Best Places to Fish in OSRS for Fast XP and Profit
Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a relaxing yet rewarding skill that offers both experience points (XP) and profit potential. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a pay-to-play (P2P) member, choosing the right fishing spot can make all the difference. This guide explores the best places to fish in OSRS, covering locations for beginners, high-level players, and those chasing unique rewards. From tranquil rivers to minigame hotspots, we’ll help you find the perfect spot to cast your line.
Fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s a gateway to cooking, profit, and even quest progression. High fishing levels unlock better fish, faster XP rates, and access to exclusive content like Tempoross or the Fishing Trawler. Plus, it’s one of the most AFK (away-from-keyboard) skills, making it ideal for casual players. Let’s dive into the top fishing locations to level up efficiently and make some gold.
Top Fishing Spots for Free-to-Play Players
F2P players have fewer options, but there are still fantastic spots to train fishing effectively. These locations are accessible early and offer decent XP and profit for low-level players.
Draynor Village
Located southwest of Draynor Village’s bank, this spot is perfect for beginners. You can net fish for raw shrimps and anchovies or bait fish for sardines and herring. The proximity to a bank makes it ideal for banking fish to sell or cook later.
- Requirements: Small fishing net or fishing rod and bait
- Fishing Level: 1–20
- XP/Hour: 1,500–8,000
- Why It’s Great: Close to a bank, low-level fish are easy to catch
Tip: Watch out for level 7 Dark Wizards if you’re under combat level 15, as they can interrupt your fishing.
Lumbridge River
Just east of Lumbridge Castle, the river offers fly fishing spots for trout and salmon. This is one of the best F2P spots for leveling from 20 to 99, especially if you drop fish for faster XP (powerfishing).
- Requirements: Fly fishing rod, feathers
- Fishing Level: 20–99
- XP/Hour: 15,000–50,000 (increases with level)
- Why It’s Great: High XP rates, feathers are cheap
Tip: Cook fish at the nearby Lumbridge range to train cooking simultaneously.
Musa Point (Karamja)
For players looking to catch lobsters, swordfish, or tuna, Musa Point is the go-to F2P spot. It requires a 30-coin fare to travel, but the Corsair Cove Resource Area (after Dragon Slayer I) eliminates this cost.
- Requirements: Lobster pot or harpoon, 30 coins (optional)
- Fishing Level: 40–99 (lobsters), 50–99 (swordfish/tuna)
- XP/Hour: 20,000–30,000
- Why It’s Great: Profitable fish, decent XP
Tip: Bank lobsters at Port Sarim’s deposit box to maximize profit.
Best Pay-to-Play Fishing Locations
P2P players have access to a wider variety of spots, including minigames and high-level fish that offer better XP and rewards. Here are the top choices for members.
Barbarian Fishing at Otto’s Grotto
Located south of the Barbarian Outpost, this spot allows you to catch leaping trout, salmon, and sturgeon. Barbarian Fishing also trains Strength and Agility, making it a multi-skill powerhouse.
- Requirements: Barbarian Training, fishing rod, feathers or bait
- Fishing Level: 48–99
- XP/Hour: 50,000–70,000 (with tick manipulation)
- Why It’s Great: Trains multiple skills, high XP rates
Tip: Use a Games Necklace to teleport to the Barbarian Outpost for quick access.
Fishing Guild
The Fishing Guild, north of Ardougne, is a hub for high-level fishing. You can catch lobsters, tuna, swordfish, and sharks here, with spots close to a bank for efficient banking.
- Requirements: 68 Fishing (or 63 with boost), lobster pot or harpoon
- Fishing Level: 40–99
- XP/Hour: 30,000–40,000
- Why It’s Great: Bank proximity, variety of fish
Tip: Wear the Angler’s Outfit for a 2.5% XP boost.
Minigames for Fishing Enthusiasts
OSRS minigames like Fishing Trawler and Tempoross offer unique rewards and engaging gameplay, making them some of the best places to fish for P2P players.
Fishing Trawler (Port Khazard)
This team-based minigame lets you catch manta rays, sea turtles, and other fish while keeping a boat afloat. It’s the only way to get the Angler’s Outfit, which boosts fishing XP.
