Minnesota Trout Unlimited’s outreach and education programs directly connect youth and families with their local watersheds throughout the state. As an essential component of our mission, these programs engage people of all ages with the natural world through hands-on learning experiences that provide them with a deeper understanding of Minnesota’s aquatic ecosystems and their roles as environmental stewards our treasured waters. See below for more information about these fantastic programs.
Education Articles
Trout in the Classroom Update – February 2026
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a unique educational experience for students. Throughout this year-long program, students learn about Minnesota watershed ecology, fish biology, trout habitat, and more, starting the very first week of school. They engage in TIC-related lessons both inside and outside the classroom from September through May....
An 8-Year Look at the MNTU Education Program
In this new year, I wanted to do a recap about the last 8 years of MNTU’s education program. See below to learn about all of the great things our education team has accomplished! Trout in the Classroom From fall 2018 to spring 2025, the number of TIC schools throughout Minnesota increased...
12,000 Eggs Delivered for Trout In The Classroom
We completed the first of two egg deliveries on December 3rd! Over 12,000 eggs were sorted, packaged, and distributed throughout the state in a single day thanks to our awesome crew of egg day volunteers.
Trout in the Classroom: 19 Years and Growing
In its 19th year, Minnesota Trout in the Classroom has 86 tanks in 74 schools and 2 nature centers throughout the state ready to be filled, cycled, and prepared to welcome 300 tiny, neon orange trout eggs this winter. Check out this map color coded by MNTU chapter to...
Another Year of Trout in the Classroom
The 2025-26 Trout in the Classroom season kicked off with our first teacher and volunteer training in Duluth and the Twin Cities! This year we’re holding training sessions in two locations to support our growing and dispersed network of classrooms across the state. The location of the trainings also offered...
Minnesota Trout Unlimited just wrapped up its Trout in the Classroom (“TIC”) education program for the 2024-2025 school year!
There were 79 tanks in 67 schools and 2 nature centers this year. 55 of those schools and 1 of the nature centers released trout this spring. Of the 12 schools that were unable to release their fish, 7 of them were brand new to the program. This is common...
MN DNR AND TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM: A LONGTIME PARTNERSHIP
MNTU has long partnered with the Minnesota DNR to advance its mission to conserve, protect, restore, and sustain Minnesota’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. This includes habitat projects and advocacy efforts around the state. Since 2007, with the establishment of the first aquarium in Minnesota, this partnership has increasingly included...
All Your Questions about Trout Releases Answered
It's April and our education team is kicking off the 2024-25 release season with our Trout in the Classroom (TIC) schools! From now through the end of May, we will be joining hundreds of students around the state at these exciting events. Here are answers to some of the frequently...
Trout in the Classroom: MNTIC is a school-based program that provides consistent opportunities for students to connect with their natural environment through field days and classroom activities while caring for their own trout, from eggs to fingerlings. Students learn about watershed ecology and clean water, fish biology and fishing skills, and natural resource conservation. The school year culminates with a field trip to release their trout into the wild.. Learn more.
Fishing Skills Programs: Minnesota Trout Unlimited is excited to offer Youth and Family Fishing Programs in partnership with parks and recreation departments throughout the Twin Cities metro area. We would like to invite MNTU members, Trout in the Classroom teachers and students, and their families to join us for a few hours of fun, learning, and meeting other anglers. Both spin and fly fishing programs will be open to the public and will cover all the basics: how to set up a rod, cast like a pro, and take fish off your hook.
Mentorship Program: This program is intended to be a simple person-to-person network, directly connecting youth to mentors. Mentors and mentees can arrange their own location, dates and times throughout the fishing season. Learn more.
Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo: MNTU operates the largest fly fishing expo in the region with the goals of bringing the community together, creating resource advocates and providing educational programs on fly fishing. Learn more.