Minnesota Fishing License & Pelican Lake Regulations Guide

All Minnesota residents from ages 16 to 89 are required to have an up-to-date fishing license. All non-residents who are 16 and older are required to have a license as well. 

Do You Need a Minnesota Fishing License?

Fishing license resident exceptions:

• Children under the age of 16

• Adults 90 or older

• Active-duty MN military members on leave (must carry leave papers)

• MN residents discharged from overseas duty within the last 24 months (must carry discharge papers)

• Residents of nursing or boarding care homes

• Inpatients of VA hospitals

Fishing license non-resident exceptions:

• Children under the age of 16, if fishing with a licensed parent or guardian (catch counts toward the adult’s limit) 

• May purchase a separate limit for the child with a youth license

Off the dock: Kids under 16 may fish off the dock without a license. Otherwise, standard license regulations apply for anyone over 16 fishing off designated dock areas. 

Free Fishing Weekends 

Every year, Minnesota designates license-free fishing events for qualifying residents. 

• Mother’s Day Weekend (May): Minnesota moms may fish freely without a license

• Take a Kid Fishing Weekend (June): Minnesota residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16

• Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend (January): Minnesota residents 16 and older fish free with children younger than 16

For specific free fishing dates, see the Minnesota DNR website. 

Minnesota Fishing License Types & Costs

Note: Prices are subject to change per the Minnesota DNR. 

Additional MN License Information

• All annual licenses are valid from March 1 through the end of February. 

• Residents 90 or older do not need a license. 

• An optional $5 Walleye Stamp is available to any angler. Proceeds will go directly toward walleye stocking programs in Minnesota.

Where to Buy Your Minnesota Fishing License

You can buy one online at Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources.

What you need: 

• Valid photo ID (MN residents 21+ need a MN driver's license or state ID to qualify for resident rates) 

• Social Security number is required for first-time purchases through the DNR's system 

• Prior license number, if renewing, speeds up the process

Pelican Lake & Orr-Area Fishing Regulations

• Walleye: Possession limit of 6. Only one over 20” is allowed in possession. 

• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass: Pelican Lake has a special DNR regulation. All bass from 14-20” must be released immediately. Only one over 20” is allowed in possession. 

• Northern Pike: Limit of 10. Size varies by zone. See current St. Louis County rules at mndnr.gov.

• Crappie & Panfish: Open year-round. Standard statewide limits apply: 10 crappie, 20 sunfish/bluegill, and 50 perch per day. 

Minnesota Fishing Season Dates

• Walleye & Northern Pike: Season opens in mid-May and runs through late February the following year on most waters.

• Bass (catch-and-release): Open year-round statewide on inland waters.

• Bass (harvest): Harvest season opens in mid-May, roughly two weeks after the general opener.

• Crappie, sunfish, perch, bluegill: Open year-round with no seasonal closure.

• Muskie: Opens in early June.

• Stream trout (harvest): Opens the second Saturday in April each year. Not applicable to Pelican Lake, which is not a designated trout water.

The walleye opener is one of the biggest fishing weekends of the year in Northern Minnesota. Resorts fill up well in advance, so book early if you plan to be on the water for it.

Ice Fishing Regulations on Pelican Lake

Ice fishing season on Pelican Lake typically runs from December through March, depending on ice conditions. The same fishing license that covers your open-water fishing also covers your ice fishing. You do not need a separate fishing license. 

However, a shelter license is required if you use a fixed (non-portable) fish house or dark house on the ice. Shelter licenses cost residents $15 annually, and non-residents may purchase weekly or annual licenses. Portable fish houses do not require a license unless left unattended overnight. 

Boat, Motor, & Equipment Rules

There are a few things you should know before you hit the launch at Pelican Lake. 

• Aquatic invasive species (AIS): Per Minnesota law, all boaters are required to clean and dispose of unwanted bait before leaving their water access. Inspectors at public launches may deny the launch if your boat has leftover water in compartments or signs of plants or invasive species. 

• Watercraft registration: You must register your motorized watercraft(s). Out-of-state visitors may use home-state registration temporarily, provided they do not keep the boat in-state for more than 90 consecutive days. 

• Life jackets: A properly fitting, USCG-approved life jacket is required on board for every person.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does a non-resident Minnesota fishing license cost?

Annual individual licenses are $51, with short-term options ranging from $14 (24-hour) to $43 (7-day).

Where can I buy a Minnesota fishing license near Pelican Lake?

As of June 9, 2026, the DNR has requested that all licenses be purchased online.

What's the walleye limit on Pelican Lake?

The statewide possession limit of 6 applies, with only 1 over 20" allowed.

When does Minnesota's fishing opener happen?

Walleye, pike, and bass open in mid-May each year.

Do I need to have my boat inspected before launching on Pelican Lake?

You are required to arrive with a clean, drained boat. Inspectors at the launch have the authority to deny your boat entry if you don't.

Do kids need a fishing license in Minnesota?

Children under 16 do not need a license, though their catch counts toward the licensed adult's limit.

Can I fish from the dock at my cabin without a license?

No, a valid fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older, regardless of where they are fishing.