Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is more than just catching fish; it’s a gateway to essential quests, lucrative money-making methods, and a vital resource for Ironmen. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted Quest Cape, seeking financial gains, or securing a sustainable food supply for your Ironman journey, training Fishing is a worthwhile endeavor. This comprehensive OSRS fishing guide will take you through the optimal pathways to level 99, covering everything from the fastest training methods to AFK strategies and profitable ventures.
An OSRS character actively engaged in fishing, highlighting the core skill being discussed in the guide.
Why Dedicate Time to OSRS Fishing?
Investing time in training your Fishing skill in OSRS unlocks a plethora of benefits that significantly enhance your overall gameplay experience.
Firstly, Fishing is intrinsically linked to quest progression. Many important quests across Gielinor have specific Fishing level requirements. Reaching level 53 Fishing is necessary to obtain Barrows Gloves, a significant upgrade for melee combat. Aiming for the Quest Cape? You’ll need level 62 Fishing. And for the prestigious Achievement Diary Cape, level 96 Fishing is a must.
The quest icon from OSRS, representing the many quests that require a certain fishing level to complete.
Beyond quests, Fishing opens doors to substantial money-making opportunities. Certain high-level fishing methods can generate over 100 million gold pieces on your journey to level 99, making it a profitable skill to train.
For Ironmen, Fishing becomes even more crucial. It serves as a primary source of food, essential for sustaining themselves during boss battles, Slayer tasks, and general adventuring. Reliable access to food through Fishing is a cornerstone of efficient Ironman gameplay.
Gold coins in OSRS, symbolizing the potential profit that can be earned through high-level fishing methods.
Optimizing Your Fishing XP with Boosts
Before diving into training methods, understanding Fishing XP boosts is key to maximizing your efficiency. Utilizing boosts can allow you to access higher-level fishing methods earlier than your base level would permit.
An Admiral Pie, an example of a food item in OSRS that can temporarily boost a player’s fishing level.
For example, an Admiral Pie provides a +5 Fishing level boost, enabling you to fish for sardines from level 1 Fishing. Similarly, you can boost to level 58 to access better Barbarian Fishing spots earlier.
The Angler Outfit is a crucial set to acquire, offering a 2.5% Fishing XP boost when the full set is worn. This outfit is obtained from Aerial Fishing or the Fishing Trawler minigame, with Fishing Trawler generally being the faster option.
Icon for the Angler’s outfit, a set of clothing in OSRS that boosts fishing experience when worn.
Icon for the Spirit Angler’s outfit, an upgraded version of the Angler’s outfit with similar bonuses.
Furthermore, the Angler Outfit (or Spirit Angler Outfit) is required to catch Minnows. Spirit Flakes can convert regular Angler pieces into Spirit Angler, and wearing the full Spirit Angler set acts as a rope during Tempoross encounters.
Harpoons are essential for certain fishing methods, and OSRS offers several options. The Crystal Harpoon provides the fastest experience, while the Infernal Harpoon cooks some fish as you catch them. The Dragon Harpoon is a robust non-degrading option, and the Barb-tail Harpoon is equippable. Even the standard Harpoon is available for free-to-play players.
A Dragon Harpoon, one of the higher-tier harpoons available in OSRS, offering better fishing rates.
Dragon, Infernal, and Crystal Harpoons possess a special attack that boosts your Fishing level by 3 when activated, consuming 100% special attack energy. This temporarily enhances your fishing speed.
Tempoross, the Spirit of the Sea, offers a range of useful rewards.
The Tackle Box from Tempoross, used to store fishing equipment in one inventory slot.
The Tackle Box is invaluable for consolidating fishing equipment into a single inventory slot, while the Fish Barrel doubles your inventory space for fish, though it requires banking to empty.
The Fish Barrel from Tempoross, which doubles the inventory space for caught fish but requires banking to empty.
Spirit Flakes provide a 50% chance to catch an extra fish (without bonus XP), beneficial for profit-focused fishing. Rada’s Blessing, obtained from the Kourend Achievement Diary, offers a 2-8% chance of catching an extra fish, also geared towards increasing profit rather than XP.
Rada’s Blessing, an item from the Kourend Achievement Diary that provides a chance to catch extra fish.
Aerial Fishing in Prifddinas allows you to acquire equippable rods using Molch Pearls. These rods free up an inventory slot, which is especially useful for AFK training methods.
