Guide to 99 Fishing in Old School RuneScape

Guide to 99 Fishing in Old School RuneScape

Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a relaxing yet rewarding skill that offers both experience and profit potential. Whether you’re aiming for the Fishing Skillcape at level 99 or gathering resources for cooking, this guide will walk you through the most efficient methods to reach max level. From beginner-friendly spots to advanced techniques, we’ll cover everything you need to master fishing in OSRS.

Fishing is a versatile skill with multiple benefits. It’s semi-AFK, making it ideal for players who want to train while multitasking. High fishing levels unlock quests, achievement diaries, and profitable methods. Plus, fish are essential for cooking, providing food for combat or skilling.

Key Benefits of Fishing

  • Quest Requirements: Skills like 53 Fishing for Barrows Gloves, 62 for the Quest Cape, and 96 for the Achievement Diary Cape.
  • Profit Potential: Methods like Monkfish or Infernal Eels can yield significant gold.
  • Ironman Utility: Fishing provides food for bossing and Slayer tasks.
  • XP Boosts: Items like the Angler’s Outfit and Dragon Harpoon enhance efficiency.

Getting Started Levels 1 to 20

The early levels of fishing are quick to complete, especially with quests and basic methods. Your goal is to progress to more efficient techniques as soon as possible.

Questing for Fast XP

Completing specific quests can skyrocket your early fishing levels, bypassing tedious grinding. Here’s a list of quests with Fishing XP rewards:

Quest Fishing Level Required XP Reward
Sea Slug None 7,125
Fishing Contest 10 2,437
Tai Bwo Wannai Trio 5 5,000

Completing Sea Slug alone can boost you to level 24 instantly, making it a must-do for new players.

Shrimp and Anchovies (Levels 1-20)

For non-questers, start with a Small Fishing Net to catch Shrimp and Anchovies. Recommended spots include:

At level 15, you’ll start catching Anchovies alongside Shrimp, slightly increasing XP rates. Expect around 10,000 XP per hour.

Efficient Mid-Level Training Levels 20 to 58

Once you hit level 20, you unlock faster methods like Fly Fishing and Barbarian Fishing. This range is where you’ll start seeing significant progress.

Fly Fishing Trout and Salmon (Levels 20-58)

Fly Fishing is the go-to method for free-to-play (F2P) and early pay-to-play (P2P) players. You’ll need a Fly Fishing Rod and Feathers, available at the Grand Exchange or fishing shops.

  • Best Spots: Barbarian Village (F2P) or Shilo Village (P2P).
  • XP Rates: 30,000–50,000 XP per hour at higher levels.
  • Tip: Powerfish (drop fish instead of banking) for maximum XP.

At level 30, you’ll catch Salmon alongside Trout, boosting XP rates. This method remains viable up to level 99 for F2P players.

Tempoross (Levels 35-58)

Tempoross, a Fishing-based skilling boss, is accessible at level 35 and offers decent XP and rewards. It’s less click-intensive than Fly Fishing and provides unique loot.

  • Location: Ruins of Unkah (Worlds 341, 422, 463, 531).
  • Equipment: Harpoon (Crystal or Dragon for better rates).
  • XP Rates: 30,000–40,000 XP per hour.
  • Rewards: Fish Barrel, Spirit Flakes, and Tacklebox.

The Fish Barrel doubles inventory space, and Spirit Flakes give a 50% chance to catch extra fish, making Tempoross a great choice for both XP and utility.

High-Level Training Levels 58 to 99

At level 58, you unlock some of the fastest and most profitable fishing methods. These require more effort but offer superior XP rates and rewards.

Barbarian Fishing (Levels 58-99)

Barbarian Fishing is one of the fastest ways to 99, offering passive Agility and Strength XP. You’ll need to complete the Barbarian Training miniquest with Otto Godblessed.

  • Requirements: 48 Fishing, 15 Agility, 15 Strength (30+ recommended).
  • Equipment: Barbarian Rod, Feathers.
  • Location: Lake south of Barbarian Outpost.
  • XP Rates: 50,000–60,000 XP per hour (70,000+ with 3-tick manipulation).

Using 3-tick manipulation (performing actions every 0.6 seconds) can boost XP significantly, but it’s click-intensive. Catch Leaping Trout, Salmon, and Sturgeon for optimal gains.

Monkfish (Levels 62-99)

Monkfish fishing at Piscatoris Fishing Colony is a low-effort, profitable method after completing Swan Song.

  • Equipment: Small Fishing Net.
  • XP Rates: 30,000–40,000 XP per hour.
  • Profit: Approximately 20–100 million coins to 99.

This method is ideal for players who want to AFK while earning gold.

Karambwan (Levels 65-99)

Fishing Karambwan after Tai Bwo Wannai Trio is another AFK method with good profit potential.

  • Location: North of fairy ring DKP.
  • Equipment: Karambwan Vessel, Raw Karambwanji (bait).
  • XP Rates: 30,000–50,000 XP per hour.
  • Profit: Up to 76 million coins to 99.

Bank using Karamja Gloves 3/4 or a Ring of Dueling for efficiency.

Advanced Techniques and Boosts

To maximize your fishing efficiency, leverage XP-boosting items and advanced methods.

Angler’s Outfit

The Angler’s Outfit provides a 2.5% XP boost when worn as a full set. Obtain it via:

It’s worth the time investment for long-term training.

Harpoon Special Attacks

Harpoons like Dragon, Infernal, and Crystal offer special attacks or bonuses:

Use the Dragon Harpoon with a Lightbearer to spam the special attack for faster catches.

2-Tick and 3-Tick Fishing

Tick manipulation reduces the time between catches, significantly boosting XP:

  • 3-Tick Barbarian Fishing: Up to 70,000 XP per hour at level 70+.
  • 2-Tick Harpooning: Up to 137,000 XP per hour at level 99 (requires precise timing at Piscatoris).

These methods are click-intensive but offer the fastest XP in the game.

Tips for Success

Here are some final tips to streamline your journey to 99 Fishing:

  • Use Boosts: Admiral Pies (+5 Fishing) allow early access to methods like Swordfish or the Fishing Guild.
  • Powerfish for XP: Drop fish instead of banking to maximize XP rates, especially for Trout/Salmon.
  • Combine with Cooking: Cook your catches to level Cooking simultaneously, saving time for Ironmen.
  • Check Prices: Fish prices fluctuate, so use an OSRS Fishing Calculator to ensure profitability.

  • Join a Clan: Fishing spots like the Fishing Guild are social hubs—chat with others to stay motivated.

Reaching level 99 Fishing in OSRS is a journey of patience and strategy. Whether you prefer the AFK nature of Monkfish or the high-intensity 2-tick Harpooning, there’s a method for every playstyle. Equip your Angler’s Outfit, grab a Crystal Harpoon, and start fishing your way to the Skillcape. Good luck, and happy fishing!