What Minnesota Fairgoers Overwhelmingly Said “Yes” To

With age come perks. From restaurants to movie theaters, seniors can often save money with a wide variety of discounts. Minnesota may soon add another valuable perk for seniors that is already available in several other states, and according to new polling, it has strong public support.

Free Fishing Licenses for Minnesota Seniors?

Across America, just over a dozen states offer seniors a discounted or even free fishing license. The age requirement varies. In New York, you need to be 70, while in Alaska, residents 60 and older can fish without paying for a license.

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Here in Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” lawmakers are pushing for a similar benefit. Two separate bills have been introduced. One would allow seniors age 65 and older to get a fishing license at no cost, while the other would offer a reduced $15 fee. Currently, a standard annual fishing license costs $25.

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What Minnesotans Are Saying

To gauge public opinion, the House Public Information Services Office asked fairgoers at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair for feedback. Nearly 10,000 people participated in the annual opinion poll, which covered a range of issues including cannabis, gun control, and sports arenas.

When asked if seniors should be allowed to fish for free, the results were overwhelming. A full 70% of respondents said yes, 19.1% said no, and 10.9% were undecided.

Lawmakers Taking Notice In Minnesota?

With such a strong majority in favor, lawmakers are expected to take a closer look at this proposal. In today’s political climate, it’s rare to find an issue that unites Minnesotans across party lines. But on this topic, it seems clear: giving seniors the chance to enjoy Minnesota’s lakes at little or no cost has wide appeal.