OSRS Fishing XP Rates: Best Methods to Level Up Fast in 2025

OSRS Fishing XP Rates: Best Methods to Level Up Fast in 2025


Fishing in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of the most iconic skills, offering players a mix of relaxation, profit, and steady progression. Whether you’re aiming for the coveted Fishing Skillcape at level 99 or just want to catch some fish for your next adventure, understanding XP rates is key to optimizing your training. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best OSRS fishing XP rates for 2025, covering free-to-play (F2P) and pay-to-play (P2P) methods, from beginner-friendly spots to advanced techniques. Let’s explore how to maximize your fishing XP per hour and make the grind as efficient as possible!

Fishing isn’t just about clicking a spot and waiting for a bite—it’s about choosing the right method to match your goals. XP rates determine how quickly you can level up, and in OSRS, they vary widely depending on your level, gear, and technique. For casual players, a slower but more AFK method might suffice, while dedicated grinders will chase the highest XP per hour. Knowing the numbers behind each method helps you plan your journey, whether you’re an Ironman needing food or a main account looking to profit.

What Affects Fishing XP Rates?

Several factors influence your XP per hour in OSRS fishing:

  • Fishing Level: Higher levels unlock better fish and faster catch rates.
  • Equipment: Tools like the Dragon Harpoon or Angler’s Outfit boost efficiency.
  • Method: Active methods (e.g., tick manipulation) yield more XP than AFK ones.
  • Location: Proximity to banks or specific fishing spots impacts downtime.

Setting Realistic Goals

Before diving in, decide if you’re prioritizing speed, profit, or ease. For example, Barbarian Fishing offers top-tier XP but no profit, while Monkfish provides decent XP with solid gold. This guide focuses on XP rates, but we’ll touch on secondary benefits where relevant.

F2P Fishing XP Rates: Levels 1-99

Testing the VENATOR BOW XP Rates at popular training spots YouTube

Free-to-play players have fewer options, but the methods available are straightforward and effective. Here’s how to maximize XP rates without a membership.

Levels 1-20: Shrimp and Anchovies

Start with a small fishing net at spots like Draynor Village or Port Sarim. You’ll catch raw shrimp (10 XP each) until level 15, when raw anchovies (40 XP each) join the mix.

  • XP Rate: 1,500–7,500 XP/hour
  • Best Spot: Draynor Village (near bank for dropping)
  • Tip: Drop fish to avoid banking and boost XP.

Levels 20-99: Fly Fishing Trout and Salmon

At level 20, grab a fly fishing rod and feathers, then head to Barbarian Village or Lumbridge. You’ll catch raw trout (50 XP each) and, at level 30, raw salmon (70 XP each).

  • XP Rate: 15,000 XP/hour at level 20, up to 50,000 XP/hour at level 99
  • Tick Manipulation: With 3-tick fishing (using a knife and logs), rates jump to 80,000–90,000 XP/hour at high levels.
  • Best Spot: Barbarian Village (permanent fire nearby for cooking).

This is the fastest F2P method to 99, though it’s profitless unless you bank and sell. Expect 360–400 hours without tick manipulation.

P2P Fishing XP Rates: Early Levels (1-58)

Pay-to-play opens up a world of faster methods and unique activities. Here’s how to kick off your fishing journey as a member.

Levels 1-24: Quest Boost with Sea Slug

The Sea Slug quest (requires 30 Firemaking) grants 7,175 Fishing XP, instantly boosting you to level 24. It’s the quickest way to skip the early grind.

  • XP Rate: Effectively infinite (takes ~20 minutes).
  • Location: Start at Witchaven with Caroline.

Levels 24-58: Fly Fishing or Tempoross

Continue fly fishing trout and salmon until level 35, or jump into Tempoross, a skilling boss, for a fun alternative.

  • Fly Fishing: 25,000–45,000 XP/hour with tick manipulation (20,000–30,000 without).
  • Tempoross: 30,000 XP/hour at level 35, scaling to 60,000–90,000 with better harpoons (e.g., Dragon or Crystal).
  • Best Spot: Tempoross at Piscatoris Fishing Colony (post-Swan Song).

