- Dragonwilds Fishing released 21 April 2026 with update 0.11.1 as the game's eleventh skill
- Two methods: net trawling (simple, 10 stamina per pull) and rod fishing (cast, hook, strafe-reel)
- Start by crafting a Coarse Net and beginning the Shrimp Catcher quest
- Equip region-specific rods like the Ash Rod in Brynmoor for best catch rates
- Fish feed Cooking, crafting, and Pristine trophy collections
Fishing Skill Overview
Dragonwilds Fishing is the skill that lets you catch fish in rivers and lakes across the continent. Released on 21 April 2026 alongside the 0.11.1 update, it became Dragonwilds' eleventh skill. Jagex originally planned to launch Fishing together with the Dowdun Reach region, but held the skill back to fine-tune it for the increased skill cap of level 99.
Catching fish serves three purposes: supplying the Cooking skill with raw ingredients, feeding crafting recipes, and building a collection of Pristine trophies to show off at your base. Magic also interacts with the skill — most notably through the Fishnado and Fishing Frenzy spells.
Net Trawling
- Beginner-friendly entry method
- Works at any net fishing spot
- Costs 10 stamina per trawl
Rod Fishing
- Requires distance-casting and reeling
- Bait improves catch quality
- Best XP rates with region rods
Trophy Hunting
- Pristine fish become base trophies
- Collectibles from Sardine to Beltfish
- Reward for dedicated anglers
To begin training Fishing, craft your first Coarse Net and start the Shrimp Catcher quest. This questline walks you through the basics of spotting and using fishing spots.
Fishing Tools: Nets, Rods and Bait
Your toolset determines where and how you fish. Nets only work on net fishing spots, while rods only work on rod fishing spots — the two never overlap, so carry both when exploring.
Nets
The net tier ladder runs from the basic Coarse Net up through Wool, Fine, Mystic, and Desert Nets. A key detail: nets can be used in any region regardless of material, so a single reliable net travels with you everywhere.
Rods
Fishing rods are crafted from region-appropriate woods, unlocked at Fishing level 3:
| Region | Best-in-Slot Fishing Rod |
|---|---|
| Brynmoor | Ash Rod |
| Ghornfell | Oak Rod |
Higher tiers continue with Willow, Maple, and Yew Rods as you push toward endgame regions.
Bait Options
| Bait | Used For |
|---|---|
| Shrimp Bait | Raw sardine and early catches |
| Feather Bait | Early rod fishing |
| Anchovy Bait | Mid-tier fish |
| Feathered Lure | Improved rod catches |
| Lobster Bait | Raw lobster |
| Monkfish Bait | Raw monkfish |
| Spooky Bait | Undead-themed fish |
| Giant Krill Bait / Kalphite Bait | Advanced regional catches |
Fishing without bait greatly increases the chance of pulling junk such as stone or weeds. Always pack bait before a long fishing session, especially for rod spots.
How to Fish: Net and Rod Mechanics
Each method has its own controls and rhythm. Master both to switch efficiently between XP farming and targeted trophy hunting.
Net Trawling
Stand within range of a net fishing spot with any net equipped, then use the Trawl action button (default: LMB). Each trawl consumes 10 stamina and can yield fish or junk. Trawling only works within range of a non-depleted spot — attempting to fish a depleted spot returns a notification that there are no fish here.
Rod Fishing and Reeling
Cast Your Line
Equip a fishing rod and optional bait. Move a certain distance from the spot, then press Cast (default: LMB). Hold to charge for a longer cast — too weak or too strong and you miss, costing no stamina or bait.
Wait for the Bite
After a successful cast, wait a moment for a fish to bite. The fish will immediately try to swim away.
Strafe Against the Fish
Watch the fish energy bar above your stamina bar. Use Strafe Left/Right (default: A/D) to pull opposite the fish's direction.
React to Direction Changes
When the fish changes direction, the fish bar turns red — immediately switch to the opposite strafe direction until the fish tires out and you land the catch.
For rod-caught fish, the listed catch XP is the base value — you also earn two sets of 3 XP while reeling. Casting Fishnado awards a base 20 XP plus XP per fish pulled out, though that base portion ignores XP boosts.
Sample Catch Table and Leveling Rewards
Early catches set the pace for your Fishing grind:
| Fish | Power Level | Base XP | Weight | Bait Required | Pristine Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw shrimp | 2 | 8 | 0.2 | N/A | N/A |
| Raw sardine | 2 | 20 | 1.5 | Shrimp Bait | Pristine Sardine |
Every level-up grants a passive 1% increase to fish stamina drain rate, making reeling progressively easier as you train. The trophy list extends far beyond sardines — Pristine versions exist for Trout, Salmon, Herring, Lobster, Bass, Monkfish, Armoured Catfish, Desert Sole, Beltfish, Undead Eel, and Infernal Eel, plus storage items like the Fishing Barrel and Tackle Box.
Boosts Worth Equipping
| Source | Effect |
|---|---|
| Angler's hat (70 Fishing) | 10% chance not to deplete a fishing node |
| Magic armour (one piece) | Stamina regen delay reduced by 50% |
| Weak Focused Fishing Potion | +15% XP for 300s |
| Lesser Focused Fishing Potion | +15% XP for 600s |
Pair a Lesser Focused Fishing Potion with a piece of magic armour and the Angler's hat for the strongest sustained fishing loop: faster stamina recovery between nodes, fewer depleted spots, and boosted XP on every catch.
Angler's Checklist
Fishing Progression Milestones:
- Craft your first Coarse Net
- Complete the Shrimp Catcher quest
- Reach level 3 to unlock fishing rod crafting
- Craft the region-appropriate rod (Ash/Oak)
- Reach level 70 to unlock the Angler's hat
- Collect your first Pristine trophy
Community testing suggests rain may double XP on catches, possibly only for fish in Ghornfell. This requires further confirmation — but fishing during rain certainly doesn't hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Dragonwilds Fishing released?
Fishing released on 21 April 2026 alongside the 0.11.1 update, making it Dragonwilds' eleventh skill. Jagex delayed it past the planned Dowdun Reach launch to fine-tune it for the level 99 skill cap.
Q: Can I use a net at a rod fishing spot?
No. Nets only work on net fishing spots and rods only work on rod fishing spots. However, nets themselves work in any region regardless of the net's material, so carry one net plus a rod to cover both spot types.
Q: What happens if my cast is too weak or too strong?
A mis-timed cast simply misses, using no stamina and no bait. Hold the Cast button to charge for longer throws — you need to be at least a certain distance from the spot for rod fishing to work.
Q: What is the best Dragonwilds fishing setup for XP?
Use the region-specific best-in-slot rod with matching bait, drink a Lesser Focused Fishing Potion (+15% XP for 600s), wear one piece of magic armour for 50% faster stamina regen, and equip the Angler's hat at level 70 for a 10% chance to avoid depleting nodes.