Leveling Pathways to 99 Fishing in OSRS
Choosing the right pathway is crucial for efficient 99 Fishing training. Here are four distinct pathways tailored to different playstyles:
The skill icon for Fishing at level 99 in OSRS, representing the ultimate goal for dedicated trainers.
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Fastest Pathway (Approx. 105 Hours): This route prioritizes speed, utilizing intensive methods like 3-tick and 2-tick fishing techniques to maximize XP rates.
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Barbarian Fishing Pathway (Approx. 120 Hours): A popular and balanced approach, Barbarian Fishing offers good XP rates and the option for both regular and 3-tick training, making it adaptable to different levels of focus.
A Barbarian Rod, required for Barbarian Fishing, a method known for its balanced XP rates and agility/strength experience.
- Tempoross Pathway (Approx. 180 Hours): Engaging with the Tempoross boss offers a more interactive training experience with competitive XP rates and potential profit, making it a less monotonous option.
Tempoross, the Spirit of the Sea boss, offering a unique and engaging way to train fishing.
- AFK Training Pathway (Approx. 300 Hours): For those seeking minimal attention training, AFK methods like Prifddinas Fly Fishing or Dorgesh-Khaan Cave Eels are ideal, albeit slower in XP gain.
Low-Level Fishing Training (Levels 1-58)
Starting your Fishing journey efficiently is crucial for early progress. Here’s a breakdown of effective low-level training methods:
Questing for a Quick Start
The Quest Start icon in OSRS, representing the fastest way to gain early levels in fishing.
Questing offers the fastest initial levels. Completing “Sea Slug” and “Fishing Contest” quests can propel you from level 1 to 26 Fishing rapidly. “Sea Slug” has a Firemaking prerequisite, but it’s quickly achievable. Further quests like “Freeing Pirate Pete subquest,” “Tai Bwo Wannai Trio,” and “The Fremennik Trials” can boost you to level 33.
Bait Fishing: Sardines and Trout
For regular training, begin by bait fishing for Sardines from level 1 using an Admiral Pie for a boost. Rod and bait fishing is accessible in numerous locations, such as south of Lumbridge near the Fishing Tutor. Sardines provide the best XP until level 20, where Trout becomes available.
The Fishing Tutor in Lumbridge, a convenient starting point for new OSRS players to learn and train fishing.
Shrimp Fishing for Ironmen
A Small Fishing Net, used for catching shrimp and other small fish at low fishing levels.
Ironmen or players without readily available Admiral Pies can start with Shrimp fishing south of Lumbridge. Obtain a small fishing net from Tutorial Island or find free nets at the Lumbridge fishing spot. Once you reach level 5 from Shrimp, switch to rod and bait fishing for Sardines at the same location until level 20.
Fly Fishing for Trout and Salmon
A Fly Fishing Rod, used for fly fishing trout and salmon, a fast method for mid-level fishing training.
At level 20, Fly Fishing for Trout unlocks, becoming the fastest regular training method until level 58 (Leaping Salmon at Barbarian Fishing). You can even start at level 15 with an Admiral Pie boost. For Trout and Salmon, you’ll need a Fly Fishing Rod and Feathers, requiring about 5000 feathers to reach level 58. Fishing spots include Lumbridge near goblins or Barbarian Village.
3-Tick Fly Fishing for Maximum XP
Herb Tar, an item that can be used for 3-tick fishing manipulation to increase fishing XP rates.
For the absolute fastest XP per hour from level 20, utilize 3-tick Trout fishing. This technique involves using items like Herb Tar, Teak Logs, Kebbit Vambraces, or Snow to initiate a 3-tick action, then clicking the fishing spot every 3 game ticks. This method can yield over 20k Fishing XP per hour at lower levels, scaling up to 90k+ XP per hour at level 99.
Fastest OSRS Fishing Methods (Levels 58-99)
Once you’ve progressed through the early levels, these methods offer the quickest routes to 99 Fishing:
Barbarian Fishing for Balanced XP
Otto Godblessed, the NPC who initiates Barbarian Training, required for Barbarian Fishing.
At level 58 Fishing, Barbarian Fishing for Leaping Salmon significantly increases XP rates. Train at Otto’s Grotto or near the Chambers of Xeric, with Otto’s Grotto being the more popular location. Barbarian Fishing requires starting Barbarian Training, needing level 48 Fishing, 15 Agility, and 15 Strength. Find the rod under Otto’s bed to begin. Starting at level 58 is recommended due to faster catch rates for Leaping Salmon.
Barbarian Fishing can also be 3-ticked for even faster XP, nearly doubling your rates. It’s viable as both an AFK and intensive training method.
