OSRS Fishing Guide: How to Level from 1-99 Fast in 2025

Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a beloved skill that offers a mix of relaxation, profit, and progression. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted Fishing Skillcape at level 99 or just want to catch some fish for profit, this guide will walk you through the best methods to level from 1 to 99 in 2025. From free-to-play (F2P) to pay-to-play (P2P) options, we’ll cover the fastest routes, profitable strategies, and essential tips to make your journey efficient and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the waters of Gielinor and start fishing!

Fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s a gateway to unlocking key game content. High fishing levels are required for quests like Recipe for Disaster (53 Fishing for Barrows Gloves), the Quest Cape (62 Fishing), and the Achievement Diary Cape (96 Fishing). Plus, it’s a solid money-maker and a vital food source for Ironmen. With the right methods, you can even turn a profit while skilling. Ready to get started? Let’s explore the best pathways.

Fishing Basics: What You Need to Know

Before casting your line, you’ll need the right tools. Fishing in OSRS uses equipment like nets, rods, and harpoons, paired with bait or feathers depending on the method. As you level up, you’ll unlock new fish and faster catch rates. The skill also pairs well with Cooking, letting you turn raw catches into edible food for combat or profit.

Fastest Fishing Methods for Levels 1-99 (P2P)

For players with membership, P2P offers the quickest routes to 99 Fishing. These methods prioritize experience per hour (XP/hr) and often involve click-intensive techniques. Here’s the breakdown:

Levels 1-24: Sea Slug Quest

Kick off your journey with the Sea Slug quest. Requiring only 30 Firemaking, this 15-minute quest grants 7,125 Fishing XP, boosting you straight to level 24. It’s the fastest way to skip the early grind—no fishing rod required!

Levels 24-58: Fly Fishing (Trout and Salmon)

Head to Barbarian Village or Shilo Village with a fly fishing rod and feathers. Catch trout (level 20) and salmon (level 30) for 25,000-40,000 XP/hr. Drop your catches to maximize efficiency—this is called “power fishing.” You’ll need about 2,000-3,000 feathers, available cheaply from shops like Shantay Pass.

Levels 58-99: Barbarian Fishing (3-Tick Method)

At level 58, unlock Barbarian Fishing by starting the Barbarian Training miniquest with Otto Godblessed. You’ll need a barbarian rod and bait (feathers, fish offcuts, or roe). The 3-tick method—using tick manipulation with a knife and fish offcuts—yields up to 110,000 XP/hr at level 99. It’s intense but the fastest way to 99, taking around 105-120 hours total. Bonus: you’ll gain passive Agility and Strength XP (about 1.3M each by 99).

• Pros: Fastest XP in the game, multi-skill training
• Cons: Click-intensive, no profit (drop fish)

Profitable Fishing Methods for P2P Players

If you’d rather earn gold while training, these methods balance XP with profit. They’re slower but perfect for funding your OSRS adventures.

Levels 62-82: Monkfish

After completing Swan Song, fish monkfish at Piscatoris Fishing Colony with a small fishing net. Expect 30,000-40,000 XP/hr and around 100,000-150,000 GP/hr. The nearby bank makes this semi-AFK, and you’ll net about 14M GP by level 82.

Levels 82-99: Minnows

At level 82, head to Kylie Minnow’s platform in the Fishing Guild (requires full Angler’s Outfit and Fishing Contest). Catch minnows with a small fishing net for 40,000-56,000 XP/hr. Trade 40 minnows for one raw shark, selling for 300,000-400,000 GP/hr. From 82 to 99, you could earn over 30M GP. Watch out for flying fish that eat 20 minnows if you linger on a bad spot!

Method	Level	XP/hr	GP/hr
Monkfish	62-82	30K-40K	100K-150K
Minnows	82-99	40K-56K	300K-400K

F2P Fishing Guide: Levels 1-99

For free-to-play players, options are limited, but you can still reach 99 efficiently. Here’s the F2P roadmap:

Levels 1-20: Shrimp and Anchovies

Use a small fishing net in Draynor Village to catch shrimp (level 1) and anchovies (level 15). You’ll get 2,000-5,000 XP/hr. Drop your catches for speed or bank them for minor profit (anchovies sell decently). It takes about 2 hours to hit level 20.

Levels 20-99: Fly Fishing (Trout and Salmon)

Switch to a fly fishing rod and feathers at Barbarian Village or Lumbridge. Catch trout and salmon for 15,000-50,000 XP/hr (up to 90,000 with 3-tick manipulation at 99). Dropping fish is key—banking slows you down. Expect 300-360 hours to 99 without tick manipulation, or 200-250 hours with it.

• Tip: Use tick manipulation (chop a tree, light a fire, eat a fish) to boost XP by 60%.
• Total Feathers Needed: ~225,000 (450K GP at 2 GP each).

Boosting Efficiency: Gear, Tips, and Tricks

Maximize your Fishing XP and enjoyment with these tools and strategies.

Essential Gear

Angler’s Outfit: Earned from Fishing Trawler or Aerial Fishing, this set boosts XP by 2.5% when fully equipped. It’s a must for minnows and worth the 6-8 hour grind.

Dragon Harpoon: At level 61, its special attack boosts Fishing by +3 levels, speeding up catches.

Admiral Pie: Grants a +5 Fishing boost—eat one to access the Fishing Guild at 63 instead of 68.

Pro Tips

• Fish Barrel: From Tempoross, this extends AFK time by doubling inventory space.
• Rada’s Blessing: Up to 8% chance of double catches (no extra XP) with Blessing 4.
• Location Matters: Stick to spots near banks (e.g., Piscatoris) or drop fish to avoid travel time.

Tempoross: A Balanced Alternative

At level 35, tackle Tempoross, the Fishing skilling boss. Using a harpoon (dragon or crystal preferred), you’ll get 50,000-80,000 XP/hr on mass worlds. It’s semi-AFK, offers rewards like the fish barrel, and scales with your level. Great for variety or pet hunting!

Final Thoughts: Your Path to 99 Fishing

Reaching level 99 Fishing in OSRS is a rewarding grind, whether you’re chasing speed, profit, or a chill AFK experience. P2P players can hit 99 in as little as 105 hours with 3-tick Barbarian Fishing, while F2P players can power through with fly fishing in 200-360 hours. For gold, minnows and monkfish shine, netting millions along the way.

Once you hit 99, grab your Fishing Skillcape from the Master Fisher at the Fishing Guild for 99,000 GP. It’s not just a trophy—it teleports you to the Guild or Otto’s Grotto unlimited times. So, what’s your plan? Fast XP, big profits, or a bit of both? Cast your line and let us know in the comments!