The Good Life For Less: Free Fishing

Memorial weekend is what many consider the kick-off to summer -- pools open, the cabin and camping season goes into full swing, and you see tons of people out and about on Minnesota's 10,000+ lakes.

One kind of cool thing to remember is that Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in most state parks. You can read about the details here. Of course park rules apply too, so read carefully or call ahead for details for your location.

The Department of Natural Resources wants to promote the younger generation to get out there and fish, which is also why the DNR is hosting a Take a Kid Fishing Weekend on June 11-13 this year.

Even if you aren't all-knowledgeable about fishing, all Minnesota residents 16 and older can fish for free on all lakes during those days when you accompany an angler 15 and under (the young ones can cast their lines free year-round). Not a bad deal if you want to "test the waters" when it comes to fishing.

Do you like to stay in the city? There are plenty of opportunities for you too! The Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) Program is an urban fishing program that gives opportunities for great fishing in the metro area. They help stock fish, install docks and piers and plan events to help people get out and fish in residential areas.

Anglers can even borrow poles and tackle. Check here for details. Of you feel like getting creative and want your own way to fish anytime -- try your hand at making a pop can caster.

And click here is a list of other awesome angling programs around Minnesota.

Are you from Wisconsin? Well, the Wis. DNR is hosting a free fishing weekend on June 5 and 6 where residents there can fish without a license. They will also offer more than two dozen free fishing clinics across the state. Check it out here.

-Alison Lorge is a web producer and consumer blogger at WCCO.