- Requirements: 15 Fishing, World 370 recommended
- Fishing Level: 15–99
- XP/Hour: Varies based on level
- Why It’s Great: Chance at Angler’s Outfit, unique fish
Tip: Join a group to make trips smoother, as solo play can be challenging.
Tempoross (Ruins of Unkah)
Tempoross is a skilling boss that combines fishing with strategy. You catch harpoonfish to weaken Tempoross, earning XP and reward permits for rare items like the Spirit Angler’s Outfit.
- Requirements: 35 Fishing, Worlds 341, 422, 463, or 531
- Fishing Level: 35–99
- XP/Hour: 30,000–60,000
- Why It’s Great: Fun gameplay, great rewards
Tip: Use reward permits to fish at the reward pool for a chance at the Fish Barrel or Tiny Tempor.
Niche and High-Level Fishing Spots
For players seeking specific fish or AFK methods, these spots cater to advanced anglers looking for profit or rare catches.
Piscatoris Fishing Colony
After completing Swan Song, you can catch monkfish here, which are highly profitable. The colony is also close to a bank, making it great for long sessions.
- Requirements: Swan Song quest, small fishing net
- Fishing Level: 62–99
- XP/Hour: 15,000–30,000
- Why It’s Great: High profit, AFK-friendly
Tip: Sell raw monkfish at the Grand Exchange for steady income.
Karamja (Karambwan Fishing)
After Tai Bwo Wannai Trio, you can catch karambwan on Karamja’s northern coast. These fish are great for ironmen due to their high healing properties.
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Requirements: Tai Bwo Wannai Trio, karambwan vessel, karambwanji bait
- Fishing Level: 65–99
- XP/Hour: 20,000–50,000
- Why It’s Great: Unique fish, good for ironmen
Tip: Use Fairy Ring code DKP for fast travel to the fishing spot.
Minnows at Fishing Guild
Minnow fishing is a high-level, AFK method that trades XP for profit. You catch minnows and exchange them for raw sharks, which sell well.
- Requirements: 82 Fishing, Angler’s Outfit, Fishing Contest quest
- Fishing Level: 82–99
- XP/Hour: 40,000–45,000
- Why It’s Great: Decent profit, low effort
Tip: Watch for flying fish that eat your minnows, and move spots quickly.
Comparing Fishing Spots: Which Is Best for You?
Choosing the right spot depends on your goals—XP, profit, or fun. Below is a table summarizing key fishing locations to help you decide.
| Location | Fishing Level | XP/Hour | Profit Potential | F2P/P2P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draynor Village | 1–20 | 1,500–8,000 | Low | F2P |
| Lumbridge River | 20–99 | 15,000–50,000 | Moderate | F2P |
| Barbarian Fishing | 48–99 | 50,000–70,000 | Low | P2P |
| Tempoross | 35–99 | 30,000–60,000 | High | P2P |
| Minnows (Fishing Guild) | 82–99 | 40,000–45,000 | High | P2P |
Tips for Maximizing Your Fishing Efficiency
To get the most out of your fishing sessions, consider these strategies:
- Boost Your Level: Use Admiral Pies (+5 Fishing) to access higher-level fish early.
- Get the Angler’s Outfit: Play Fishing Trawler for the 2.5% XP boost.
- Complete Quests: Quests like Sea Slug (7,125 XP) and Swan Song (50,000 XP) give huge XP rewards.
- Use Tick Manipulation: For Barbarian Fishing, tick manipulation can push XP rates above 70,000/hour.
- Sell at Grand Exchange: Always sell fish at the Grand Exchange, not general stores, for maximum profit.
Which Spot Should You Choose?
If you’re F2P, start at Draynor Village and move to Lumbridge for fly fishing. P2P players should aim for Barbarian Fishing for XP or Tempoross for fun and rewards. High-level players can grind minnows or monkfish for profit. No matter your level, there’s a fishing spot in OSRS that suits your playstyle.
Fishing in OSRS is a journey of patience and strategy. Pick a spot, grab your gear, and start reeling in those rewards! What’s your favorite fishing spot? Let us know in the comments below.