Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a quintessential skill, deeply woven into the fabric of Gielinor. Whether you’re an Ironman in need of vital food resources, a player aiming for substantial profits, or simply seeking the coveted Fishing skillcape, mastering this skill is incredibly rewarding. This comprehensive Fishing Osrs Guide will navigate you from level 1 to 99, covering the fastest training methods, AFK approaches, profitable techniques, and essential tips for both regular accounts and Ironmen.
Image showcasing the OSRS Fishing skill icon, representing the guide’s focus on leveling and training the Fishing skill in Old School RuneScape.
Why Invest Time in OSRS Fishing?
Training your Fishing skill in OSRS unlocks a multitude of benefits that extend across various aspects of the game:
- Quest Requirements: Many significant quests in OSRS demand a certain Fishing level to even begin. Key examples include level 53 Fishing for Barrows Gloves, level 62 for the Quest Cape, and a hefty level 96 for the prestigious Achievement Diary Cape.
- Money Making Potential: Fishing is not just about experience; it’s also a lucrative skill. Certain fishing methods can generate over 100 million gold as you progress to level 99, making it a viable pathway to wealth.
- Ironman Mode Essential: For Ironmen, Fishing becomes a critical source of food. Reliable access to fish is paramount for sustaining your character during boss battles, Slayer tasks, and general survival in the harsh world of OSRS.
Icon of the Fishing skill in Old School RuneScape, highlighting its importance for quests, money making, and Ironman gameplay.
Maximizing Your Fishing XP: Boosts and Gear
Before diving into training methods, understanding XP boosts and essential fishing gear will significantly enhance your journey to 99 Fishing:
- Fishing Level Boosts: Temporary level boosts are invaluable for accessing higher-level fishing spots earlier. Admiral pies are a popular choice, offering a +5 boost, allowing you to catch sardines from level 1 or access better Barbarian Fishing earlier.
- Angler Outfit: This set provides a cumulative 2.5% Fishing XP boost when worn in full. Obtainable from Aerial Fishing or Fishing Trawler (Trawler is generally faster), the Angler Outfit is crucial for efficient training, especially at Minnows. Spirit flakes can convert regular Angler pieces to Spirit Angler, which acts as a rope during Tempoross encounters.
Visual representation of different pieces of the Angler Outfit in OSRS, emphasizing its role in boosting Fishing experience.
- Harpoons: For methods requiring a harpoon, OSRS offers several options. The Crystal Harpoon provides the best XP rates, 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 without the required Attack level, you can still wield a Dragon Harpoon for fishing. Dragon, Infernal, and Crystal Harpoons possess a special attack that boosts your Fishing level by 3 when activated at 100% energy, temporarily increasing catch rates.
Image showcasing different types of harpoons available in OSRS, highlighting their varying stats and special abilities for faster fishing.
- Tempoross Rewards: Engaging with the Tempoross boss introduces valuable rewards that aid fishing. The Tackle Box neatly stores fishing equipment in one inventory slot, while the Fish Barrel doubles your inventory space for fish (emptied at a bank). Spirit flakes, another reward, offer a 50% chance to catch extra fish (no bonus XP), beneficial for profit-focused fishing.
Visual display of unique rewards from the Tempoross boss fight in OSRS, such as Tackle Box and Fish Barrel, useful for efficient fishing training.
- Rada’s Blessing: Completing the Kourend & Kebos Achievement Diary and equipping Rada’s Blessing provides a 2-8% chance to catch extra fish (again, no bonus XP), further enhancing profit potential.
- Pearl Fishing Rods: Purchased with Molch pearls from Aerial Fishing, equippable rods free up an inventory slot, particularly useful for AFK training methods.
Image combining Rada’s Blessing icon and Pearl Fishing Rods, showcasing items that provide benefits like extra catches and free inventory slots.
Pathways to Level 99 Fishing in OSRS
Choosing the right pathway is crucial for an efficient journey to 99 Fishing. Here are four example pathways catering to different playstyles:
- Fastest XP Route (Approximately 105 Hours): This path prioritizes maximum experience per hour, utilizing intensive methods like 3-tick and 2-tick fishing from the get-go. It’s the most time-efficient but demands high attention and effort.
Icon representing the fastest pathway to 99 Fishing in OSRS, emphasizing speed and efficiency in training methods.
- Barbarian Fishing Focused (Approximately 120 Hours): Barbarian Fishing is a popular and relatively fast method. You can choose between regular or 3-tick Barbarian Fishing, offering a balance of speed and reasonable click intensity.
