Minnesota State Parks promote Labor Day fishing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesotans who plan to visit a state park over the Labor Day weekend are being advised to pack their fishing gear.

The Minnesota Department of Resources reminds residents they can now fish without a license in most state parks under a new law that aims to introduce youth and families to fishing. It allows visitors to fish for free so long as the water body does not require a trout stamp.

Free loaner fishing equipment is available at several state parks, including Bear Head Lake, Fort Snelling, Glendalough, St. Croix and William O'Brien.

The new law allows fishing without a license when fishing from shore within a state park. When fishing from a boat or float, the fishing must be done on waters totally within the park.