Legendary Fish are the rarest catches in Red Dead Redemption 2. There are 13 to find across the map, each with unique spawn conditions and rewards. This guide lists every legendary fish, where to find it, and what bait works best.
How Legendary Fishing Works
Legendary Fish require:
- A special Legendary Lure, purchased from the Bait Shop in Lagras
- The right river, lake, or coastal area
- The right weather and time of day
- Patience โ they are one-time catches
Each legendary fish can be sold or mailed to the museum. The museum rewards are the real prizes.
The 13 Legendary Fish
Legendary Bluegill
Location: Lake Isabella, in the Grizzlies West region. Best bait: Special Lake Lure. Time: dawn.
Reward: Legendary Bluegill can be mailed to the museum for a $5 reward and a museum plaque.
Legendary Catfish
Location: The Dakota River, just south of Window Rock. Best bait: Special River Lure. Time: dusk.
Reward: $5 to the museum plus a museum plaque.
Legendary Chain Pickerel
Location: The Lannahechee River, east of Van Horn Trading Post. Best bait: Special River Lure. Time: morning.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Largemouth Bass
Location: Lake Don Julio, in the New Austin region. Best bait: Special Lake Lure. Time: dawn.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Longnose Gar
Location: The swamps near Lagras, in the Bayou NWA region. Best bait: Special Swamp Lure. Time: midday.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Muskellunge
Location: The Roanoke River, in the Roanoke Ridge region. Best bait: Special River Lure. Time: dusk.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Perch
Location: The Echo Lake, in the Grizzlies East region. Best bait: Special Lake Lure. Time: morning.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Pike
Location: The Cattail Pond, in the Great Plains region. Best bait: Special Lake Lure. Time: dusk.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Redfin Pickerel
Location: The Stillwater Creek, in the Big Valley region. Best bait: Special River Lure. Time: morning.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Rock Bass
Location: The Flat Iron Lake, in the Great Plains region. Best bait: Special Lake Lure. Time: midday.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Smallmouth Bass
Location: The Lake Octorara, in the Scarlett Meadows region. Best bait: Special Lake Lure. Time: dusk.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Sockeye Salmon
Location: The Upper Montana River, in the Grizzlies West region. Best bait: Special River Lure. Time: morning.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Legendary Steelhead Trout
Location: The Kaweah River, in the Big Valley region. Best bait: Special River Lure. Time: midday.
Reward: $5 plus museum plaque.
Best Bait for Each Region
Lake Fish
- Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Perch, Pike, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass
- Best bait: Special Lake Lure
River Fish
- Catfish, Chain Pickerel, Muskellunge, Redfin Pickerel, Sockeye Salmon, Steelhead Trout
- Best bait: Special River Lure
Swamp Fish
- Longnose Gar
- Best bait: Special Swamp Lure
Best Time of Day for Fishing
- Dawn: bluegill, perch, chain pickerel, sockeye salmon
- Morning: chain pickerel, redfin pickerel, perch, sockeye salmon
- Midday: longnose gar, rock bass, steelhead trout
- Dusk: catfish, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, pike
Tips for Catching Legendary Fish
Use the Right Rod
The Legendary Rod is required for legendary fish. It is purchased from the Bait Shop in Lagras for $40.
Use the Right Bait
Match the bait to the water type. Lake, River, and Swamp Lures are all available from the Bait Shop.
Be Patient
Legendary fish bite slowly. Let the lure sit for at least 30 seconds before reeling.
Don't Lose Them
Once hooked, legendary fish struggle hard. Keep the line tight but do not pull too hard or the line will break.
Save Your Game
Save before each legendary fish attempt. If the fish escapes, reload and try again.
The Museum Reward
Mailing all 13 legendary fish to the museum unlocks the Master Angler trophy and the Master Angler outfit. The outfit includes:
- Master Angler Hat
- Master Angler Vest
- Master Angler Boots
The outfit provides +10% fishing success rate.
FAQ: Legendary Fishing
Q: Can legendary fish be caught in co-op?
A: No. They are solo-only catches.
Q: Do legendary fish respawn?
A: No. They are one-time catches.
Q: What happens if I lose a legendary fish?
A: Reload your save. The fish will reappear.
Q: Can I sell legendary fish to a general store?
A: Yes, but for less than the museum reward. Always mail them to the museum.
Q: Is there a legendary fish in the epilogue?
A: Yes, the Legendary Bullhead Catfish. It only appears in Chapter 6.
With this guide, you will catch every legendary fish in Red Dead Redemption 2. Use the right bait, be patient, and always save before attempting.