You’ve been staring at that ripples in the water for twenty minutes. Your thumbs are starting to cramp, and Arthur Morgan is looking a little worse for wear in the rain. Honestly, fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 is either a zen-like masterpiece or a test of human patience. Most players just want to find the rdr2 legendary fish locations so they can wrap up "A Fisher of Fish" and get that sweet Special Spinner. It's not just about knowing where to go, though. It’s about not getting eaten by an alligator while you’re trying to reel in a giant sturgeon.
Jeremy Gill is the guy who starts this whole mess. You find him out on a pier in Flat Iron Lake, and he basically tells you he’s a world-famous fisherman who needs you to catch thirteen legendary specimens for him. He's a bit of a fraud, but the rewards are real. To actually catch these things, you can't just use bread or worms. You need Special Lures. You buy them at the bait shop in Lagras. If you try to catch a Legendary Northern Pike with a regular lure, you’re going to be there until the 1900s rolls around.
Getting the Gear Right Before You Head Out
Don't even think about starting your search for rdr2 legendary fish locations until you have the Special Lake Lure, Special River Lure, and Special Swamp Lure. They cost about $20 each. It’s a steep price when you’re early in the game, but essential.
The mechanics are tricky. You have to reel when the fish isn't struggling. If the line vibrates, stop. Pulling the left stick down while reeling helps bring the fish in faster. It’s a rhythm thing. Once you find the spot, look for the biggest splashes. Those are your targets.
The Heartlands and Lemoyne: The Early Hunt
The Legendary Bluegill is usually the first one people go for because it’s tied to a mission with Kieran. You’ll find it on the eastern shore of Flat Iron Lake, south of Rhodes. It’s a small fry compared to the others, but it fights hard. Use the Special Lake Lure. It’s tucked away in a little cove that’s actually quite peaceful if the Raiders aren't patrolling nearby.
Then there’s the Legendary Bullhead Catfish. This one is a pain. It’s located on Sisika Island, which is the prison island. You have to steal a boat to get there. It’s right in the little channels on the eastern side of the island. Use a Special River Lure here. Watch out for the guards; they don’t take kindly to people fishing near the penitentiary. It’s a muddy, gross area, but the catfish is huge.
The Swamp Dwellers
Lemoyne is a nightmare for fishermen. The Legendary Longnose Gar is in Bayou Nwa, right on the northwestern tip of Lakay. The water is thick with alligators. I’m not joking—kill the gators before you cast. Use the Special Swamp Lure. This fish looks like a prehistoric monster.
Not far from there is the Legendary Lake Sturgeon. It’s under the southern railroad bridge leading into Saint Denis. You can actually stand on the edge of the bridge to fish, but if a train comes, you’re dead. It’s better to find a spot on the muddy bank. This thing is heavy. It takes a long time to reel in, so keep your stamina up.
Exploring the Snowy North and the Grizzlies
If you want a change of scenery, head up to the mountains. The Legendary Sockeye Salmon is in Lake Isabella. This is the same lake where you find the White Arabian horse. The water is freezing, and the scenery is stunning. Use the Special Lake Lure. The salmon has a bright red color that stands out against the blue water.
Over in the Grizzlies East, you’ll find the Legendary Elfin Pickerel. It’s in O'Creagh's Run. This is the lake where the veteran, Hamish Sinclair, lives. It’s a beautiful spot. Use the Special Lake Lure. The fish isn't massive, but the location makes it worth the trip.
The Dangerous Waters of Roanoke Ridge
The Legendary Muskie is at the lighthouse in Van Horn Trading Post. This is a rough town. You’ll find the fish right at the base of the lighthouse rocks. It’s a long, slender fish that puts up a massive fight. Use the Special River Lure. Be careful on those rocks; they are slippery, and Arthur isn't exactly a gymnast.
Then you have the Legendary Perch. It’s in Elysian Pool, southwest of Annesburg. This place is eerie. The water is contaminated because of the nearby mines. The fish looks mangy and sick, which is a cool, albeit gross, detail. Use the Special Lake Lure. Don’t spend too much time in that water; it’s toxic.
