13 Legendary Fish in Red Dead Redemption 2: A Comprehensive Capture Guide

To catch all 13 legendary fish in Red Dead Redemption 2, you must first initiate the "A Fisher of Fish" quest by meeting Jeremy Gill at Gill’s Landing. Using Special Lake, River, and Swamp Lures, players must navigate diverse ecosystems across the map to locate and reel in these unique specimens, mailing them to Gill for rewards and completion.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) remains one of the most mechanically dense open-world experiences ever created. While the game's combat and narrative take center stage, the hunting and fishing systems offer a level of depth that rivals standalone simulators. Among the most prestigious challenges for completionists is the pursuit of the 13 legendary fish. These are unique, one-of-a-kind creatures that are significantly larger, heavier, and harder to catch than their standard counterparts.

Finding these fish requires more than just a rod and some worms; it demands specific equipment, knowledge of the terrain, and an understanding of the game’s "A Fisher of Fish" questline. This guide provides an exhaustive look at the prerequisites, locations, and tactical strategies required to conquer the waters of the American West.

Prerequisites and the "A Fisher of Fish" Quest

Before you can officially begin tracking legendary fish, you must trigger the stranger mission titled "A Fisher of Fish." This mission becomes available as early as Chapter 2. You can find the quest giver, Jeremy Gill, at a small pier on the northern shore of Flat Iron Lake, specifically at a location called Gill’s Landing.

Upon meeting Gill, a self-proclaimed world-renowned angler, he will provide you with a map showing the general locations of 13 legendary fish. He offers to pay you for the specimens you catch. To complete the mission, you must catch the fish and then take them to the nearest Post Office to mail them to him.

The Essential Special Lures

Standard bait like bread, corn, or worms will not work for legendary fish. Even standard lures (Lake, River, Swamp) are insufficient. You must purchase Special Lures from the Bait and Tackle shop in Lagras. These lures are specifically designed to attract the legendary variants:

• Special Lake Lure: Used for legendary fish found in lakes.
• Special River Lure: Essential for legendary fish in flowing rivers.
• Special Swamp Lure: Required for the murky waters of the bayou.

Buying these lures early is non-negotiable. Without them, the legendary fish simply will not bite.

Advanced Reeling Techniques and Mechanics

Catching a legendary fish is a battle of endurance. Unlike standard fish, which can be pulled in with minimal effort, legendary specimens will fight back with immense strength, often threatening to snap your line.

Managing Tension

When a legendary fish is "struggling" (splashing violently on the surface), you must stop reeling immediately. If you continue to rotate the right analog stick while the fish is fighting, the line will likely snap. Instead, hold the right stick in a specific direction to prevent the fish from pulling out more line, but do not reel.

The "Pump and Reel" Method

Once the fish tires and stops splashing, you enter the reeling phase. To maximize your progress, use the pump technique. Pull back on the left analog stick to lift the rod tip high, then quickly reel as you lower the rod. This "pumping" action pulls the fish significantly closer than reeling alone. Repeat this rhythm—pull up, reel down—to bring the massive creature to shore before it starts its next struggle.

Weather and Time of Day

While legendary fish can be caught at any time, your chances are slightly improved during overcast weather. Fish in RDR2 are programmed to be more active when the sun isn't at its peak brightness. Early morning is also a prime window for fishing activity.

The 13 Catchable Legendary Fish Locations

The following 13 fish are the primary targets required for the "A Fisher of Fish" collection. Note that while some are accessible early in the game, others are located in the southern regions (New Austin) and are generally restricted until the Epilogue.

1. Legendary Bluegill

• Location: Flat Iron Lake, south of Clemens Point.
• Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure.
• Tactics: You will find this fish between the shore and the small islands south of your Chapter 3 camp. It is one of the easier legendary fish to catch but requires a boat or careful positioning on the shoreline to reach the deep water where it spawns.

2. Legendary Bullhead Catfish

• Location: Sisika Penitentiary (east of Saint Denis).
• Recommended Lure: Special River Lure.
• Tactics: This is one of the most difficult fish to access because it is located on the island housing the prison. You will need to steal a boat from the Saint Denis docks and row out to the eastern side of the island. Be careful not to get too close to the guards, or they will open fire. The fish is found in the narrow channel on the island's western edge.

3. Legendary Chain Pickerel

• Location: Dakota River, northwest of Flatneck Station.
• Recommended Lure: Special River Lure.
• Tactics: Look for the spot where the river bends sharply. This fish is relatively small compared to others on this list, making it a good introductory catch for players just starting their journey.

4. Legendary Lake Sturgeon

• Location: Southern bridge leading into Saint Denis.
• Recommended Lure: Special River Lure (despite the name, it is found in the brackish river mouth).
• Tactics: Stand on the edge of the railroad bridge to cast your line. Be mindful of oncoming trains; the vibrations and noise don't seem to scare the fish, but they will certainly kill Arthur. This fish is massive and will require significant stamina to reel in.

5. Legendary Longnose Gar

• Location: Lagras, north of Saint Denis.
• Recommended Lure: Special Swamp Lure.
• Tactics: This gar resides in the swampy marshlands. The primary challenge here isn't just the fish, but the American Alligators that infest the area. Clear the immediate vicinity of gators before casting to ensure you aren't interrupted mid-struggle.

6. Legendary Muskie

• Location: Van Horn Trading Post, at the foot of the lighthouse.
• Recommended Lure: Special River Lure.
• Tactics: The Muskie is found in the deep, rocky waters near the lighthouse. The footing can be slippery, so ensure you are standing on a flat rock. This fish is known for long, sustained struggles, so be patient.

