Fly Fishing Locations in Old School RuneScape

Fly fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a popular method for training the Fishing skill, offering fast experience rates and a relaxing way to catch trout, salmon, and rainbow fish. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member, choosing the right fly fishing location can make a significant difference in your efficiency and enjoyment. This guide explores the best fly fishing spots in OSRS, detailing their benefits, requirements, and tips to maximize your experience. From beginner-friendly areas to advanced spots for high-level players, we’ve got you covered.

Fly fishing is one of the fastest ways to train Fishing in OSRS, especially for F2P players aiming for level 99. Using a fly fishing rod and feathers, players can catch trout (level 20 Fishing) and salmon (level 30 Fishing), with members also able to catch rainbow fish (level 38 Fishing) using stripy feathers. The method is semi-AFK, cost-effective, and provides decent experience per feather used—averaging 58.4 XP per catch according to the OSRS Wiki. Popular for its simplicity, fly fishing is ideal for players looking to balance efficiency with a laid-back playstyle.

Fly Fishing Basics

To start fly fishing, you’ll need:

• Fly fishing rod: Purchase from fishing shops like Gerrant’s Fishy Business in Port Sarim or the Shilo Village fishing shop for 5 coins.
• Feathers: Buy from fishing shops, the Grand Exchange (5-10 GP each), or collect by killing chickens.
• Stripy feathers (members): Obtained via the Hunter skill for rainbow fish.

Find a “Lure/Bait” fishing spot in a river, click the “lure fishing spot” option, and you’re fishing! For optimal XP, drop fish (“powerfishing”) instead of banking, unless you’re an Ironman needing food.

Top Fly Fishing Locations for F2P Players

Free-to-play players have access to two primary fly fishing spots: Barbarian Village and Lumbridge. Both are accessible without quests, making them ideal for new accounts or those grinding Fishing early on.

Barbarian Village

Located on the east side of Barbarian Village along the River Lum, this spot is a favorite for F2P players due to its proximity to a permanent fire and banking options. The fishing spots are split into two areas: one south near the bridge and one on a northern peninsula. With only two spots active at a time, you may need to hop worlds if it’s crowded.

Pros:

• Permanent fire nearby for cooking fish, boosting Cooking XP.
• Edgeville Bank is 76 tiles from the northern spot, or use a waka canoe (57 Woodcutting required) to Ferox Enclave for faster banking.
• Fast XP rates: ~15k XP/hour at level 20, up to ~33k XP/hour at higher levels.

Cons:

• Can be crowded, especially on F2P worlds.
• Limited to two fishing spots, which move every 2.5–5 minutes.

Tip: Cook and drop fish for combined Fishing and Cooking XP (~23.5k Fishing XP/hour, ~31k Cooking XP/hour) or bank raw fish at Ferox Enclave for Ironmen.

Lumbridge

In the center of Lumbridge, the River Lum offers fishing spots on the eastern side, opposite Lumbridge Castle. Like Barbarian Village, spots are grouped into two areas, with goblins and spiders nearby posing a minor nuisance for low-level players.

Pros:

• Great for new players; no requirements to access.
• Lumbridge cooking range reduces burn chance by 10%, ideal for cooking fish.
• Dead trees nearby for firemaking to cook catches.

Cons:

• Bank is far (110 tiles to Lumbridge Castle top for F2P, or basement for members).
• Goblins can interrupt low-level players.

Tip: Use the fishing spot near the goblin house for higher-level fish and cook on the Lumbridge range for efficient skill training.

Best Fly Fishing Spots for Members

Members have access to additional fly fishing locations that offer closer banks, unique benefits, or less competition. These spots often require quest completion or specific levels, but they’re worth the effort for dedicated anglers.

Shilo Village

After completing the Shilo Village quest, this spot in the river north of the bank and furnace becomes the go-to for members banking their fish. It’s the closest fly fishing spot to a bank, making it ideal for Ironmen or those selling fish.

