OSRS Fishing Guide 1-99 Fastest and Most Efficient Methods

OSRS Fishing Guide 1-99 Fastest and Most Efficient Methods

Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is a relaxing yet rewarding skill that allows players to catch fish, earn gold, and unlock key quests. Whether you’re aiming for the Fishing Skillcape or looking to make a profit, this comprehensive guide covers the fastest and most efficient methods to reach level 99 Fishing for both free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) players. From beginner-friendly spots to advanced tick manipulation techniques, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including experience rates, equipment, and profitable strategies.

Fishing is a versatile skill with multiple benefits. It’s essential for quests like Recipe for Disaster (53 Fishing for Barrows Gloves) and the Quest Cape (62 Fishing). For Ironmen, it’s a vital food source for bossing and Slayer. Plus, Fishing offers profitable methods, with some pathways yielding over 100M GP by level 99. The skill also supports AFK training, making it ideal for multitasking or casual play. With the right setup, you can maximize experience rates or profits while enjoying Gielinor’s serene waters.

Key Benefits of Fishing

  • Quest Requirements: Unlocks Barrows Gloves, Quest Cape, and Achievement Diary Cape (96 Fishing).
  • Profit Potential: Methods like Monkfish and Anglerfish can net millions in gold.
  • AFK Training: Relaxed methods allow you to train while doing other tasks.
  • Skill Synergy: Pairs with Cooking for food prep and supports Strength/Agility via Barbarian Fishing.

Early Levels 1-20 Net Fishing Basics

OSRS Fishing Training Guide Quick Methods To Reach Level 99 Rune

Starting your Fishing journey is straightforward, especially for F2P players. From levels 1 to 20, net fishing is the go-to method. You’ll catch raw shrimp and, from level 15, raw anchovies, which offer slightly better experience rates.

Recommended Locations

  • Draynor Village: Close to a bank, ideal for banking fish or dropping them for faster XP.
  • Al Kharid: Another beginner-friendly spot with nearby banking.

Equipment and Tips

All you need is a small fishing net, available from fishing shops in Port Sarim or Catherby. Drop fish to maximize XP rates (1,500–3,000 XP/hour) instead of banking, as raw shrimp and anchovies have low value. For F2P players, consider cooking fish for Cooking XP if you’re near a fire, such as in Lumbridge. Completing the Sea Slug quest (requires 30 Firemaking) grants 7,175 Fishing XP, boosting you to level 24 instantly.

Mid-Level Fishing 20-62 Fly Fishing and Lobsters

OSRS Old School RuneScape 199 Fishing Guide

Once you hit level 20, transition to fly fishing for faster XP. For P2P players, this stage introduces profitable methods like lobster fishing, paving the way for Barbarian Fishing later.

Fly Fishing for Levels 20-40 (F2P and P2P)

Fly fishing raw trout and salmon is the fastest F2P method to 99, offering 15,000–33,000 XP/hour. At level 30, you’ll start catching salmon, boosting XP rates.

  • Locations: Barbarian Village or Lumbridge (River Lum).
  • Equipment: Fly fishing rod and feathers (225,000 feathers needed from 20-99, costing ~450,000 GP).
  • Tip: Use shift-drop to quickly clear inventory. For F2P, cook fish at Barbarian Village’s permanent fire for Cooking XP or bank at Ferox Enclave using a waka canoe (requires 57 Woodcutting).

Lobster Fishing for Levels 40-62 (P2P Preferred)

At level 40, P2P players can fish lobsters for decent XP and profit. F2P players can fish lobsters at Musa Point (Karamja), but banking is slower due to the boat trip (30 GP each way).

  • Locations: Catherby (P2P, close to bank) or Musa Point (F2P).
  • Equipment: Lobster pot.
  • XP Rates: ~20,000 XP/hour; ~11,620 GP/hour (F2P) or 1M GP from 40-63 (P2P).
  • Tip: P2P players should bank lobsters for profit. F2P players can drop fish for faster XP or cook for Cooking XP.

Tempoross for Levels 35-62 (P2P)

Tempoross, a Fishing-based skilling boss, is a viable alternative from level 35. It’s less click-intensive than fly fishing and offers rewards like the Spirit Angler’s Outfit.

  • Location: Ruins of Unkah (Worlds 341, 422, 463, 531).
  • Equipment: Harpoon (Dragon/Crystal/Infernal recommended), rope, bucket, hammer, small fishing net.
  • XP Rates: 25,000–60,000 XP/hour (scales with level and harpoon type).
  • Tip: Use a Crystal Harpoon at higher levels for up to 75,000 XP/hour. Avoid cooking harpoonfish to maximize Fishing XP.

