Best Herring Fishing Spots in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Leveling Fishing

Best Herring Fishing Spots in OSRS: Your Ultimate Guide to Leveling Fishing


Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers a variety of skills to master, and Fishing is one of the most relaxing yet rewarding activities in the game. Among the early catches available to players, herring stands out as a key fish for leveling up from 10 to 20 Fishing. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the best herring fishing spots in OSRS, how to catch them, why they matter, and tips to optimize your experience. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) newbie or a pay-to-play (P2P) veteran, this guide will help you find the perfect spot to reel in those herrings!

Herring is a low-level fish in OSRS that requires level 10 Fishing to catch and level 5 Cooking to prepare. It’s a stepping stone for players moving beyond shrimp and sardines, offering 30 Fishing XP per catch and 50 Cooking XP when cooked successfully. For early-game players, herring provides a steady way to train both skills while gathering resources for food or profit. Plus, it ties into some fun Monty Python references—like using a herring on a tree for a cheeky message!

What You Need to Catch Herring

To start fishing for herring, you’ll need two simple items:

  • Fishing Rod: Available at fishing shops like the one in Port Sarim for about 5-10 GP.
  • Fishing Bait: Also sold at fishing shops or dropped by certain monsters. You’ll need one bait per herring caught.

Once equipped, head to a “Net/Bait” fishing spot by the sea—river spots won’t yield herring!

Herring’s Role in Quests and Lore

Beyond skilling, herring pops up in small but notable ways. For instance, Charlie the Tramp might request a raw herring during a beginner clue scroll step. And that Monty Python nod? Use a herring (raw or cooked) on nearly any tree, and you’ll get, “This is not the mightiest tree in the forest.” It’s a quirky detail that adds flavor to your fishing grind.

Top Herring Fishing Spots for F2P Players

OSRS The 5 Best Harpoon Fishing Spots FandomSpot

Free-to-play players have access to some excellent spots to catch herring. These locations are all near the sea, as herring can’t be caught in rivers. Here’s where to go:

Draynor Village

Location: West of Draynor Village’s bank, near the willow trees.

Pros:

  • Close to a bank for quick deposits.
  • Safe from aggressive mobs since the scorpions were moved after the Stolen Hearts quest update.
  • Easy access from Lumbridge via a short walk.

Cons:

  • Can get crowded during peak hours.

This spot is a favorite for F2P players looking to train Fishing efficiently. The proximity to the bank makes it ideal for banking fish or selling them at the Grand Exchange later.

Mudskipper Point

Location: South of Port Sarim, along the western shore of the peninsula near Thurgo’s shack.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Farther from a bank (Port Sarim is the closest).
  • Mudskippers (level 30-31) can attack low-level players.

Mudskipper Point is great if you want a quieter experience, but watch out for those pesky mudskippers if you’re still low-level!

Lumbridge Swamp Coast

Location: Southern edge of Lumbridge Swamp, near the sea.

Pros:

  • Accessible early in the game.
  • Combines with sardine fishing for variety.

Cons:

  • Long walk to a bank (Draynor or Lumbridge).
  • Swamp terrain can slow movement.

This spot suits players exploring the Lumbridge area, though it’s less efficient due to the banking distance.

Best Herring Fishing Spots for P2P Players

Members have even more options, with access to exclusive areas that can enhance the herring fishing experience. Here are the top picks:

Catherby Beach

Location: Southeast of Catherby bank, along the shore.

Pros:

  • Super close to a bank—just a few steps away!
  • Multiple fishing spots for different fish (sardines, herring, and more).
  • Scenic and popular for AFK training.

Cons:

  • Often crowded due to its convenience.

Catherby is the gold standard for P2P fishing. It’s perfect for herring at lower levels and scales up as you unlock higher-tier catches like lobsters or sharks.

Rellekka Dock

Location: North of the market in Rellekka, near Peer the Seer.

Pros:

  • Quiet and less trafficked.
  • Close to a deposit box via Peer the Seer.

Cons:

Rellekka is ideal for players already in the Fremennik area or those seeking a peaceful fishing session.

Fishing Platform

Location: Accessible after starting the Sea Slug quest, east of Ardougne.

Pros:

  • Unique spot tied to quest lore.
  • Multiple bait fishing spots available.

Cons:

  • Quest requirement (partial Sea Slug completion).
  • Far from a bank without teleport options.

This spot adds a bit of adventure to your herring grind, especially if you’re questing in the area.

Tips for Efficient Herring Fishing in OSRS

Fishing herring might seem straightforward, but a few tricks can boost your efficiency and enjoyment. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Optimize Your Inventory

Bring plenty of bait—at least 200-300—to avoid frequent shop runs. If banking fish, keep your inventory light to maximize trips. For F2P, Draynor or Mudskipper Point paired with a quick bank run works wonders. P2P players should leverage Catherby’s proximity or use teleportation methods (e.g., Camelot teleport) to speed things up.

Combine with Cooking Training

Why not level two skills at once? Cook your herring on a nearby fire or range (e.g., Draynor’s willows or Catherby’s range). At level 5 Cooking, you’ll earn 50 XP per herring, though watch out for burning until level 41 (or 38 with Lumbridge Castle’s range after Cook’s Assistant).

Watch for Fishing Spot Movement

Fishing spots in OSRS move every 2.5 to 5 minutes (250-530 ticks). Click once and let your character fish—multiple clicks won’t speed it up. If a spot shifts, your character will auto-run to the new location, so stay alert!

Herring Fishing Spot Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of the top herring fishing spots to help you decide:

Location F2P/P2P Bank Proximity Crowdedness Notable Risks
Draynor Village F2P Very Close Moderate-High None
Mudskipper Point F2P Moderate Low-Moderate Mudskippers
Catherby Beach P2P Very Close High None
Rellekka Dock P2P Moderate (Deposit Box) Low None
Fishing Platform P2P Far Low Quest Req.

Final Thoughts on Herring Fishing in OSRS

Herring fishing in OSRS is a fantastic way to ease into the Fishing skill, bridging the gap between beginner catches like shrimp and more advanced fish like trout or tuna. For F2P players, Draynor Village and Mudskipper Point strike a balance between accessibility and efficiency. P2P players, meanwhile, can’t go wrong with Catherby’s convenience or Rellekka’s calm vibes. Wherever you choose to cast your rod, herring fishing offers a mix of XP, utility, and a sprinkle of Runescape charm.

So, grab your fishing rod, stock up on bait, and head to one of these spots. Have a favorite herring fishing location or a pro tip to share? Drop it in the comments below—happy fishing!