OSRS Best Fishing XP: Ultimate Guide to Level Up Fast in 2025
Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a beloved skill that offers a mix of relaxation and rewarding progression. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted Fishing Skillcape at level 99 or just want to boost your account’s total level, knowing the best methods for maximizing fishing XP is key. In this guide, we’ll dive into the most efficient ways to train Fishing in 2025, covering free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) options, XP rates, and insider tips to help you level up fast. Let’s cast our lines and explore the best fishing XP strategies in OSRS!
Fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s a gateway to unlocking quests, earning gold, and even training other skills like Cooking, Strength, and Agility. For P2P players, high Fishing levels open up profitable methods and exclusive content, while F2P players can still enjoy decent XP gains and modest profits. The faster you rack up XP, the quicker you’ll reach your goals, whether it’s completing the Achievement Diaries or flexing that Skillcape. Let’s break down the top methods to maximize your Fishing XP.
Fishing XP Basics: What You Need to Know
Fishing XP in OSRS depends on your level, equipment, and method. Early levels are slow, but as you progress, XP rates soar with the right techniques. Boosts like the Angler’s Outfit (+2.5% XP) and tools like the Dragon Harpoon (special attack boosts catch rate) can make a big difference. Quests also offer a quick XP jumpstart—more on that later!
Fastest Fishing XP Methods for P2P Players
For members, OSRS offers some of the game’s fastest Fishing XP methods. These require specific levels, gear, and sometimes quests, but the payoff is worth it. Here are the top P2P methods to skyrocket your Fishing XP.
Barbarian Fishing: The Triple Threat (Levels 48-99)
Barbarian Fishing is a standout method, offering not just Fishing XP but also passive Strength and Agility gains. You’ll need to start the Barbarian Training miniquest by talking to Otto Godblessed near Baxtorian Falls. Grab a Barbarian Rod and some bait (feathers work best), and fish at the spots by Otto’s Grotto.
- Requirements: 48 Fishing, 15 Strength, 15 Agility (higher for better fish)
- Fish: Leaping Trout (48 Fishing), Leaping Salmon (58 Fishing), Leaping Sturgeon (70 Fishing)
- XP Rates: 35k-60k Fishing XP/hour (up to 110k with 3-tick method at 99)
- Pro Tip: Use the 3-tick method with swamp tar and herbs for insane XP rates—more details below!
This method shines because it’s semi-AFK and multi-skilling, though you’ll drop fish instead of banking for max XP. At level 99, expect around 60k XP/hour normally, or push it to 110k with tick manipulation.
Tempoross: The Skilling Boss (Levels 35-99)
Tempoross, the Fishing skill boss, is a minigame-style method that’s both fun and XP-heavy. Found on the Ruins of Unkah, it’s accessible after level 35 Fishing. Bring a harpoon (Dragon or Crystal for best results) and lightweight gear to run around efficiently.
- Requirements: 35 Fishing
- XP Rates: 50k-80k/hour ( uncooked fish), 30k-50k/hour (cooked fish)
- Rewards: Spirit Flakes, Fish Barrel, and a chance at the Tiny Tempor pet
- Pro Tip: Don’t cook the fish if you’re chasing max XP—trade them raw for higher rates!
Tempoross scales with your level, making it viable all the way to 99. Solo runs can hit 80k XP/hour at high levels with optimal play, perfect for players who enjoy interactive skilling.
Minnow Fishing: XP and Profit Combo (Levels 82-99)
At the Fishing Guild’s Minnow Platform, you can catch Minnows after completing the Fishing Contest quest and wearing the full Angler’s Outfit. Trade 40 Minnows for one Raw Shark with Kylie Minnow.
- Requirements: 82 Fishing, Angler’s Outfit
- XP Rates: 40k-55k/hour
- Profit: ~500k GP/hour (selling Raw Sharks)
- Pro Tip: Use RuneLite’s Fishing plugin to track moving spots and avoid flying fish interruptions.
This method is click-intensive since spots move every 15 seconds, but it balances solid XP with great profit, making it a favorite for Ironmen and gold-hunters alike.
