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Fishing Guide OSRS 1–99 Training Methods, Best Spots & Money-Making (2025)
Fishing is one of the most iconic and relaxing skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re a new player looking to catch your first shrimp in Lumbridge or a veteran chasing 99 Fishing with Barbarian methods, this skill offers a mix of chill AFK gameplay, solid money-making, and social skilling spots.
In this in-depth 2025 guide, we’ll cover:
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Fishing level unlocks (1–99)
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Training methods for XP, profit, or AFK style
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XP/hr and GP/hr comparisons
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Essential equipment & gear boosts
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Best fishing spots
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Fishing-related quests & rewards
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Synergy with Cooking & other skills
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Money-making fishing methods
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OSRS fishing community & events
By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to train Fishing efficiently, make GP, and enjoy the most relaxing skill in OSRS.
Fishing Levels & Unlocks (1–99)
Progression in Fishing is straightforward: as you gain levels, you unlock access to stronger equipment, better fishing spots, and more profitable fish. This makes level milestones exciting because each one gives you new training choices.
Fishing starts simple at Level 1 with shrimp and anchovies, and while these aren’t worth much, they set the foundation. As you climb higher, you unlock salmon and trout for fast XP, lobsters and sharks for money, and eventually anglerfish and karambwan for high profits.
Here’s a breakdown of some major unlocks across the skill:
| Level | Fish / Unlock | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shrimp & Anchovies | Small Net | Perfect starting fish |
| 20 | Trout & Salmon | Fly Fishing | Fast XP for F2P & P2P |
| 35 | Barbarian Fishing | Heavy Rod | Popular mid-level XP grind |
| 62 | Monkfish | Net | Unlocked after “Swan Song” quest |
| 65 | Karambwan | Bait | Great GP/hr |
| 68 | Fishing Guild | Access | Banking & AFK convenience |
| 82 | Anglerfish | Bait | High GP/hr & used in PvM |
| 91 | 3-Tick Barbarian Fishing | Tick manipulation | Sweatiest XP method |
| 99 | Fishing Cape | Cape perk | Unlimited teleports to Fishing Guild |
Unlike combat, where unlocks are tied to gear, fishing is tied to XP efficiency vs GP profit. Choosing the right path early saves hundreds of hours later.
OSRS Fishing Training Methods (1–99)
There isn’t a single “best” way to train Fishing. Instead, it depends on your playstyle:
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Fast XP → Fly Fishing / Barbarian Fishing
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Profit-focused → Monkfish, Sharks, Anglerfish, Karambwan
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AFK gameplay → Minnows, Lobsters, Fishing Guild spots
Let’s go through each stage in detail:
Levels 1–20: Shrimp, Anchovies & Sardines
At the start, you’ll be catching shrimp and anchovies with a small net. While XP is slow (around 8–12k XP/hr), it’s a no-requirement method. By level 5, you unlock sardines with a fishing rod and bait, which slightly improves XP.
Tip: Cook your shrimp/anchovies early to train Cooking alongside Fishing.
Levels 20–58: Fly Fishing (Trout & Salmon)
This is the fastest low-to-mid-level XP method and popular for both F2P and P2P players. Using a fly fishing rod with feathers, you’ll catch trout (20+) and salmon (30+).
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XP Rates: 35k–50k XP/hr
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GP/hr: Slight loss, since raw fish are low value
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Best Spots: Barbarian Village, Shilo Village (P2P)
This method is semi-AFK but requires dropping fish often unless you bank them for Cooking XP.
Levels 35–99: Barbarian Fishing
At level 35, you unlock Barbarian Fishing, a meta training method for XP. You’ll need a Barbarian Rod, and instead of fish for profit, you’ll be catching leaping trout, salmon, and sturgeon.
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XP Rates:
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Normal: 50k–70k XP/hr
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3-Tick Method: 100k+ XP/hr (but very sweaty)
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GP/hr: 0 (fish aren’t bankable, only XP)
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Extra Perk: Also trains Strength and Agility
If your main goal is 99 Fishing fast, this is the path.
Levels 40–62: Lobsters & Tuna/Swordfish
For those who want money + chill gameplay, lobsters are unlocked at 40, and tuna/swordfish at 50. While XP is slower, both sell well on the GE.
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XP/hr: 25k–35k
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GP/hr: 150k–300k depending on GE prices
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Best Spot: Karamja (F2P), Catherby (P2P)
This is more AFK compared to fly fishing but slower XP.
Levels 62–99: Monkfish
After completing the quest Swan Song, you unlock monkfish at Piscatoris. These are one of the most popular training fish because they balance XP and profit.
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XP/hr: 35k–45k
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GP/hr: 250k–400k
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AFK Factor: High – perfect for multitasking
For casual players, monkfish are the sweet spot all the way to 99.
Levels 65–99: Karambwan
Karambwan fishing requires completion of Tai Bwo Wannai Trio quest. These are extremely profitable but click-intensive.
