Best AFK Fishing in OSRS: Top Methods for Easy XP and Profit in 2025

Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most relaxing skills to train, especially if you’re looking for AFK (Away From Keyboard) methods. Whether you’re aiming to hit level 99, earn some gold, or just chill while skilling, AFK fishing offers a low-effort way to progress. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best AFK fishing methods in OSRS for 2025, balancing experience rates, profitability, and ease of use. From Karambwans to Anglerfish, we’ve got you covered with detailed breakdowns to optimize your fishing journey.

Fishing is naturally suited for AFK training due to its mechanics—click a spot, wait, and collect your haul. Unlike high-intensity methods like 3-tick Barbarian Fishing, AFK fishing lets you multitask, whether you’re watching a show or working. Plus, many AFK spots offer decent XP and profit, making them ideal for casual players or those with limited playtime.

Benefits of AFK Fishing

• Low Effort: Minimal clicking means you can step away for minutes at a time.
• Multitasking: Perfect for playing on mobile or a second screen.
• Profit Potential: Some methods double as money-makers.
• Skill Progression: Steady XP gains without constant attention.

Who Should Use These Methods?

AFK fishing is great for Ironmen needing food, mains chasing 99 Fishing, or anyone who prefers a laid-back playstyle. If you’re after the fastest XP, this might not be for you—check out tick manipulation guides instead. But for a chill grind, read on!

Top AFK Fishing Methods in OSRS

Here are the best AFK fishing methods, ranked by their balance of AFK time, XP rates, and accessibility. Each method includes requirements, gear, and tips to maximize efficiency.

Karambwan Fishing: The Ultimate AFK Spot

Karambwans are the gold standard for AFK fishing. Their fishing spots never move, letting you click once and walk away until your inventory fills. Located in Karamja, this method shines for its simplicity and profitability.

• Level Required: 65 Fishing
• Gear: Karambwan Vessel, Raw Karambwanji (bait), Fairy Ring access (DKP code recommended)
• XP Per Hour: ~30,000–35,000
• Profit: ~250,000–300,000 GP/hour
• AFK Time: Up to 4–5 minutes with a Fish Barrel

Pro Tip: Complete the Tai Bwo Wannai Trio quest for access. Use a Fish Barrel (from Tempoross) to extend AFK time by doubling your inventory space. Bank via Fairy Ring DKP to the nearby deposit box.

Anglerfish: High Profit, High AFK

Anglerfish at Port Piscarilius offer a slower XP rate but excellent profit and long AFK intervals. Their spots move less frequently than most, making them a top pick for gold-focused players.

• Level Required: 82 Fishing
• Gear: Fishing Rod, Sandworms (bait), Fish Barrel
• XP Per Hour: ~17,000–20,000
• Profit: ~400,000–450,000 GP/hour
• AFK Time: ~4 minutes minimum per spot

Pro Tip: You’ll need 100% Piscarilius favor. Bring a stack of sandworms (buyable nearby) and bank at the deposit box southeast of the fishing spot.

Monkfish: Balanced XP and Profit

Monkfish at the Piscatoris Fishing Colony are a classic AFK method. They’re faster to catch than sharks and offer solid XP, making them a favorite for mid-to-high-level fishers.

• Level Required: 62 Fishing
• Gear: Small Fishing Net, Fish Barrel
• XP Per Hour: ~30,000–38,000
• Profit: ~100,000–150,000 GP/hour
• AFK Time: ~2–3 minutes

Pro Tip: Complete Swan Song to unlock the colony. Cook and bank the fish for extra Cooking XP or sell them raw for profit.

Sacred Eels: Passive Money-Making

Sacred Eels in Zul-Andra are unique—you fish them, then use a knife to extract Zulrah’s scales. The spots don’t move often, and the scales sell well, making this a low-key money-maker.

• Level Required: 87 Fishing
• Gear: Fishing Rod, Bait, Knife
• XP Per Hour: ~20,000–25,000
• Profit: ~300,000–400,000 GP/hour
• AFK Time: ~3–4 minutes

Pro Tip: Requires Regicide quest completion. Higher Cooking levels increase scale yield, boosting profit.