Best Fishing XP for F2P Players
Free-to-play players have fewer options, but you can still achieve respectable XP rates without a membership. Here’s how to optimize Fishing XP in F2P worlds.
Fly Fishing: The F2P King (Levels 20-99)
Fly Fishing is the go-to method for F2P players, using a Fly Fishing Rod and Feathers to catch Trout and Salmon. Head to Barbarian Village or Lumbridge’s River Lum for easy access.
- Requirements: 20 Fishing (30 for Salmon)
- XP Rates: 15k/hour (level 20), up to 50k/hour (level 99)
- Locations: Barbarian Village, Lumbridge
- Pro Tip: Drop fish instead of banking to maximize XP—shift-click to speed up dropping!
At level 99, you’ll hit around 50k XP/hour, making this the fastest F2P route to 99. It’s low-effort and relaxing, though profit is minimal unless you bank and sell.
Early Game: Shrimp and Anchovies (Levels 1-20)
Start with a Small Fishing Net at Draynor Village or Al Kharid. You’ll catch Shrimp (10 XP each) and, at level 15, Anchovies (40 XP each).
- XP Rates: 1.5k-7.5k/hour
- Pro Tip: Bank at Draynor for profit or drop for faster XP.
This gets you to 20 quickly, setting you up for Fly Fishing. It’s simple and accessible for new players.
Boosting Your Fishing XP: Tips and Tricks
To squeeze out every drop of XP, use these strategies to optimize your training, regardless of membership status.
Quest XP Rewards
Quests can skip the early grind. Here’s a table of Fishing XP-granting quests:
| Quest | Fishing Level Required | XP Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Slug | None (30 Firemaking) | 7,175 (to level 24) |
| Fishing Contest | 10 | 2,437 |
| Swan Song | 62 | 50,000 |
| Tai Bwo Wannai Trio | 5 | 5,000 |
Completing Sea Slug alone jumps you to level 24, saving hours of low-level fishing!
Tick Manipulation: 3-Tick Barbarian Fishing
For P2P players, 3-tick Barbarian Fishing is the fastest XP method in OSRS, hitting up to 110k/hour at 99. You’ll need a Barbarian Rod, feathers, swamp tar, a clean herb (like Tarromin), and a Pestle and Mortar.
- Click a fishing spot to start.
- Immediately use swamp tar on the herb (3-tick action).
- Repeat as the game grants Fishing XP every 3 ticks instead of 5.
It’s click-intensive but unbeatable for speed. Practice makes perfect!
Gear and Boosts
Equip these to maximize XP:
- Angler’s Outfit: +2.5% XP (Fishing Trawler or Aerial Fishing)
- Dragon Harpoon: +3 Fishing level boost via special attack
- Admiral Pie: +5 Fishing level boost (eat before Tempoross or Minnows)
Comparing Fishing XP Methods
Here’s a quick comparison of the best methods to help you choose:
| Method | Level | XP/Hour | P2P/F2P | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tick Barbarian Fishing | 48-99 | Up to 110k | P2P | None |
| Tempoross | 35-99 | 50k-80k | P2P | Low |
| Minnow Fishing | 82-99 | 40k-55k | P2P | ~500k GP |
| Fly Fishing | 20-99 | 15k-50k | F2P | Minimal |
For pure XP, 3-tick Barbarian Fishing reigns supreme. For a mix of XP and profit, Minnows are your best bet. F2P players should stick to Fly Fishing.
Final Thoughts: Reel in That Fishing Skillcape
Whether you’re a P2P player chasing 110k XP/hour with 3-tick Barbarian Fishing or an F2P grinder hitting 50k/hour with Fly Fishing, OSRS offers a Fishing method for every playstyle. Start with quests to skip the slow early levels, gear up with the Angler’s Outfit, and pick your path—max XP, profit, or a bit of both. The journey to 99 Fishing may take time, but with these strategies, you’ll be reeling in that Skillcape faster than you can say “Tempoross.” Tight lines, adventurers!