Fishing in Old School RuneScape is a gathering skill that allows players to catch a wide range of fish from across Gielinor. It’s a skill valued by both PvMers and skillers due to its synergy with Cooking, money-making potential, and contribution to several key quests. This guide gives most efficient and rewarding ways to train Fishing from level 1 to 99, whether your goal is speed, profit, or low-effort training.
Starting Out: Level 1 to 20
At the beginning of your fishing journey, things are simple and straightforward. You’ll start with the most basic tools and catch beginner-level fish, slowly building up experience. Completing early-game quests can give you a serious head start.
Here’s how to get started:
Recommended Path:
- Sea Slug – Grants 7,175 Fishing XP, which can take you to level 24 instantly.
- Fishing Contest – Grants 2,437 Fishing XP and is useful for early game quests and access to underground White Wolf Mountain tunnel.
- Alternatively, catch shrimp (level 1) and then sardines (level 5) using a rod and bait.
These early tools will help you catch fish needed to gain your first levels quickly:
Useful Items:
- Small Fishing Net – Tool used to catch shrimp and anchovies. Found at Lumbridge Swamp.
- Fishing Rod + Bait – Basic rod combo for sardines and herring.
- Stripy Feathers – Used to catch rainbow fish at level 38, primarily in P2P for questing and novelty.
Levels 20–58: Fly Fishing (Trout & Salmon)
This is the first major XP method players switch to after early training. Fly fishing is efficient and can be scaled with tick manipulation for even faster gains.
To train effectively with fly fishing:
What You Need:
- Fly Fishing Rod – Used in rivers to catch trout and salmon. Buyable at Port Sarim.
- Feathers – Consumed per catch. Dropped by chickens or bought in shops.
- Stripy Feathers – Can be used to catch rainbow fish in niche areas (level 38+).
Why It Matters: This method offers high XP rates and can be 3-tick manipulated for maximum speed. It’s one of the best early-game training strategies.
XP Boosting Tip: Consider 3-tick fly fishing using herb tar or snow for up to 90K XP/hr at higher levels.
Levels 48–99: Barbarian Fishing (Leaping Fish)
Once you have moderate Fishing, Agility, and Strength levels, Barbarian Fishing opens up. It’s one of the best training methods long-term because it offers multiple skill XP at once.
Here’s how it works:
How It Works:
- Requires Barbarian Rod, Feathers, and at least 15 Agility and Strength.
- Offers Leaping Trout (level 48), Leaping Salmon (58), and Leaping Sturgeon (70).
- Can be done with Heavy Rod Fishing, where fish are gutted for roe and caviar used in Herblore.
- Can also be done barehanded at higher levels (96+ for sharks) for Strength XP.
You can choose between focus-heavy or relaxed play:
3-Tick vs. AFK:
- 3-tick fishing yields over 100K XP/hr at high levels.
- AFK offers about 50–60K XP/hr with occasional drops.
Tools:
- Barbarian Rod – Essential for leaping fish.
- Knife – Optional, used to cut fish for Herblore bait.
Levels 47–99: Drift Net Fishing
This unique method allows players to train both Fishing and Hunter simultaneously, which makes it incredibly efficient for dual-skill gains.
To begin Drift Net Fishing:
How It Works:
- Chase fish shoals into set nets.
- Requires Drift Nets, Flippers, Fishbowl Helmet, and Diving Apparatus.
- Offers both Fishing and Hunter XP (up to 100K/hr each when done well).
Why Choose This:
- Best dual-skill XP method (Hunter + Fishing).
- Low click intensity once setup.
- Costs GP for drift nets, but nets can be crafted with 30 Crafting.
Item Overview:
- Drift Nets – Used to catch fish underwater.
- Fishbowl Helmet – Lets you breathe underwater.
- Flippers – Boost underwater movement.
- Diving Apparatus – Required for underwater stay.
Levels 58–99: 2-Tick Harpooning (Swordfish/Tuna)
This method is designed for players who want the highest XP/hr possible and are willing to use tick manipulation to get it.
Here’s how it functions:
Mechanism:
- Lure rats to attack you every 2 ticks while clicking on the fishing spot.
- Requires Auto Retaliate turned on.
- Demands high focus but unmatched XP rates.
XP Potential:
- Up to 132K XP/hr at level 99 with Crystal Harpoon.
Best Equipment:
- Crystal Harpoon – 35% faster catch rate and charges via Crystal Shards.
- Dragon Harpoon – Special attack boosts Fishing by +3.
- Infernal Harpoon – Automatically cooks fish for added Cooking XP.
- Admiral Pie – Boosts Fishing +5 temporarily.