7. Legendary Perch

• Location: Elysian Pool, southwest of Annesburg.
• Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure.
• Tactics: The water here is "mangy" due to local pollution (connected to the Butcher Creek lore), but the fish is still viable for the quest. It is a smaller fish and shouldn't pose much of a physical challenge, but it can be finicky about where the lure lands.

8. Legendary Redfin Pickerel

• Location: Stillwater Creek, west of Thieves Landing.
• Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure.
• Tactics: Located in the Lower Montana River region, this is an Epilogue-accessible fish. It resides in the deeper pools of the creek. It is a relatively straightforward catch once you have access to the New Austin territory.

9. Legendary Rock Bass

• Location: Aurora Basin, at the far west of Tall Trees.
• Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure.
• Tactics: This is located in a beautiful, secluded basin. Like the Redfin Pickerel, this is usually reserved for the Epilogue. Watch out for Grizzlies and Cougars that frequent the Tall Trees area while you are distracted by your fishing line.

10. Legendary Smallmouth Bass

• Location: Owanjila Lake, west of Strawberry.
• Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure.
• Tactics: This is a fan-favorite spot. The fish is often found near the western shore where the water is deep. Owanjila is also a prime spot for Beaver hunting, so you can multitask while in the area.

11. Legendary Sockeye Salmon

• Location: Lake Isabella, in the Grizzlies West.
• Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure.
• Tactics: This is arguably the most visually striking fish in the game with its bright red scales. It is found in the freezing waters of Lake Isabella. Wear your winter gear to prevent health core drainage and cast into the center of the lake.

12. Legendary Steelhead Trout

• Location: Willard’s Rest (near the waterfall at the far northeast corner of the map).
• Recommended Lure: Special River Lure.
• Tactics: This trout is found at the very edge of the world map in Roanoke Ridge. You’ll find it near the base of the waterfall. It is a powerful fighter, so ensure your stamina core is full before engaging.

13. Legendary Largemouth Bass

• Location: San Luis River, southeast of Lake Don Julio.
• Recommended Lure: Special Lake Lure (or River Lure, though Lake is often more effective here).
• Tactics: This is the final catch for many, located in the deep south of New Austin. The San Luis River is wide, and the fish is usually found in the deeper channels away from the muddy banks.

Comparison of Legendary Fish Specs

The following table highlights the diversity of the 13 required fish and where to prioritize your efforts.

Post-Catch: Mailing and Rewards

Once you have caught a legendary fish, you must stow it on your horse (for larger species) or in your satchel (for smaller species) and ride to the nearest Post Office.

1. Interact with the Clerk: Select the "Send Mail" option.
2. Select the Fish: Send the specimen to Jeremy Gill.
3. Wait for Rewards: After mailing your first fish, Gill will send you a reward (usually Lake Bait) after 24 in-game hours.
4. Milestone Rewards:
   • 1 Fish Mailed: Lake Lure and a reward notification.
   • 10 Fish Mailed: $45.00 and Succulent Fish Meat.
   • 13 Fish Mailed: An invitation to Gill’s Landing for the quest finale.

The Special Spinner

Upon mailing all 13 fish, Jeremy Gill will invite you to his shack for a final excursion. During this event, you will travel to Rio Bravo to attempt to catch the legendary Channel Catfish. While this final encounter is technically the "14th" fish, it serves as a narrative conclusion rather than a catchable inventory item for most players. Completion of this quest grants you the Special Spinner, a unique lure that can catch any fish in any water type, effectively replacing the need for specific lures.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The "X" on the Map

When you catch a legendary fish, it should be crossed out with an "X" on your in-game map. If the "X" does not appear, the game may not have registered the catch as "complete" for the quest log. Ensure you have the fish in your inventory or on your horse. If you lose the carcass (e.g., you die before mailing it), the fish will eventually respawn in its original location after a few in-game days, allowing you to try again.

Fish Not Spawning

If you are at the correct location with the correct lure but aren't seeing the legendary ripple (which is larger and more distinct than standard ripples), try the following:

• Use Eagle Eye: Activate Eagle Eye while holding the rod to see the fish silhouettes underwater. Legendary fish are significantly larger.
• Leave and Return: Ride away from the area, sleep at a camp, and return in the morning.
• Check the Log: Verify that you haven't already caught it. Sometimes players catch a fish and forget to mail it, leading to confusion.

The New Austin Barrier

Players often ask if Arthur Morgan can catch all 13 fish. Officially, the answer is no. Three of the fish (Redfin Pickerel, Rock Bass, and Largemouth Bass) are located in territory that is locked by an "invisible sniper" and aggressive lawmen during Arthur's chapters. While certain glitches exist to get Arthur into New Austin, the intended path is to complete these catches during the Epilogue as John Marston.

Final Recommendations for Anglers

For the best experience, approach the 13 legendary fish as a journey rather than a chore. The locations are spread across the most beautiful vistas in the game, from the snowy peaks of Lake Isabella to the haunting marshes of Lagras.

Next Steps:

1. Visit Jeremy Gill at Gill's Landing to start the quest.
2. Head to Lagras to buy all three Special Lures.
3. Focus on the northern and eastern fish first while playing as Arthur.
4. Maintain your Stamina Core by eating high-quality meat before fishing for the larger species (Sturgeon, Muskie, Gar), as the struggle can take several minutes.

By mastering the "pump and reel" technique and using the correct specialized lures, you will secure your place as a legendary angler in the annals of the Old West.