Pros:

• Closest bank in OSRS for fly fishing, just a few tiles away.
• Fishing shop in town sells fly fishing rods and feathers.
• Popular for its convenience and community vibe.

Cons:

• Fishing spots are spread out, requiring more movement.
• Quest requirement may deter low-level players.

Tip: Combine with the nearby furnace for Smithing or Crafting training to multitask.

River West of Fishing Guild

Located near Mount Karuulm, this spot is the fastest for pure XP due to minimal spot movement and a wandering merchant, Rasolo, who buys fish, offsetting feather costs.

Pros:

• Highest XP rates in OSRS for fly fishing, surpassing Shilo Village.
• Rasolo buys fish, making it cost-neutral.
• Less crowded than Barbarian Village or Shilo.

Cons:

• No nearby bank, so powerfishing is recommended.
• Requires travel to a remote area.

Tip: Use a skills necklace to teleport to the Fishing Guild for quick access.

Seers’ Village

Between Seers’ Village and Sinclair Mansion, this spot offers two fishing spots under a willow tree, with a bank across the river accessible via a log shortcut (33 Agility).

Pros:

• Close bank for members with Agility level.
• Peaceful, less crowded than Shilo Village.
• Supports elf slayer tasks with an eternal fire nearby.

Cons:

• Agility requirement for optimal banking.
• Spots move, requiring player attention.

Tip: Wear the Angler’s Outfit (2.5% XP boost) and use Rada’s Blessing for a chance at double catches.

Experience Rates and Fish Types

Fly fishing yields different fish based on your Fishing level, each with unique XP rewards. Below is a table summarizing the fish, requirements, and XP rates:

Fish	Fishing Level	XP per Catch	Bait	Notes
Raw Trout	20	50	Feathers	58% catch rate at higher levels
Raw Salmon	30	70	Feathers	42% catch rate, boosts XP/hour
Raw Rainbow Fish	38	80	Stripy Feathers	Members-only, slower catch rate

XP Rates:

• Level 20: ~15k XP/hour (trout only).
• Level 30: ~30–33k XP/hour (trout and salmon, powerfishing).
• Level 38 (members): ~25k XP/hour (rainbow fish, slower).
• 3-tick manipulation (advanced): Up to 50k XP/hour at level 58+.

For members, 3-tick fly fishing with tick manipulation (using herbs or knives) can push XP rates higher, but it’s click-intensive and not recommended for casual players.

Tips for Efficient Fly Fishing

To make the most of your fly fishing sessions, consider these strategies:

Gear and Boosts

• Angler’s Outfit: Obtained from Fishing Trawler, grants 2.5% XP boost.
• Fish Barrel: From Tempoross, stores 28 extra fish, reducing inventory trips.
• Spirit Flakes: 50% chance of double catch, consumes one flake per fish.
• Fishing Potions/Admiral Pies: Temporarily boost Fishing by 3–5 levels.

Quest and Diary Tasks

Complete these for XP or access:

• Varrock Diary (Easy): Fish a trout in Barbarian Village.
• Lumbridge Diary (Medium): Fish a salmon in Lumbridge.
• Kourend & Kebos Diary (Easy): Fish a trout in River Molch.
• Shilo Village Quest: Unlocks Shilo Village fishing spot.

Powerfishing vs. Banking

Powerfishing (dropping fish) yields the highest XP rates, ideal for F2P or XP-focused players. Banking is better for Ironmen or those cooking/selling fish, with Shilo Village being the best spot due to its bank proximity.

Fly fishing in OSRS is a timeless method to train Fishing, offering flexibility for all player types. Whether you’re powerfishing in Barbarian Village, banking in Shilo Village, or enjoying the serene Seers’ Village, each location has unique perks. Equip your fly fishing rod, stock up on feathers, and dive into Gielinor’s rivers for a rewarding skilling experience!