Leaping Salmon, one of the fish caught in Barbarian Fishing, offering high fishing and strength/agility experience.
XP rates range from 20k to 100k per hour, depending on level and tick manipulation, while also granting 1/10th of the Fishing XP in Strength and Agility XP. AFK intervals average around 50 seconds.
2-Tick Harpooning: Peak Fishing Speed
A Harpoon, used for harpooning tuna and swordfish, and in 2-tick manipulation for very fast fishing experience.
2-Tick Harpooning is the fastest method in OSRS, requiring tick manipulation. It’s performed in Piscarilius House on Zeah. Lure two rats to attack you, ensuring they hit you every 2 game ticks. Then, alternate clicking between the fishing spot and off-screen to fish in a 2-tick cycle.
Use spells like Weaken or Confuse (without damaging runes) to aggro rats. XP rates start lower at level 35 but become competitive when you unlock Swordfish, reaching over 70k XP per hour. Maximum XP rates can exceed 130k Fishing XP per hour, making it the fastest training method.
Swordfish, one of the fish caught using harpoons, offering good experience rates and profit potential.
Tempoross: Engaging and Rewarding
Fishing at Tempoross, an active and engaging fishing training method with good XP and rewards.
Tempoross, requiring level 35 Fishing, offers competitive XP rates between regular and 3-tick Barbarian Fishing. XP starts at 30k per hour, scaling to 95k at higher levels. Access Tempoross via a boat near Al Kharid bank. No items are needed initially as they can be obtained within the minigame.
The Tempoross encounter involves catching and firing fish to weaken the boss, then harpooning it when vulnerable. Optionally, cooking the caught fish provides Cooking XP, reducing Fishing XP rates from 95k to 70k but yielding more rewards.
Cooked Fish, a possible outcome from fishing at Tempoross, which can provide cooking experience alongside fishing experience.
From level 35 to 99 Fishing at Tempoross with cooking, expect around 50 million GP profit. Focusing solely on Fishing XP yields about 20 million GP profit.
Drift Net Fishing: Efficient Hunter and Fishing XP
A Drift Net, used for drift net fishing on Fossil Island, providing both fishing and hunter experience simultaneously.
Drift Net Fishing, underwater off Fossil Island, is the most efficient method for combined Fishing and Hunter XP. Requiring Drift Nets, it’s efficient but costly. At level 47 Fishing, XP starts at 50k per hour alongside 60k Hunter XP. At level 70 in both skills, rates increase to 85k Fishing and 115k Hunter XP per hour, remaining the most efficient combined method.
However, Drift Net Fishing is click-intensive and incurs a loss of around 40 million GP from 47 to 99 Fishing. The method involves herding fish into drift nets using a Trident to lure fish, significantly improving XP rates.
AFK Fishing Methods in OSRS
For players seeking less intensive training, these AFK methods are ideal:
Prifddinas Trout and Salmon Spot
The Waterfall fishing spot in Prifddinas, known for its AFK nature and consistent trout and salmon catches.
Fishing for Trout and Salmon southeast of Prifddinas’ entrance gate is extremely AFK. The fishing spot is static and never despawns, allowing AFK intervals of 2-4 minutes depending on your Fishing level. Maximum XP rates are around 50k Fishing XP per hour. Access requires starting the Regicide quest (Song of the Elves not needed).
Dorgesh-Khaan Cave Eels: Very AFK Option
Cave Eel fishing spot in Dorgesh-Khaan, offering very AFK fishing with longer intervals between actions.
Bait fishing for Eels in caves south of Dorgesh-Khaan is another static spot with slightly lower XP rates than Prifddinas Trout. However, Eels offer more XP per catch, resulting in longer AFK intervals up to 5 minutes, depending on your level. Access requires completing the Death to the Dorgeshuun quest and a light source.
Profitable Fishing Methods in OSRS
Fishing becomes increasingly profitable from level 62 onwards. Here are some top profit-generating methods:
Monkfish: Steady Profit from Level 62
Monkfish fishing spot in Piscatoris Fishing Colony, known for its consistent profit and decent AFK nature.
With “Swan Song” quest completion, Monkfish fishing in Piscatoris Fishing Colony becomes available at level 62. Training from 62 to 99 yields approximately 20 million GP profit with around 1-minute AFK intervals. XP rates are moderate but decent compared to other profitable methods.