High-Level Fishing 62-99 Barbarian Fishing and Beyond

From level 62, P2P players unlock the fastest and most efficient Fishing methods, including Barbarian Fishing and tick manipulation. F2P players should stick with fly fishing or switch to swordfish/tuna for profit.

Barbarian Fishing Levels 58-99 (P2P)

Barbarian Fishing is the fastest way to 99 Fishing, offering 60,000–110,000 XP/hour with tick manipulation. It also grants passive Strength and Agility XP (1.2M each by 99).

  • Requirements: 48 Fishing, 15 Strength, 15 Agility; complete Barbarian Training miniquest.
  • Location: Otto’s Grotto (south of Barbarian Outpost).
  • Equipment: Barbarian rod, feathers (200,000+), knife for cutting fish.
  • XP Rates:
    • Level 58: 35,000–68,000 XP/hour (3-tick).
    • Level 70: 50,000–90,000 XP/hour (leaping sturgeon).
    • Level 90: 60,000–102,000 XP/hour.
  • Tip: Use 3-tick manipulation (e.g., herb + tar or knife + logs) for max XP. Shift-drop fish to avoid banking, as it’s too far.

2-Tick Harpooning Levels 71-99 (P2P)

For players with high Fishing levels and access to a Crystal Harpoon, 2-tick harpooning swordfish/tuna in Port Piscarilius is the fastest method, offering up to 137,000 XP/hour at level 99.

  • Requirements: 71 Fishing, Crystal/Dragon/Infernal Harpoon, PvP world access.
  • Setup: Lure rats west of Piscarilius bank or have another account attack with darts to maintain 2-tick cycle.
  • XP Rates: 100,000–137,000 XP/hour.
  • Tip: Requires precise timing and practice. Use Auto Retaliate with a shortbow (no ammo) to maintain rhythm.

Monkfish Fishing Levels 62-82 (P2P, Profitable)

Monkfish offer a balance of XP and profit, ideal for players who want to earn gold while training.

  • Requirements: 62 Fishing, completion of Swan Song quest.
  • Location: Piscatoris Fishing Colony (use Piscatoris teleport).
  • Equipment: Small fishing net, Rada’s Blessing (optional for 10% more fish).
  • XP Rates: 30,000–40,000 XP/hour.
  • Profit: ~40,000 GP/hour, up to 14M GP from 62-99.

Profitable Fishing Methods for P2P Players

If profit is your goal, several high-level Fishing methods offer substantial GP alongside decent XP. Below is a table comparing key profitable methods:

Method Level Required XP/Hour GP/Hour Equipment
Monkfish 62 30,000–40,000 40,000 Small fishing net
Karambwan 65 30,000 400,000 Karambwan vessel, raw karambwanji
Infernal Eels 80 28,000 223,000 Fishing rod, bait, hammer
Minnows 82 40,000 165,625 Small fishing net, Angler’s Outfit
Anglerfish 85 18,000–56,000 200,000–382,000 Fishing rod, sandworms

Karambwan Fishing Levels 65-99

Fishing Karambwan is highly profitable, offering up to 120M GP from 65-99. It’s semi-AFK and requires 100% Piscarilius favor.

  • Location: North of Piscarilius docks.
  • Equipment: Karambwan vessel, raw karambwanji, teleport (e.g., Amulet of Glory).
  • Tip: Bank fish to maximize profit.

Infernal Eels Levels 80-99

Infernal Eels are extremely AFK, requiring a Fire Cape to access the TzHaar city. Smash eels with a hammer to gain Tokkul, Onyx bolt tips, and Lava Scale Shards.

  • XP Rates: 28,000 XP/hour.
  • Profit: 223,000 GP/hour, up to 86M GP from 80-99.

Tips for Efficient Fishing Training

To optimize your journey to 99 Fishing, follow these efficiency tips:

  • Angler’s Outfit: Obtained from Fishing Trawler or Aerial Fishing, grants 2.5% bonus XP when worn.
  • Rada’s Blessing: Increases catch chance by 2–8% (stackable with Spirit Flakes).
  • Dragon/Crystal/Infernal Harpoon: Boosts catch rates; Crystal Harpoon is best for Tempoross and 2-tick harpooning.
  • Tick Manipulation: Learn 3-tick (Barbarian Fishing) or 2-tick (harpooning) methods for maximum XP.
  • Bank Proximity: Choose spots like Catherby or Piscatoris for quick banking when profit-focused.

Reaching 99 Fishing in OSRS is a rewarding journey, whether you prioritize speed, profit, or relaxation. Barbarian Fishing with tick manipulation is the fastest path, while methods like Monkfish and Karambwan offer substantial profits. F2P players can rely on fly fishing for steady progress. Equip the right gear, plan your route, and enjoy the grind to the Fishing Skillcape!