OSRS Fishing Leveling Guide: From 1 to 99 Fast and Efficiently
Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most relaxing yet rewarding skills to train. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted Fishing Skillcape at level 99 or just want to make some gold, this guide will walk you through the fastest and most efficient methods to level up your Fishing skill. Updated for 2025, this OSRS Fishing leveling guide covers everything from level 1 to 99, including free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) options, gear recommendations, and profit tips. Let’s dive in!
Fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s a gateway to profit, cooking experience, and even unlocking unique minigames. With higher Fishing levels, you can access better fish, faster experience rates, and valuable resources. Plus, it’s a low-intensity skill, making it perfect for casual players or those looking to multitask while training.
Benefits of Leveling Fishing
- Profit Potential: High-level fish like sharks and anglerfish can net you serious gold.
- Cooking Synergy: Fish can be cooked to level up your Cooking skill and sustain you in combat.
- Minigame Access: Unlock Tempoross and other activities for bonus rewards.
- Relaxation Factor: Fishing is one of the least click-intensive skills in OSRS.
Fishing Requirements and Basics
To start fishing, you’ll need the right tools (e.g., nets, rods, or harpoons) and access to fishing spots. Your Fishing level determines what you can catch and how quickly you succeed. The higher your level, the better your catch rate and options become.
Fishing Gear and Boosts
Having the right equipment can speed up your journey to 99 Fishing. Here’s what you need to know about gear and boosts to optimize your training.
Essential Fishing Equipment
- Small Fishing Net: For levels 1-20 (shrimps and anchovies).
- Fishing Rod and Bait: For sardines and herring (levels 5-20+).
- Fly Fishing Rod and Feathers: For trout and salmon (levels 20-58).
- Harpoon: For tuna, swordfish, and sharks (levels 35-99).
- Barb-tail Harpoon: A wieldable harpoon to free up inventory space.
- Fishing Barrel: Obtained from Tempoross, increases inventory capacity.
Useful Boosts
Boosts can temporarily raise your Fishing level, letting you catch higher-tier fish earlier:
- Fishing Potion: +3 Fishing levels (craftable with Herblore).
- Admiral Pie: +5 Fishing levels (best food-based boost).
- Dragon Harpoon Special: +3 Fishing levels with a 100% special attack.
Fastest Fishing Training Methods (1-99)
Ready to grind? Below are the fastest methods to level Fishing from 1 to 99, split into F2P and P2P options for maximum efficiency.
Levels 1-20: Small Fishing Net (F2P and P2P)
Start at Draynor Village (F2P) or Catherby (P2P) with a small fishing net. Catch shrimps (level 1) and anchovies (level 15) for quick early XP. Expect around 10k-15k XP/hour. Drop the fish or bank them for Cooking later.
Levels 20-58: Fly Fishing (F2P and P2P)
Head to Barbarian Village or Lumbridge with a fly fishing rod and feathers. Catch trout (level 20) and salmon (level 30) for 30k-50k XP/hour. This is the best F2P method until level 58, and it’s viable for P2P players too. Feathers are cheap and stackable, making this efficient.
Levels 58-70: Barbarian Fishing (P2P)
Unlock Barbarian Fishing by training at Otto’s Grotto near Barbarian Outpost. Use a barbarian rod with bait or feathers to catch leaping trout, salmon, and sturgeon. This method offers 50k-70k XP/hour and also trains Strength and Agility, making it a fantastic 3-in-1 grind.
Levels 70-99: Tempoross Minigame (P2P)
Tempoross, the Fishing boss, is the fastest XP method at higher levels. Located at the Ruins of Unkah, it offers 80k-100k XP/hour at level 70+, scaling with your Fishing level. You’ll need a harpoon and rope, plus the Fishing Barrel reward is a game-changer for banking less often. Bonus: you can earn oak planks and raw fish from reward crates.
Levels 76-99: Monkfish or Sharks (P2P Alternative)
For a more AFK approach, fish monkfish at Piscatoris Fishing Colony (level 62 required, 80k XP/hour) or sharks at Catherby/Fishing Guild (level 76, 60k-80k XP/hour). These are slower than Tempoross but profitable—sharks fetch 700-900 GP each.
Profit-Oriented Fishing Methods
If gold is your goal, these methods balance XP and profit, especially at higher levels.
Levels 50-76: Lobsters (F2P and P2P)
Fish lobsters at Musa Point (F2P, Karamja) or Catherby (P2P) with a lobster pot. You’ll get 20k-30k XP/hour and decent profit (150-200 GP per lobster). This is a classic F2P money-maker, though slower than fly fishing for XP.
Levels 76-99: Sharks
Harpoon sharks at the Fishing Guild or Catherby for 60k-80k XP/hour and solid profit. At 500k-700k GP/hour, this is a top-tier money-making method while still progressing toward 99.
Levels 82-99: Anglerfish
Catch anglerfish at Port Piscarilius with a fishing rod and sandworms. Expect 40k-60k XP/hour and up to 1M GP/hour at high levels. This requires 100% Piscarilius favor but is one of the most lucrative Fishing methods in OSRS.
| Method | Level | XP/Hour | GP/Hour | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lobsters | 50-76 | 20k-30k | 50k-100k | Catherby/Musa Point |
| Sharks | 76-99 | 60k-80k | 500k-700k | Fishing Guild |
| Anglerfish | 82-99 | 40k-60k | 800k-1M | Port Piscarilius |
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Fishing
Maximize your Fishing grind with these pro tips to save time and boost gains.
Inventory Management
Use the Fishing Barrel from Tempoross or the Spirit Angler’s outfit to carry more fish. For F2P, drop low-value catches like shrimps to keep grinding without banking.
Quest Boosts
Complete quests like Sea Slug (level 1-24 boost) or Fishing Contest (early XP) to skip early levels. These are especially helpful for new accounts.
AFK vs. Active Training
For AFK players, stick to monkfish or sharks. If you’re active, Tempoross and Barbarian Fishing offer the best XP rates. Match your playstyle to the method!
Combine Skills
Barbarian Fishing trains Agility and Strength alongside Fishing, while cooking your catches levels Cooking. Multitasking saves time in the long run.
With this OSRS Fishing leveling guide, you’re equipped to hit 99 fast or rake in millions of gold. Whether you’re fly fishing in Barbarian Village, battling Tempoross, or harpooning sharks, consistency is key. Which method will you start with? Drop a comment below, and happy fishing!