Karambwans: High Profit, Decent XP from Level 65
Karambwan fishing spot near Tai Bwo Wannai, highly profitable but with slower XP rates if banked.
Karambwan fishing unlocks at level 65 after “Tai Bwo Wannai Trio” quest completion. Use Karambwanji as bait, caught south of Tai Bwo Wannai with a small fishing net (AFK-able). Karambwans are caught near the DKP fairy ring north of the camp. Level 65 to 99 yields over 80 million GP profit. XP rates are slower if banked, but the Fish Barrel from Tempoross extends AFK time to about 3 minutes (1.5 minutes without barrel).
Infernal Eels: Profit and AFK from Level 80
Infernal Eel fishing spot in Tzhaar City, offering a combination of profit, AFK training, and tokkul rewards.
Infernal Eels, available at level 80 Fishing in the Mor Ul Rek region of Tzhaar City, are caught with an Oily Fishing Rod and bait. Use a hammer to convert them into Tokkul, eliminating banking needs. Level 80 to 99 yields around 80 million GP profit and is fairly AFK.
Minnows: Decent XP and Profit from Level 82
Minnow fishing spot near the Fishing Guild, providing a balance of decent XP and profit.
Minnow fishing near the Fishing Guild at level 82 (with full Angler Outfit and small fishing net) offers decent XP rates and about 75 million GP profit to 99. However, it’s less AFK with approximately 15-second intervals.
Anglerfish: High Profit, AFK from Level 82
Anglerfish fishing spot in Piscarilius House, known for its high profitability and decent AFK nature.
Anglerfish fishing in Piscarilius House at level 82 (rod and sandworms as bait) is slower, maxing at 23k XP per hour at level 99, but highly profitable, netting 130 million GP from 82 to 99 and is decently AFK.
Dark Crabs: Wilderness Risk, High Reward from Level 85
Dark Crab fishing spot in the Wilderness Resource Area, high risk due to PvP but very profitable.
Dark Crabs in the Wilderness Resource Area at level 85 (lobster pot and dark fishing bait) offer decent XP up to 40k per hour and high profit (90 million GP to 99). However, wilderness location makes it risky and not suitable for AFK training due to potential PKers. Use a lockpick to escape into the Magic Axes house if needed.
Sacred Eels: Profit and Cooking XP from Level 87
Sacred Eel fishing spot near Zulrah, offering a combination of profit, fishing, and cooking experience.
Sacred Eels near Zulrah at level 87 (regular rod and bait) require a knife to cut eels into Zulrah Scales. Maximum rates are just over 20k Fishing and 20k Cooking XP per hour, while netting 115 million GP to level 99. This method is also AFK-able.
Ironman Fishing Training Tips
The Ironman symbol in OSRS, highlighting specific tips for Ironman accounts training fishing.
Ironmen can utilize the methods outlined, but here are specific tips:
Start by acquiring fishing supplies from Port Sarim, Catherby, or Shilo Village fishing shops. Tynan’s Fishing Supplies in Port Piscarilius sells sandworms for Anglerfish.
Karambwans are excellent Ironman food due to easy acquisition, low burn rate, and 18 HP heal. Obtaining Karambwanji bait is straightforward, and the Fish Barrel significantly improves Karambwan fishing efficiency.
Tempoross is particularly beneficial for Ironmen for resource gathering.
Free-to-Play (F2P) 1-99 Fishing Guide
The F2P icon in OSRS, indicating methods specifically for free-to-play players training fishing.
F2P Fishing is slower and less profitable. The fastest F2P pathway to 99 Fishing is through Fly Fishing. 3-tick manipulation in F2P takes around 170 hours to reach level 99.
Fly Fishing (rod and feathers) is the fastest F2P method from level 20, done near Lumbridge goblins or east of Barbarian Village. AFK training or 3-tick manipulation using a snow globe (from Christmas event) are options.
A Snow Globe, used in F2P for 3-tick fishing manipulation, obtained from a Christmas event.
Profitable F2P methods like Lobsters or Tuna/Swordfish are very slow and less recommended due to low XP rates and bank distance.
Camdozaal fishing (Below Ice Mountain quest) with a small fishing net, starting at level 33 Fishing and Cooking, is more suited for F2P Ironmen, offering Prayer training alongside low Fishing XP rates.
Small Fishing Net in F2P, used for methods like Camdozaal fishing that also train prayer.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to train Fishing from level 1 to 99 in OSRS, whether you prioritize speed, profit, or AFK training. Choose the pathway that best suits your goals and playstyle, and happy fishing!
