OSRS 1–99 Fishing Training Guide

Why Train Fishing?

Fishing is a core progression skill in Old School RuneScape. It unlocks quest requirements, supports Slayer and bossing through food supply, enables strong money-making methods, and plays a major role for Ironman accounts.

At-a-Glance: Best Fishing Paths

• Fastest XP Overall: Tick manipulation (3-tick / 2-tick)

• Best Balanced Method: Barbarian Fishing

• AFK Training: Prifddinas fly fishing, eels

• Boss-Style Training: Tempoross

• Best Profit: Karambwans, anglerfish, sacred eels

XP Boosts & Useful Equipment

Fishing allows level boosts, enabling earlier access to methods. Temporary boosts can unlock faster training or improved AFK efficiency.

• Angler Outfit: +2.5% Fishing XP with full set

• Harpoons: Dragon, Infernal, and Crystal increase catch speed via special attack

• Fish Barrel: Doubles inventory size for many methods

• Spirit Flakes: Extra fish (no bonus XP)

Level 1–33: Fast Early Progression

Questing is the fastest way to skip early Fishing levels, jumping straight into the 30s and avoiding slow starter methods.

If questing is skipped, early Fishing can be trained by catching shrimps, then upgrading to rod-and-bait fishing. Fly fishing unlocks at level 20 and becomes the fastest regular method.

Fly Fishing & Tick Manipulation (20+)

Fly fishing for trout and salmon is the fastest standard training method early on. With tick manipulation, XP rates increase dramatically.

3-Tick Fly Fishing

• Uses a repeated 3-tick action to speed catches

• Very high XP but click-intensive

• Scales extremely well into high levels

Barbarian Fishing (48–99)

Barbarian Fishing is one of the most popular training paths. It offers strong XP, optional tick manipulation, and passive Strength and Agility experience.

• AFK or active playstyles supported

• XP ranges from ~20k to 100k per hour

• Grants Strength and Agility XP alongside Fishing

2-Tick Harpooning (Fastest XP)

This is the fastest Fishing XP method in the game, but it requires constant tick manipulation and high focus.

• Can exceed 120k XP/hour at high levels

• Very click-intensive

• Not recommended unless maximum efficiency is the goal

Tempoross (35–99)

Tempoross is a skilling boss that provides competitive Fishing XP and valuable rewards.

XP & Profit

• 30k XP/hour at entry, scaling up to ~95k

• Optional Cooking XP at the cost of Fishing XP

• Significant GP from rewards over long sessions

Drift Net Fishing (47+)

Drift net fishing is one of the most efficient methods overall, training Fishing and Hunter simultaneously.

• High combined XP efficiency

• Very click-intensive

• Significant GP cost due to net usage

AFK Fishing Methods

Fishing offers some of the most AFK skilling methods in OSRS.

• Prifddinas Fly Fishing: Long AFK intervals, stable XP

• Eel Fishing: Very long AFK time per click

Profitable Fishing Methods

• Monkfish: Moderate profit, simple AFK

• Karambwans: Very high profit, long AFK with barrel

• Infernal Eels: No banking required

• Anglerfish: Extremely profitable, slow XP

• Dark Crabs: High profit with Wilderness risk

• Sacred Eels: Excellent Ironman-friendly profit

Ironman Fishing Tips

Fishing is critical for Ironmen, supplying reliable food and resources. Tempoross and karambwans are especially valuable for long-term progression.

Free-to-Play Fishing

Free-to-play Fishing is slower but still efficient with fly fishing. Tick manipulation significantly improves XP rates.

Common Mistakes / Avoid These

• Ignoring Fishing boosts and equipment

• Banking too often instead of dropping fish when XP-focused

• Using high-effort methods without committing fully

• Choosing profit methods when XP is the priority

FAQ

What is the fastest Fishing XP method?

2-tick harpooning is the fastest but requires constant attention.

Is Barbarian Fishing worth it?

Yes, it balances XP, AFK time, and passive combat stats.

Is Tempoross good for Ironmen?

Absolutely. It provides supplies, GP value, and consistent XP.

Which Fishing method is most AFK?

Eel fishing and Prifddinas fly fishing offer the longest AFK intervals.

Should I focus on profit or XP?

That depends on your goals. Many players alternate between both.

Efficiency Note

If playtime is limited, many players combine AFK Fishing with active sessions like Barbarian Fishing or Tempoross. Some also rely on trusted convenience options such as ArgenGaming to save time while keeping progression secure and balanced.