Icon depicting Barbarian Fishing in OSRS, highlighting its balanced approach to speed and effort in training Fishing.
- Tempoross Training (Approximately 180 Hours): Starting at level 35 Fishing, Tempoross offers engaging gameplay with decent XP rates and some profit. It’s a less monotonous option compared to pure grinding.
Icon for the Tempoross pathway, showcasing the unique boss-like fishing experience and its moderate training speed.
- AFK Fishing (Approximately 300 Hours): For those seeking minimal interaction, AFK methods like Prifddinas fly fishing or Dorgeshkaan cave eels are ideal. These methods are extremely relaxed but take significantly longer to reach 99.
Icon representing AFK fishing methods in OSRS, emphasizing the low-effort, hands-off approach to training Fishing.
Low-Level Fishing Training (Levels 1-58)
The initial levels of Fishing can be quickly overcome with efficient methods:
Questing for a Fast Start
Questing offers a significant XP boost early on. Completing “Sea Slug” and “Fishing Contest” quests can propel you to level 26 Fishing straight from level 1. “Sea Slug” has a minor Firemaking requirement, easily achievable. Further quests like “Freeing Pirate Pete,” “Tai Bwo Wannai Trio,” and “The Fremennik Trials” can push you to level 33 Fishing rapidly.
Icon representing questing as a fast method to gain early Fishing levels in OSRS, highlighting quest completion for experience boosts.
Bait Fishing: Sardines and Trout
If questing isn’t your preference, bait fishing is the standard early-game training. Start by catching sardines from level 1 (or even earlier with an Admiral Pie boost). An accessible location is just south of Lumbridge, near the Fishing Tutor. Sardines offer the best XP until level 20, where Trout fishing unlocks.
Icon for bait fishing, specifically targeting sardines in Lumbridge as a starting method for low-level Fishing in OSRS.
Shrimp Fishing for Ironman Start
For Ironmen or players with limited starting capital, shrimp fishing south of Lumbridge is a solid starting point. 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.
Icon showing shrimp fishing with a small net, emphasizing its suitability for Ironman accounts and early Fishing training in OSRS.
Fly Fishing: Trout and Salmon
At level 20, fly fishing becomes available, specifically for trout and salmon. You can start this method at level 15 with an Admiral Pie for the fastest progression from level 16 onwards. Trout and salmon fishing remains the fastest regular training method until level 58, where Leaping Salmon at Barbarian Fishing becomes accessible. You’ll need a fly fishing rod and feathers, approximately 5,000 feathers to reach level 58 from trout and salmon. Popular spots include Lumbridge near goblins and Barbarian Village.
Icon depicting fly fishing for trout and salmon, highlighting its efficiency as a mid-level Fishing training method in OSRS.
3-Tick Fly Fishing for Maximum Early XP
For the absolute fastest XP per hour from level 20, 3-tick trout fishing is the way to go. This method requires items to initiate a 3-tick action, such as herb tar, teak logs, kebbit vambraces, or snow. Start a 3-tick action, then click the fishing spot, repeating these actions every 3 game ticks. From level 20, you can achieve over 20,000 Fishing XP per hour, scaling to over 90,000 XP per hour at level 99 with 3-ticking.
Icon illustrating the 3-tick fly fishing technique in OSRS, showcasing its high XP rates and intensive click mechanics.
Fastest Fishing Methods (Levels 58+)
Once you reach level 58, several high-speed training methods become available:
Barbarian Fishing: Fast and AFK Viable
At level 58 Fishing, you can catch Leaping Salmon at Barbarian Fishing, significantly boosting XP rates. Located at Otto’s Grotto or near Chambers of Xeric, Otto’s Grotto is more popular. Barbarian Fishing requires starting Barbarian Training (level 48 Fishing, 15 Agility, and 15 Strength). Find the special rod under Otto’s bed to begin. While technically accessible at 48, starting at 58 with Leaping Salmon is recommended for better rates. Barbarian Fishing can be 3-ticked for even faster XP, nearly doubling your rates. It’s also a great AFK method, with AFK intervals around 50 seconds. XP rates range from 20,000 to 100,000 per hour, depending on level and tick manipulation. You also gain 1/10th of the Fishing XP in Strength and Agility XP simultaneously.
Icon depicting Barbarian Fishing at Otto’s Grotto in OSRS, highlighting its combination of speed and AFK potential.