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XP/hr: 20k–30k
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GP/hr: 500k–800k
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Best Spot: Karamja, near fairy rings
Many players train with Barbarian Fishing for XP and switch to Karambwans for money.
Levels 82–99: Anglerfish
Anglerfish are one of the best GP/hr methods in Fishing. Located in Piscarilius, these require 100% favor.
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XP/hr: 20k–30k
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GP/hr: 600k–900k
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Use: Best PvM healing food in OSRS
Extremely AFK, making them ideal for passive profit while working on something else IRL.
Levels 82–99: Minnows (Alternative)
Unlocked with Fishing Guild access and an angler outfit, minnows offer a unique AFK money-making method.
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XP/hr: 35k–40k
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GP/hr: ~500k (converted into sharks)
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Best Spot: Fishing Guild platforms
They’re less XP than Barbarian Fishing but far more AFK.
XP/hr & GP/hr Comparison
To make the choice easier, here’s a side-by-side view of popular methods:
| Method | XP/hr | GP/hr | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Fishing | 40–50k | Small loss | Semi-AFK |
| Barbarian (Normal) | 50–70k | 0 | Semi-AFK |
| Barbarian (3-Tick) | 100k+ | 0 | Sweaty |
| Lobsters | 25–35k | 200k–300k | AFK |
| Monkfish | 35–45k | 250k–400k | AFK |
| Karambwan | 20–30k | 500k–800k | Click-intensive |
| Anglerfish | 20–30k | 600k–900k | Very AFK |
| Minnows → Sharks | 35–40k | ~500k | Very AFK |
As you can see:
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Fastest XP → 3-Tick Barbarian Fishing
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Best AFK → Anglerfish / Minnows
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Best GP → Karambwan & Anglerfish
Essential Fishing Equipment
Fishing in OSRS isn’t just about clicking spots – the right gear & tools make a huge difference.
Basic Tools
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Small Net → Shrimp & anchovies
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Fishing Rod + Feathers → Trout, salmon
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Harpoon → Tuna, swordfish, sharks
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Big Net → Monkfish, minnows
Upgrades
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Barbarian Rod → Leaping fish + Strength/Agility XP
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Dragon Harpoon → Special attack boosts catch speed
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Infernal Harpoon → Chance to auto-cook fish while fishing
Outfits & Perks
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Fishing Cape (99) → Unlimited teleports to Fishing Guild
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Graceful / Stamina potions → Useful for tick manipulation methods
Best Fishing Spots
Different fishing spots matter for efficiency. Here are the most popular ones:
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Lumbridge & Draynor Village → Shrimp/anchovies (beginners)
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Barbarian Village → Fly fishing hotspot
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Fishing Guild → AFK heaven with nearby bank
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Catherby → Variety of fish + bank access
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Piscarilius (Zeah) → Anglerfish hotspot
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Karamja → Karambwan & lobsters
For profit-focused training, try using this OSRS Fishing Spot Finder Tool – it auto-calculates GP/hr by spot based on GE prices.
Fishing Quests & Rewards
Some quests boost Fishing levels early or unlock unique content:
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Fishing Contest (10 Fishing) → Access to Fishing Guild
Completing these early saves grind time and opens profitable methods faster.
Fishing & Cooking Synergy
Fishing pairs perfectly with Cooking since most fish can be cooked for HP-restoring food.
Many players train both skills together:
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Catch shrimp → Cook for early XP
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Fly fish trout/salmon → Great dual training with Cooking
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Lobsters/monkfish → Popular combo for mid-game Cooking
Cooking gauntlets help reduce burns, especially for sharks and higher-level fish.
Fishing as a Money-Making Method
Fishing isn’t the fastest moneymaker in OSRS, but it’s consistent, safe, and scalable. Here’s how it compares:
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Karambwan: 500k–800k GP/hr (click-intensive)
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Anglerfish: 600k–900k GP/hr (very AFK)
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Minnows → Sharks: 400k–500k GP/hr (AFK + stable market)
For players who don’t enjoy flipping or high-risk PvM, Fishing is one of the best passive money-making methods in the game.
Community & Events
Fishing is also a social skill. Many players AFK together at Fishing Guild or Catherby. Jagex also runs seasonal skilling competitions where Fishing is often included.
Community tools like Fishing Spot Finder and OSRS Discord servers help players track GE prices and choose the best method daily.
Conclusion
Fishing in OSRS is more than just clicking water spots – it’s a versatile skill that offers:
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Fast XP (Barbarian Fishing)
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Huge profits (Karambwan, Anglerfish)
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Relaxing AFK gameplay (Monkfish, Minnows)
Whether you’re chasing the 99 Fishing cape, looking for steady GP/hr, or just enjoying the calm side of Gielinor, this skill is perfect for any player in 2025.
So grab your rod, net, or harpoon – and start your journey to Master Angler status.
