OSRS Fly Fishing Rod: Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering Fly Fishing in Old School RuneScape
Fly fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to level up your Fishing skill. At the heart of this method is the OSRS fly fishing rod, a simple yet essential tool that opens the door to catching trout, salmon, and more. Whether you’re a beginner looking to train Fishing or a seasoned player aiming to optimize your experience, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the fly fishing rod in OSRS. From how to obtain it to the best spots for fly fishing, we’ve got you covered with tips, strategies, and detailed insights.
The fly fishing rod is a lightweight, specialized fishing tool in OSRS designed for catching specific fish like trout and salmon. Unlike the standard fishing rod, it requires feathers as bait, making it a unique and affordable option for players. Introduced as part of the game’s classic mechanics, it remains a fan favorite due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
How Does the Fly Fishing Rod Work?
The fly fishing rod operates by using feathers to lure fish from specific fishing spots labeled “River (Lure/Bait).” When you right-click these spots and select the “Lure” option, your character casts the rod, attempting to catch fish. Each successful catch consumes one feather, so stocking up on bait is essential for long training sessions.
Fish You Can Catch with the Fly Fishing Rod
The fly fishing rod is tailored for catching two main types of fish:
- Trout: Requires level 20 Fishing, grants 50 XP per catch.
- Salmon: Requires level 30 Fishing, grants 70 XP per catch.
These fish make fly fishing a popular method for players aiming to level up quickly while also gathering resources for Cooking or profit.
How to Get a Fly Fishing Rod in OSRS
Obtaining a fly fishing rod is straightforward, making it accessible even for new players. Here’s how you can get your hands on one and start fishing.
Buying from Fishing Shops
The easiest way to acquire a fly fishing rod is by purchasing it from a fishing shop. It costs just 5 coins and is available at these locations:
- Gerrant’s Fishy Business in Port Sarim.
- Harry’s Fishing Shop in Catherby.
- Fernahei’s Fishing Hut in Shilo Village (requires completion of the Shilo Village quest).
You’ll also need to buy feathers, which cost around 2-3 coins each from the same shops or the Grand Exchange.
Alternative Methods to Obtain It
If you’re not near a shop, you can sometimes find a fly fishing rod as a drop from certain activities, like the Fishing Trawler minigame, though this is less reliable. Alternatively, trading with other players via the Grand Exchange is an option, though the low cost makes buying from a shop more practical.
Best Fly Fishing Spots in OSRS
Location is everything when it comes to fly fishing in OSRS. The right spot can maximize your XP rates and make your training sessions more enjoyable. Below are the top spots to use your fly fishing rod.
Barbarian Village
Located just west of Varrock, Barbarian Village is a hotspot for low-level players. The river here has multiple lure/bait spots, and its proximity to a bank (via Edgeville) makes it ideal for banking fish. It’s also free-to-play, so everyone can access it.
Shilo Village
For members, Shilo Village offers a serene fly fishing experience. After completing the Shilo Village quest, you’ll find fishing spots along the river with a nearby bank. This spot is less crowded than Barbarian Village, making it perfect for uninterrupted training.
Lumbridge River
Another free-to-play option, the Lumbridge River has lure/bait spots near the castle. It’s great for new players starting their Fishing journey, though the lack of a nearby bank means you’ll need to drop fish if you’re focusing on XP rather than profit.
Fly Fishing Rod Training Tips for Fast XP
Fly fishing is renowned for its XP rates, especially between levels 20 and 58. Here’s how to make the most of your fly fishing rod to level up efficiently.
Optimal Leveling Strategy
Start fly fishing at level 20 with trout, then switch to salmon at level 30. From levels 30 to 58, you can expect around 30,000-50,000 XP per hour, depending on your focus and fishing spot. After level 58, other methods like Barbarian Fishing might outpace fly fishing, but it remains viable up to level 99 if you enjoy the method.
Inventory Management
To maximize XP, bring plenty of feathers—at least 1,000-2,000 for a decent session. Drop fish as you catch them instead of banking, especially at Barbarian Village, where dropping is faster than running to a bank. If you’re after profit or Cooking XP, bank the fish instead.
Boosting Efficiency with Equipment
While the fly fishing rod doesn’t require special gear, equipping the Rada’s Blessing from the Kourend & Kebos Diary can give you a chance to catch extra fish, boosting your XP and profit slightly. The Angler’s Outfit from Fishing Trawler also adds a small XP bonus.
Pros and Cons of Using the Fly Fishing Rod in OSRS
Like any training method, fly fishing with the rod has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Advantages of Fly Fishing
- Affordable: The rod and feathers are dirt cheap.
- Decent XP Rates: Up to 50,000 XP/hour at higher levels.
- Relaxing: The click-intensive nature is low-stress compared to other methods.
- Resource Gathering: Trout and salmon are useful for Cooking or selling.
Disadvantages to Consider
- Repetitive: The process can feel monotonous over long periods.
- Competition: Popular spots like Barbarian Village can get crowded.
- Outpaced Later: After level 58, other methods like Monkfish or Barbarian Fishing offer better XP.
Fly Fishing Rod vs. Other Fishing Methods
| Method | Level Required | XP/Hour | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Fishing | 20-30+ | 30,000-50,000 | Low (5 coins + feathers) |
| Barbarian Fishing | 48+ | 50,000-70,000 | Free (requires feathers) |
| Monkfish | 62+ | 40,000-60,000 | Moderate (net + travel) |
Fly fishing shines early on for its accessibility and cost, but it’s worth transitioning to other methods as you progress past the mid-levels.
In conclusion, the OSRS fly fishing rod is a fantastic tool for players looking to train Fishing efficiently and economically. Whether you’re casting at Barbarian Village or Shilo Village, this method offers a balance of XP, simplicity, and resource gathering that’s hard to beat in the early game. Stock up on feathers, pick your spot, and enjoy the steady rhythm of fly fishing your way to Fishing mastery in Old School RuneScape!