Barbarian Fishing (AFK Variant): Multi-Skill Gains

While typically click-intensive, Barbarian Fishing can be AFK if you skip tick manipulation and drop fish. It trains Fishing, Strength, and Agility simultaneously.

• Level Required: 48 Fishing, 15 Strength, 15 Agility
• Gear: Barbarian Rod, Feathers or Bait, Fish Barrel
• XP Per Hour: ~20,000–30,000 (Fishing), ~2,000–3,000 (Strength/Agility)
• Profit: None (fish dropped)
• AFK Time: ~50 seconds–1 minute

Pro Tip: Start Barbarian Training with Otto Godblessed. Use the spot near Mount Quidamortem for convenience.

Essential Gear and Boosts for AFK Fishing

To get the most out of AFK fishing, equip the right tools and boosts. Here’s what you need to streamline your sessions.

Must-Have Equipment

• Fish Barrel: Doubles inventory space, earned from Tempoross.
• Angler’s Outfit: 2.5% XP boost from Fishing Trawler.
• Spirit Flakes: 50% chance for extra fish, also from Tempoross.
• Rada’s Blessing: 2–8% chance of double fish (Kourend Diary reward).

Optional Boosts

Admiral Pies (+5 Fishing boost) can help you access higher-tier methods early. The Fishing Guild (+7 invisible boost) speeds up catches if you’re near level 68.

Gear	Benefit	How to Get
Fish Barrel	Extends AFK time	Tempoross rewards
Angler’s Outfit	+2.5% XP	Fishing Trawler
Rada’s Blessing	Double fish chance	Kourend Diary

Comparing AFK Fishing Methods: Which Is Best for You?

Choosing the right method depends on your goals—XP, profit, or pure AFK time. Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	XP/Hour	Profit/Hour	AFK Time	Level Req.
Karambwan	30k–35k	250k–300k	4–5 min	65
Anglerfish	17k–20k	400k–450k	4 min	82
Monkfish	30k–38k	100k–150k	2–3 min	62
Sacred Eels	20k–25k	300k–400k	3–4 min	87
Barbarian	20k–30k	0	50 sec–1 min	48

Best for XP: Monkfish

Monkfish edge out others for XP while staying fairly AFK, ideal for level grinding.

Best for Profit: Anglerfish

Anglerfish lead in GP/hour, perfect if you’re saving for a big purchase.

Best for Pure AFK: Karambwan

Karambwans win for longest AFK intervals, especially with a Fish Barrel.

Tips to Maximize Your AFK Fishing Efficiency

Even AFK methods benefit from optimization. Here’s how to level up your game:

Use RuneLite Plugins

The “Fishing” plugin highlights spots and tracks XP/hour, while “Inventory Tags” helps manage drops or banking.

Banking Strategies

• Karambwan: Fairy Ring DKP to deposit box.
• Anglerfish/Monkfish: Nearby deposit boxes or banks.
• Sacred Eels: Teleport to Zul-Andra, bank scales.

Combine with Other Skills

Cook Monkfish for Cooking XP, or use Barbarian Fishing for Strength and Agility gains.

Frequently Asked Questions About AFK Fishing

What’s the Most AFK Fishing Method?

Karambwan fishing, with its static spots and Fish Barrel, offers up to 5 minutes of AFK time.

Can I AFK Fish in F2P?

Yes, but options are limited. Fly fishing for trout/salmon in Barbarian Village (level 20 Fishing) is the best F2P AFK method, offering ~15,000–20,000 XP/hour and ~1 minute AFK time.

How Long to 99 Fishing with AFK Methods?

From level 62, Monkfish takes ~360 hours, Karambwans ~400 hours, and Anglerfish ~650 hours. Starting lower increases the total time.

AFK fishing in OSRS is a fantastic way to progress without constant focus. Whether you prioritize XP with Monkfish, profit with Anglerfish, or max AFK with Karambwans, there’s a method for every player. Grab your gear, set up at your favorite spot, and enjoy the grind—Gielinor’s waters are waiting!