Levels 35–99: Tempoross
Tempoross is a unique boss where your fishing skills are used in combat. It provides great XP and a fun, low-stress environment.
The fight involves:
Mechanics:
- Catch and cook Harpoonfish, fire them at Tempoross.
- Fish the reward pool post-fight for loot and XP.
- Games last ~5 minutes and give 20–40K XP/game.
Notable Rewards:
- Tiny Tempor Pet – Fishing pet from reward pool.
- Spirit Angler Outfit – Grants 2.5% Fishing XP when worn.
- Fish Barrel – Stores 28 raw fish.
- Tackle Box – Stores bait, feathers, and rods.
- Spirit Flakes – 50% chance to catch double fish (no bonus XP).
Alternative & AFK Methods (For Profit or Low-Effort)
If you’d rather relax while training or want to make some GP along the way, these AFK or semi-AFK methods are worth considering. They’re slower but great for multitasking.
Below are some great choices:
Monkfish (62+)
- 35–42K XP/hr
- Unlocked via Swan Song quest
- High profit margins from consistent banking
Karambwan (65+)
- 29–42K XP/hr
- Requires Tai Bwo Wannai Trio and completion of quest steps
- Static spot and fast clicking method
Infernal Eels (80+)
- 30–34K XP/hr
- Requires Fire Cape, TzHaar City access, and ice gloves
- Dissect for onyx bolt tips and lava scales
Minnows (82+)
- 40–56K XP/hr
- Requires full Angler Outfit
- Traded for noted Sharks at a 40:1 rate
Anglerfish (82+)
- 15–39K XP/hr
- Requires Sandworms, sold at Piscarilius
- Used in PvM for overheal potential
Dark Crabs (85+)
- 40K XP/hr
- Requires Wilderness Resource Area access
- Risk of PKing but great profit
Sacred Eels (87+)
- 20–23K XP/hr
- Requires Oily Fishing Rod, Zul-Andra Teleport, and dissecting for Zulrah’s Scales
Additional Gear, Boosts, and Utilities
Beyond fishing spots and XP methods, your equipment can have a huge impact on your training efficiency and overall experience. These tools are helpful across all methods.
Some of the most important gear and boosts include:
Angler Outfit
- Grants 2.5% extra XP with full set.
- Obtained from Fishing Trawler or Aerial Fishing.
Rada’s Blessing
- 2–8% chance to catch extra fish based on Kourend Diary tier.
Utility Gear
- Tackle Box – Stores bait, feathers, rods, harpoons.
- Fish Sack Barrel – Holds 28 raw fish, wearable.
- Fishbowl Helmet + Flippers + Diving Apparatus – Required for underwater fishing.
Boosting Items
- Admiral Pie – +5 Fishing boost.
- Fishing Potion – +3 Fishing boost.
- Spicy Stew – Variable boost, up to +5.
- Fishing Guild – Provides invisible +7 Fishing boost inside the guild.
Other Content & Rewards
Outside standard XP training, there are several minigames, pets, quests, and shop locations that support your Fishing journey in various ways.
These are valuable additions to any fisher’s toolkit:
Fishing Trawler Minigame
- Cooperative minigame to patch nets, bail water, and survive.
- Catch manta rays and sea turtles.
- Main source of Angler Outfit.
Quests Offering Fishing XP
- Sea Slug – 7,175 XP
- Fishing Contest – 2,437 XP
- Tai Bwo Wannai Trio – 5,000 XP
- Heroes’ Quest, Shilo Village, Swan Song – Each grant 2,000–10,000 XP
Fishing Pets
- Heron – Chance from any fishing activity.
- Tiny Tempor – From Tempoross.
Fishing Shops
- Gerrant’s Fishy Business (Port Sarim)
- Tynan’s Fishing Supplies (Port Piscarilius)
- Island fishing shops (e.g., Miscellania, Jatizso)
Notable Fishing Spots
- Draynor Village (Shrimp/Anchovies)
- Barbarian Village (Trout/Salmon)
- Corsair Cove (Swordfish/Tuna)
- Mudskipper Point (Various F2P)
- Wilderness Resource Area (Dark Crabs)
Final Thoughts
Fishing in OSRS offers flexible training styles—whether you prefer fast, click-intensive methods or slower, passive ones. Maximize your efficiency with gear like the Angler Outfit and Crystal Harpoon and use tick manipulation if speed is your goal. Those seeking profit can comfortably reach 99 with karambwans, sacred eels, or minnows. Whatever your playstyle, Fishing remains one of the most versatile and rewarding skills to train in Gielinor.
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