2-Tick Harpooning: Top Tier XP Rates
2-tick harpooning is the absolute fastest Fishing method in OSRS, albeit highly click-intensive and requiring tick manipulation. Performed in the Piscarilius House on Zeah, it involves being attacked by two rats to create a 2-tick cycle. Use non-damaging spells like Weaken or Confuse to maintain rat aggression. Repeatedly click on and off the fishing spot in sync with the 2-tick cycle. XP rates are not impressive at level 35 when unlocked, but improve significantly with Swordfish, reaching over 70,000 XP per hour. Maximum XP can exceed 130,000 per hour, making it the pinnacle of fast Fishing training.
Icon visualizing 2-tick harpooning in Piscarilius, Zeah, emphasizing its status as the fastest but most intensive Fishing method in OSRS.
Tempoross: Engaging and Moderate Speed
Tempoross, accessible at level 35 Fishing, offers competitive XP rates, falling between regular and 3-tick Barbarian Fishing. XP starts at 30,000 per hour and scales to 95,000 at higher levels. Reach Tempoross via a boat near Al Kharid bank. No starting equipment is needed, as you obtain everything within the activity. The Tempoross encounter involves catching and firing fish at the boss, then harpooning it when vulnerable. Optionally, you can cook caught fish for Cooking XP at the cost of Fishing XP. Cooking reduces max XP to around 70,000 per hour but increases overall rewards. From level 35 to 99, expect around 50 million profit with cooking or 20 million focusing solely on Fishing XP.
Icon depicting the Tempoross boss fight in OSRS, showcasing its engaging gameplay and balanced Fishing XP rates.
Drift Net Fishing: Efficient Hunter and Fishing XP
Drift Net Fishing, located underwater off Fossil Island, is the most efficient fishing method for combined Hunter and Fishing XP. Requires drift nets. At level 47 Fishing, you can achieve over 50,000 Fishing XP per hour alongside 60,000 Hunter XP. At level 70 in both skills, rates increase to 85,000 Fishing and 115,000 Hunter XP per hour. However, it’s extremely click-intensive and results in approximately 40 million loss to 99 Fishing. The method involves luring fish into drift nets, with using a trident to lure fish being crucial for maximizing XP rates.
Icon representing Drift Net Fishing underwater at Fossil Island in OSRS, emphasizing its efficiency in training both Fishing and Hunter skills simultaneously.
AFK Fishing Methods (Levels 20+)
For a more relaxed training experience, consider these AFK methods:
Trout and Salmon at Prifddinas Waterfall
Fishing trout and salmon southeast of the Prifddinas gate is incredibly AFK. Depending on your Fishing level, AFK intervals can range from 2 to 4 minutes as the fishing spot is static and never depletes. Maximum XP rates reach around 50,000 per hour. Access requires starting the Regicide quest (Song of the Elves is not necessary).
Icon depicting AFK fishing for trout and salmon at the Prifddinas waterfall in OSRS, showcasing its very low-intensity, relaxed training style.
Cave Eels in Dorgeshkaan Caves
Bait fishing for cave eels in the caves south of Dorgeshkaan is another highly AFK option. The fishing spot remains stationary, offering slightly lower XP rates than Prifddinas trout/salmon but greater XP per click. AFK intervals can extend up to 5 minutes depending on your level. Access requires completing the Death to the Dorgeshuun quest and a light source.
Icon representing AFK fishing for cave eels in Dorgeshkaan caves in OSRS, highlighting its very long AFK intervals and low effort.
Profitable Fishing Methods (Levels 62+)
Fishing becomes increasingly profitable from level 62 onwards:
Monkfish (Level 62 Fishing)
After completing the Swan Song quest, you can fish monkfish at the Piscatoris Fishing Colony. Level 62 to 99 Monkfish can yield around 20 million profit with approximately 1-minute AFK intervals. XP rates are moderate but decent for a profitable method.
Icon depicting Monkfish fishing in Piscatoris Fishing Colony in OSRS, emphasizing its profitability and decent AFK nature.
Karambwans (Level 65 Fishing)
At level 65, Karambwans become available after completing the Tai Bwo Wannai Trio quest. Use Karambwanji as bait, caught south of Tai Bwo Wannai with a small fishing net (AFK fishable). Karambwans are fished near the DKP fairy ring north of the camp. Level 65 to 99 Karambwans can net over 80 million profit. XP rates are slower if banking. With a Fish Barrel from Tempoross, AFK time is around 3 minutes; without it, about 1.5 minutes.
Icon representing Karambwan fishing near a fairy ring in OSRS, showcasing its high profit potential and moderate AFK capability.
