join a Facebook group tied to the challenge, submit one photo of each fish they catch during the weekend, and enter a random drawing for prizes. Women Anglers of Minnesota is also offering pre-challenge fishing 101 webinars to help first-time anglers work on basic technique before heading out.

The timing gives Lake County residents a clear local window to get on the water at the start of the walleye, northern pike and sauger seasons, which also open May 9. The DNR’s event calendar lists Take a Mom Fishing Weekend as a statewide event, so moms can take part on Minnesota waters, from North Shore spots to inland lakes and family favorites farther from the coast.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan said fishing “is a cherished tradition that creates time with people you love and opens the outdoors to more women, whether they are completely new to the sport or have years of experience.” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said the challenge recognizes moms as teachers and leaders in outdoor life and encourages participants to share their fish photos as part of a broader community-building effort.

The DNR’s April 13 release said the 2025 challenge drew more than 2,700 Minnesota moms and produced 1,600 fish. DNR marketing coordinator Cara Hanson said, “This challenge isn’t a competition. It’s all about sharing the fun and encouraging moms to get out and enjoy fishing.”

The program dates to 1988, when the Minnesota Legislature established Take a Mom Fishing Weekend. Nearly four decades later, the state is still using that holiday weekend to lower a basic barrier for new anglers: the license requirement that can keep families and first-timers off the shoreline.