Moving Toward the West and New Austin
As you push into the later parts of the game, the rdr2 legendary fish locations become more remote. The Legendary Smallmouth Bass is in Owanjila, which is a lake west of Strawberry. It’s a pristine area, usually quiet. Use the Special Lake Lure. There are often wolves or cougars in the woods nearby, so keep your ears open while you’re focused on the bobber.
The Legendary Steelhead Trout is way up north at Willard's Rest, by the waterfall called Brandywine Drop. This is arguably the most beautiful fishing spot in the entire game. The trout is massive. Use the Special River Lure and cast right near the base of the falls.
The Hot Sands of the South
Once the map opens up toward the end of the game, you can hit the New Austin spots. The Legendary Rock Bass is in the Aurora Basin, at the head of the Upper Montana River. It’s a small, circular lake. Use the Special Lake Lure.
The Legendary Redfin Pickerel is in Stillwater Creek, west of Thieves Landing. It’s a swampy, shallow area. Use the Special Lake Lure here too. It’s not a hard catch, but the terrain is tricky to navigate with a horse.
Finally, there’s the Legendary Largemouth Bass. It’s in the San Luis River, just southeast of Lake Don Julio. This is desert fishing at its finest. Use the Special River Lure. It’s hot, dusty, and the fish is a fighter.
Why You Might Be Failing to Catch Them
Sometimes you go to these rdr2 legendary fish locations and nothing happens. It's frustrating. The most common reason is the weather. Some fish bite better in the rain; others want full sun. If the water is choppy, it’s harder to see the ripples.
Another issue is your positioning. If you’re standing too far back, you won't reach the "zone" where the legendary spawns. If you're too close, you might spook it. Always look for the notification in the top left corner that says you’ve entered the territory of a legendary animal. If you don't see that, you're in the wrong spot.
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Also, check your satchel. You can only carry one of each legendary fish. If you already caught it but forgot to mail it to Jeremy Gill, the game won't let you catch another one. Mail your fish at any Post Office as soon as you catch them. They rot if they sit on the back of your horse for days, though the game is a bit lenient with the legendary versions for the quest's sake.
The Secret 14th Fish
A lot of people think there are only thirteen fish because that's what the map shows. But there’s a secret. After you catch and mail all thirteen, Jeremy Gill will invite you to Rio Bravo for one last trip. You go after the Legendary Channel Catfish.
I’ll be honest—this part of the game is legendary for being a bit of a troll. Without spoiling too much, let's just say the quest ends in a way that many players find hilarious or infuriating. You don't actually get to keep a giant catfish in your inventory.
Actionable Strategy for Completionists
If you want to knock these out efficiently, follow this order. It saves on travel time and keeps you from crisscrossing the map like a madman.
- Phase 1: The South & East. Start with the Bluegill near Rhodes, then hit the Sturgeon in Saint Denis. Swing through the Bayou for the Longnose Gar. This covers the most dangerous territory early.
- Phase 2: The North. Head up to Van Horn for the Muskie, then over to the Elysian Pool for the Perch. Finish the mountain run with the Steelhead Trout at Brandywine Drop and the Sockeye Salmon at Lake Isabella.
- Phase 3: The West. Hit Owanjila for the Smallmouth Bass.
- Phase 4: New Austin. Save these for the late game. Hit the Aurora Basin, Stillwater Creek, and the San Luis River in one big loop.
Always make sure your horse is nearby. These fish are heavy, and you have to stow them on your horse's back. If your horse wanders off or gets spooked by a predator, you’re stuck carrying a 50-pound fish across the woods on foot. It’s not fun.
Once you’ve caught a fish, open your map. You’ll see a little drawing of a fish with a crown on its head. If there is an "X" through it, you’ve successfully cleared that location. If there's no "X," you either didn't catch it or the game didn't register the "kill."
Go to the bait shop in Lagras immediately. Buy 99 of every regular bait and at least one of each Special Lure. This ensures you never have to interrupt your fishing trip to go shopping. Pack some cigars or snake oil too. Fishing drains your Stamina Core, and you don't want to go limp right as a 40-pound Muskie is three feet from the shore. Arthur needs his strength.