Infernal Eels (Level 80 Fishing)
Infernal Eels are catchable at level 80 in the Mor Ul Rek region of Tzhaar City using an oily fishing rod and bait. Use a hammer to convert eels into Tokkul, eliminating banking. Level 80 to 99 Infernal Eels yields about 80 million profit and is reasonably AFK.
Icon depicting Infernal Eel fishing in Tzhaar City in OSRS, highlighting its profitability and reasonable AFK nature.
Minnows (Level 82 Fishing)
With level 82 Fishing and the full Angler Outfit, fish Minnows near the Fishing Guild using a small fishing net. Decent XP rates and around 75 million profit to 99 Fishing. Less AFK than other profitable methods, with approximately 15-second AFK intervals.
Icon representing Minnow fishing near the Fishing Guild in OSRS, showcasing its balance of profit and decent XP rates.
Anglerfish (Level 82 Fishing)
Also at level 82, Anglerfish are catchable in the Piscarilius House using a normal rod and sandworms as bait. One of the slowest fishing methods with max 23,000 XP per hour at level 99, but highly profitable, netting around 130 million from level 82 to 99. Decently AFK.
Icon depicting Anglerfish fishing in Piscarilius House in OSRS, highlighting its high profitability and decent AFK nature despite slower XP.
Dark Crabs (Level 85 Fishing)
Catch Dark Crabs at level 85 in the Wilderness Resource Area using a lobster pot and dark fishing bait (bought on GE). Decent XP rates up to 40,000 at high levels and highly profitable, netting 90 million to 99. Wilderness location makes it risky (PKers) and not suitable for AFK. Bring a lockpick to escape PKers into the Magic Axes house.
Icon representing Dark Crab fishing in the Wilderness Resource Area in OSRS, emphasizing its high profit and risk due to PvP environment.
Sacred Eels (Level 87 Fishing)
Sacred Eels are fishable at level 87 near Zulrah using a regular rod and bait. Bring a knife to cut eels into Zulrah Scales. Max XP is slightly over 20,000 Fishing and 20,000 Cooking XP per hour, making 115 million profit to level 99. AFK method.
Icon depicting Sacred Eel fishing near Zulrah in OSRS, highlighting its profitability, combined Fishing and Cooking XP, and AFK nature.
Ironman Fishing Tips
For Ironmen, Fishing is crucial for self-sufficiency. Here are specific tips:
- Early Fishing Supplies: Port Sarim and Catherby fishing shops are easily accessible and sell all basic fishing equipment. Shilo Village fishing shop near the fly fishing spot is another option. For Anglerfish, Tynan’s Fishing Supplies in Port Piscarilius sells sandworms.
- Karambwans for Food: Karambwans are excellent Ironman food: easy to catch, rarely burn when cooked, and heal 18 hitpoints. Prioritize getting Karambwanji bait and consider the Fish Barrel for better Karambwan fishing efficiency.
- Tempoross for Resources: Tempoross is especially beneficial for Ironmen, providing valuable resources and rewards.
- General Ironman Training: Ironmen can follow the standard training methods outlined earlier in this guide.
Icon representing Ironman Fishing training in OSRS, emphasizing self-sufficiency and resource gathering for Ironman accounts.
F2P 1-99 Fishing Guide
Fishing in Free-to-Play (F2P) OSRS is slower and less profitable. The fastest F2P pathway to 99 Fishing, involving 3-tick manipulation, takes around 170 hours.
- Fastest F2P Method: Fly Fishing: From level 20, fly fishing (rod and feathers) is the fastest F2P method. Train near Lumbridge goblins or east of Barbarian Village. Can be AFK or 3-ticked using snow from a Christmas event snow globe for significantly faster XP.
Icon depicting F2P fly fishing training in OSRS, highlighting its status as the fastest F2P Fishing method.
- Profitable F2P Methods: Lobsters or Tuna/Swordfish are profitable in F2P but offer very slow XP rates due to bank distance. Not recommended unless for nostalgic play.
Icon representing profitable lobster fishing in F2P OSRS, noting its slower XP rates compared to fly fishing.
- Camdozaal Fishing: Post-Below Ice Mountain quest, you can fish in Camdozaal with a small fishing net (recommended from level 33 Fishing and Cooking for better rates). Suited for F2P Ironmen as it trains Prayer simultaneously, but Fishing XP rates are very low.
Icon for Camdozaal fishing in F2P OSRS, highlighting its suitability for F2P Ironmen due to combined Prayer training.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to effectively train your Fishing skill from level 1 to 99 in OSRS. Choose the pathway that best suits your goals and playstyle, and enjoy the journey to mastering this essential skill!
