OSRS Fishing Guide: Level 1-99 Fastest Methods for 2025

OSRS Fishing Guide: Level 1-99 Fastest Methods for 2025


Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most relaxing yet rewarding skills to train. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted Fishing Skillcape, unlocking quests, or making some gold along the way, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the fastest and most efficient methods to reach level 99 Fishing. Updated for 2025, this OSRS Fishing Guide covers free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) strategies, essential gear, and tips to optimize your journey. Let’s dive into the waters of Gielinor and get started!

Fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s a gateway to numerous in-game benefits. High Fishing levels unlock key quests like Swan Song (62 Fishing) and Recipe for Disaster (53 Fishing for Barrows Gloves), as well as Achievement Diary tasks requiring up to 96 Fishing. Plus, it’s a low-effort skill that can be trained AFK, making it perfect for multitasking or casual play. For P2P players, Fishing also offers decent profit potential, with methods like Karambwans and Sacred Eels netting hundreds of thousands of GP per hour.

Key Benefits of Leveling Fishing

  • Quest Access: Unlock essential quests and rewards like the Quest Cape.
  • Profit: Catch high-value fish to fund your adventures.
  • AFK Training: Relax while gaining XP with minimal clicks.
  • Skill Synergy: Pair with Cooking for food or Barbarian Fishing for Agility and Strength XP.

Essential Fishing Gear and Boosts

Before casting your line, gear up with the right tools to maximize efficiency. While basic equipment like a small fishing net or fishing rod works for beginners, advanced methods require specific items. Here’s what you’ll need to streamline your 1-99 Fishing journey.

Must-Have Fishing Equipment

  • Small Fishing Net: For shrimp and anchovies (F2P starter).
  • Fly Fishing Rod + Feathers: For trout and salmon (levels 20+).
  • Harpoon: For tuna, swordfish, and sharks (upgrade to Dragon or Crystal Harpoon for P2P).
  • Barbarian Rod: For Barbarian Fishing (P2P, obtained from Otto Godblessed).
  • Lobster Pot: For lobsters (F2P and P2P, level 40+).

Experience Boosts

The Angler’s Outfit is a game-changer, offering a 2.5% XP boost when wearing the full set. Obtain it through the Fishing Trawler minigame or Aerial Fishing. It saves about 6 hours of training from 50-99, though acquiring it takes 6-8 hours—decide if it’s worth your time. Additionally, Admiral Pies provide a +5 Fishing level boost, letting you access higher-tier methods early.

F2P Fishing Guide: Levels 1-99

For free-to-play players, Fishing is slower but still straightforward. The key is to focus on XP rates over profit initially, then switch to money-making methods later if desired. Here’s the optimal F2P path to 99 Fishing.

Levels 1-20: Shrimp and Anchovies

Start with a small fishing net (grab one from Tutorial Island or Draynor Village). Fish at spots like Draynor Village or Lumbridge Swamp for raw shrimp (1-15) and anchovies (15-20). Drop your catches for maximum XP—expect 1,500-3,000 XP/hour at level 1, rising to 7,500 XP/hour by level 20.

Levels 20-99: Trout and Salmon

At level 20, switch to fly fishing trout with a fly fishing rod and feathers. The best spot is Barbarian Village, near a permanent fire for cooking if you want Cooking XP too. At level 30, you’ll start catching salmon, boosting rates to 15,000 XP/hour initially and up to 50,000 XP/hour at higher levels. Powerfish (drop catches) for the fastest XP—around 600 feathers get you from 20-40, and 225,000 take you to 99.

Alternative: Lobsters (Level 40+)

For profit over XP, fish lobsters at Musa Point (Karamja) with a lobster pot. Bank them via the pay-fare ship (30 GP each way). Rates drop to 20,000-30,000 XP/hour, but you’ll earn decent gold. This is slower than fly fishing, so stick to trout/salmon for speed.

Method Level XP/Hour Notes
Shrimp/Anchovies 1-20 1,500-7,500 Drop for max XP
Trout/Salmon 20-99 15,000-50,000 Fastest F2P method
Lobsters 40-99 20,000-30,000 Profitable but slower

P2P Fishing Guide: Fastest Route to 99

Pay-to-play opens up faster, more varied methods. The goal here is efficiency, with Barbarian Fishing and Tempoross leading the pack. Quests can also jumpstart your levels—complete Sea Slug (7,125 XP) and Fishing Contest (2,437 XP) for an early boost to level 24.

Levels 1-20: Shrimp and Anchovies

Same as F2P—net fish at Catherby or Draynor Village. Drop catches for 1,500-7,500 XP/hour. Questing can skip this grind entirely.

Levels 20-58: Fly Fishing Trout and Salmon

Use a fly fishing rod and feathers at Shilo Village or Barbarian Outpost. Rates hit 35,000-40,000 XP/hour by level 58. Drop fish to keep it fast—banking slows you down.

Levels 58-99: Barbarian Fishing

Unlock Barbarian Fishing by talking to Otto Godblessed near Baxtorian Falls (requires 48 Fishing, 15 Agility, 15 Strength). Use a Barbarian Rod with feathers or bait to catch leaping trout, salmon, and sturgeon (70+ requires 45 Agility/Strength). This method offers 50,000-60,000 XP/hour at 70+, peaking at 110,000 XP/hour with 3-tick manipulation at 99. Bonus: You’ll gain 1.2M Agility and Strength XP by 99 Fishing.

Levels 35-99: Tempoross

Tempoross, a skilling boss at level 35 Fishing, is a low-effort alternative. Use a harpoon (Crystal Harpoon recommended) on World 341, 422, 463, or 531. Solo or group up to earn 30,000-50,000 XP/hour at 70+, scaling to 135,000 XP/hour at 99 with a Crystal Harpoon. Rewards like the Fish Barrel and Spirit Flakes add value.

High-Level Profit Options

  • Monkfish (62-99): 30,000-40,000 XP/hour, 100M+ GP potential (Piscatoris, post-Swan Song).
  • Karambwans (65-99): 50,000 XP/hour, 60-75M GP (post-Tai Bwo Wannai Trio, fairy ring DKP).
  • Sacred Eels (87-99): 20,000-23,000 XP/hour, 78-110M GP (Zulrah scales).

Tips to Optimize Your Fishing Grind

Reaching 99 Fishing takes dedication—13M XP isn’t a small feat. Here are pro tips to make the grind smoother and more enjoyable.

Boosting Efficiency

  • 3-Tick Fishing: Master this tick manipulation technique with Barbarian Fishing for up to 110,000 XP/hour at 99.
  • Admiral Pies: Boost your level by +5 to access methods early (e.g., enter Fishing Guild at 63 instead of 68).
  • Fishing Guild: At 68 (or 63 with pie), enjoy a +7 invisible boost and close banking.

Managing Inventory and Time

Shift-drop fish for speed (hold Shift, click to drop). Use weight-reducing gear like Graceful for Tempoross to save energy. If banking, pick spots like Catherby or the Fishing Guild with nearby banks. For long sessions, combine Fishing with Netflix or an alt account to stay engaged.

With this OSRS Fishing Guide, you’re equipped to tackle the journey from 1-99, whether you’re F2P or P2P. Stick to fly fishing for F2P, or dominate with Barbarian Fishing and Tempoross in P2P. Cast your line, enjoy the grind, and soon you’ll be sporting that Fishing Skillcape!