Register Now For The Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge

Mother's Day is coming on Sunday, May 10, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a couple of fun incentives to enjoy the great outdoors during Mother's Day weekend.

Take a Mom Fishing Weekend happens on Saturday, May 9, through Sunday, May 10. That's when Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license throughout the state. Take a Mom Fishing Weekend was established in Minnesota in 1988 to coincide with Mother’s Day.

“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.

Flanagan added that Take A Mom Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to welcome more women outdoors. Another fun reason to take advantage of the special weekend is that the Minnesota DNR is once again hosting 'The Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge.'

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The Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge 2026

The 2026 Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge is a collaboration between the Minnesota DNR, Student Angler Organization, and Women Anglers of Minnesota.

The Minnesota DNR encourages moms who live in Minnesota to join the free virtual fishing challenge during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend.

To participate in the challenge, moms just need to join the Minnesota Moms Fishing Challenge 2026 Facebook group and then submit one photo of each fish they catch during Mother's Day weekend.

All participants who submit a fish photo will be entered in a random drawing for prizes provided by the Student Angler Organization and their partners. Participants are also invited to tune in for pre-challenge fishing webinars, hosted by Women Anglers of Minnesota, to brush up on technique before heading out.

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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,” said Cara Hanson, DNR marketing coordinator.