Fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a relaxing side activity that rewards patience and preparation. There are 26 fish species to catch, including three legendary fish. This guide lists every species, its location, preferred bait, and the best luring technique.
How Fishing Works
To start fishing:
- Find a body of water.
- Equip a fishing rod.
- Choose the correct bait or lure.
- Cast and wait for a bite.
- Reel in the fish using the left stick.
Fish prefer specific bait and weather conditions. Using the wrong bait will result in no bites.
Types of Bait
There are five bait types:
- Bread: common fish.
- Corn: medium fish.
- Cheese: medium-large fish.
- Wet Bug: large fish.
- Cricket: large and rare fish.
There are also lures:
- Lake Lure: lake fish.
- River Lure: river fish.
- Swamp Lure: swamp fish.
Common Fish Species
Bullhead Catfish
Location: anywhere in the Kamassa River. Bait: Cheese. Time: any. Weather: any.
Channel Catfish
Location: San Luis River. Bait: Corn. Time: any. Weather: any.
Redfin Pickerel
Location: Lannahechee River. Bait: Bread. Time: any. Weather: any.
Chain Pickerel
Location: Dakota River. Bait: Corn. Time: any. Weather: any.
Rock Bass
Location: Upper Montana River. Bait: Bread. Time: any. Weather: any.
Smallmouth Bass
Location: Flat Iron Lake. Bait: Cheese. Time: any. Weather: any.
Largemouth Bass
Location: Bayou NWA lakes. Bait: Cricket. Time: any. Weather: any.
Bluegill
Location: any small lake. Bait: Bread. Time: any. Weather: any.
Rare Fish Species
Muskellunge
Location: in the lakes of New Austin. Bait: Wet Bug. Time: morning. Weather: sunny.
Sockeye Salmon
Location: Lake O'Leagh. Bait: Wet Bug. Time: morning. Weather: rainy.
Steelhead Trout
Location: Cattail Pond. Bait: Cheese. Time: evening. Weather: any.
Lake Sturgeon
Location: Flat Iron Lake. Bait: Cheese. Time: morning. Weather: sunny.
White Crappie
Location: Bayou NWA. Bait: Bread. Time: midday. Weather: any.
Legendary Fish
There are three legendary fish in RDR2:
Legendary Bluegill
Location: south of Braithwaite Manor. Bait: Special Lake Lure.
Reward: Legendary Bluegill Mount.
Legendary Bullhead Catfish
Location: northeast of Sisika Penitentiary. Bait: Special River Lure.
Reward: Legendary Bullhead Catfish Mount.
Legendary Muskellunge
Location: south of Blackwater, in the Upper Montana River area. Bait: Special Lake Lure.
Reward: Legendary Muskellunge Mount.
Fishing Tips
Use the Right Rod
The basic rod is fine for common fish. For legendary fish, use the Special Spinning Rod unlocked after completing a fishing challenge.
Don't Yank Too Hard
When reeling in a fish, gently move the left stick in the opposite direction of the fish's pull. Yanking too hard will break the line.
Use the Correct Time
Fish are more active in the morning and evening. During midday, they slow down.
Check the Weather
Rainy weather increases the spawn rate of rare fish. Sunny weather is better for common fish.
Common Mistakes
- Don't use bread for large fish. They will ignore it.
- Don't fish in moving water for lake fish. They will not bite.
- Don't ignore the fish shadow. It tells you the size of the fish before you cast.
- Don't cast too close to shore. Fish prefer deeper water.
Best Fishing Spots
For variety, fish at:
- Flat Iron Lake: smallmouth bass, lake sturgeon, legendary muskellunge.
- Bayou NWA: largemouth bass, white crappie, gar.
- Kamassa River: bullhead catfish, redfin pickerel.
- Upper Montana: rock bass, legendary bullhead catfish.
Selling Fish
Fish can be sold to:
- The Trapper: $5-$15 per fish.
- Butcher: $3-$10 per fish.
- Pearson at camp: turns fish into a stew.
The Trapper pays the most. Pearson's stew is useful for camp morale.
Common Mistakes
- Don't keep every fish. Sell the common ones and keep the rare ones for the camp.
- Don't ignore the legendary fish. They unlock unique camp decorations.
With this guide, you will catch every fish species in Red Dead Redemption 2 and unlock all the legendary fish rewards.
FAQ: Fishing
Q: What is the rarest fish?
A: The Legendary Muskellunge is the rarest fish in the game.
Q: Can I catch fish at night?
A: Yes, but most fish are more active during the morning and evening.
Q: What is the best bait?
A: Wet Bug is the best bait for large and rare fish.
Q: Can I sell fish?
A: Yes, fish can be sold to the Trapper, Butcher, or Pearson.
Best Fishing Strategies
For best fishing:
- Use the right bait for the fish.
- Be patient. Some fish take time to bite.
- Use the correct reel technique.
- Fish during morning or evening for best results.
Common Fishing Mistakes
- Don't use bread for large fish. They will ignore it.
- Don't fish in moving water for lake fish. They will not bite.
- Don't ignore the fish shadow. It tells you the size of the fish before you cast.
- Don't cast too close to shore. Fish prefer deeper water.
How to Catch Legendary Fish
To catch legendary fish:
- Get the Special Spinning Rod.
- Get the Special Lake Lure or Special River Lure.
- Fish at the legendary locations.
- Be patient and use the correct reel technique.
The legendary fish are the hardest to catch but reward the most.
FAQ: Fishing
Q: What is the rarest fish?
A: The Legendary Muskellunge is the rarest fish in the game.
Q: Can I catch fish at night?
A: Yes, but most fish are more active during the morning and evening.
Q: What is the best bait?
A: Wet Bug is the best bait for large and rare fish.
Q: Can I sell fish?
A: Yes, fish can be sold to the Trapper, Butcher, or Pearson.
Best Fishing Strategies
For best fishing:
- Use the right bait for the fish.
- Be patient. Some fish take time to bite.
- Use the correct reel technique.
- Fish during morning or evening for best results.
Common Fishing Mistakes
- Don't use bread for large fish. They will ignore it.
- Don't fish in moving water for lake fish. They will not bite.
- Don't ignore the fish shadow. It tells you the size of the fish before you cast.
- Don't cast too close to shore. Fish prefer deeper water.
How to Catch Legendary Fish
To catch legendary fish:
- Get the Special Spinning Rod.
- Get the Special Lake Lure or Special River Lure.
- Fish at the legendary locations.
- Be patient and use the correct reel technique.
The legendary fish are the hardest to catch but reward the most.