Tempoross also offers rewards like the Fish Barrel, making it a great early-game choice.

P2P Mid-to-High Level Fishing XP Rates (58-99)

Once you hit level 58, P2P methods really shine. These options balance XP, effort, and sometimes profit.

Barbarian Fishing: The XP King

Starting at level 48 (recommended 58 for leaping salmon), Barbarian Fishing at Otto’s Grotto uses a heavy rod and bait. It’s the fastest method in OSRS with tick manipulation.

  • XP Rate:
    • AFK: 40,000 XP/hour at 58, 60,000 XP/hour at 70, up to 70,000 XP/hour at 99.
    • 3-Tick: 68,000 XP/hour at 58, 90,000 XP/hour at 70, 100,000+ XP/hour at 99.
  • Requirements: 48 Fishing, 15 Strength, 15 Agility.
  • Bonus: Strength and Agility XP (1.2M each by 99).

Drop fish to maximize rates—banking kills efficiency here.

Monkfish: Balanced XP and Profit

Post-Swan Song, catch monkfish at Piscatoris Fishing Colony with a small net. It’s less intense than Barbarian Fishing and profitable.

  • XP Rate: 30,000–35,000 XP/hour at 70, 40,000 XP/hour at 90+.
  • Profit: ~40,000 GP/hour, totaling 14M GP to 99 from 62.
  • Tip: Wear the Angler’s Outfit (+2.5% XP) and Rada’s Blessing (extra fish).

Drift Net Fishing: Dual-Skill Training

At Fossil Island’s underwater area (level 47 Fishing, 44 Hunter, post-Bone Voyage), drift nets train Fishing and Hunter simultaneously.

  • XP Rate: 44,000 Fishing XP/hour at 47, up to 60,000 XP/hour at 65+ (plus 80,000–100,000 Hunter XP).
  • Gear: Fishbowl helmet, diving apparatus, flippers.
  • Note: Less Fishing XP than Barbarian, but great for multi-skillers.

Endgame Fishing XP Rates: Level 82-99

At higher levels, you can push XP rates even further or mix in profit-focused methods.

Minnows: XP and Sharks

At level 82 and with the Angler’s Outfit (from Fishing Trawler), catch minnows at the Fishing Guild to trade for raw sharks.

  • XP Rate: 39,000 XP/hour at 82, 52,000 XP/hour at 99.
  • Profit: ~500,000 GP/hour (selling sharks).
  • Caveat: Click-intensive due to moving spots every 15 seconds.

2-Tick Harpooning: Elite Efficiency

At Piscarilius (level 71+ recommended), use a crystal harpoon for 2-tick swordfish/tuna fishing. It’s the pinnacle of active training.

  • XP Rate: 100,000–110,000 XP/hour at 90+.
  • Requirements: High Agility/Strength for stamina, practice for timing.
  • Bonus: Chance at the Heron pet.

Table: XP Rates Comparison (Level 99)

Method XP/Hour Profit/Hour Effort
Fly Fishing (F2P) 50,000 (90,000 with 3-tick) None Low/High
Barbarian Fishing 70,000 (100,000+ with 3-tick) None Low/High
Monkfish 40,000 40,000 GP Low
Minnows 52,000 500,000 GP High
2-Tick Harpooning 110,000 Minor Very High

Tips to Boost Your Fishing XP Rates

Maximize your efficiency with these pro tips:

  • Get the Angler’s Outfit: Fish Trawler takes 6–10 hours but adds 2.5% XP across all methods.
  • Use Boosts: Admiral Pies (+5 Fishing) let you access higher-tier methods early.
  • Master Tick Manipulation: Practice 3-tick (herb + tar) or 2-tick (harpoon) for massive gains.
  • Optimize Inventory: Shift-drop fish with RuneLite for faster clearing.

Fishing in OSRS can be as chill or intense as you make it. For the fastest route to 99, stick with Barbarian Fishing or 2-tick harpooning. If you want profit alongside decent XP, Monkfish or Minnows are your go-to. Whatever your playstyle, these XP rates will guide you to mastery in 2025. Happy fishing!