The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages moms who live in Minnesota to join a free virtual fishing challenge during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend Saturday, May 9, through Sunday, May 10, when Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license.
“Fishing has always been one of my favorite traditions. There’s nothing like being out on the water and sharing that time with the people you love,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Take a Mom Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to carry that tradition forward and welcome more women into the outdoors. Whether it’s your first cast or your hundredth, we want every mom to feel like she belongs out on the water.”
“The Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge is a wonderful way to celebrate the role moms play as leaders and teachers in the outdoors,” said Sarah Strommen, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources commissioner. “Whether fishing with friends or family, getting outdoors as a new angler or an experienced one, Minnesota moms are building community and making connections and memories that last far beyond a day on the water. I want to invite all Minnesota moms to join this fun challenge by sharing their fish photos. I can’t wait to share mine!”
To participate in the challenge, moms simply need to join the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge 2026 Facebook group and submit one photo of each fish they catch on May 9-10.
The 2026 Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge is a collaboration between the Minnesota DNR, Student Angler Organization (studentangler.
“Thank you to our partners and every mom who participates in this challenge,” said Cara Hanson, DNR marketing coordinator. “This challenge isn’t a competition. It’s all about sharing the fun and encouraging moms to get out and enjoy fishing.”
This is the fourth year the DNR and its partners are hosting the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge. During the 2025 challenge, more than 2,700 Minnesota moms from across the state participated, catching 1,600 fish.
“Our goal is to surpass 10,000 participants in the challenge’s first four years,” Hanson said.
To see challenge details and join in the fun, visit the Take a Mom Fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/take-mom-fishing).
Take a Mom Fishing Weekend was established in Minnesota in 1988 to coincide with Mother’s Day. Fishing season dates and regulations are on the Minnesota DNR fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/fishing). More information about how and where to fish, fishing equipment, ways to catch different kinds of fish, and fishing ethics and stewardship is on the Minnesota DNR learn to fish webpage (mndnr.gov/gofishing).
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