Look, let’s be real. If you’ve spent three hours rowing a leaky boat around the Flat Iron Lake only to catch a string of common Bass, you’re probably ready to throw your controller into the nearest body of water. Fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 isn't just a mini-game. It’s a test of patience that would make a monk quit. But those Legendary Fish locations aren't actually that hard to find once you stop relying on the vague scribbles on Arthur's map and start looking at the actual terrain.
You need the Special Lures. Seriously. Don't even bother trying to hook a "legendary" anything with a piece of bread or a worm. It won't happen. You’ve got to visit the bait shop in Lagras first. Spend the money. Get the Special Lake, Special River, and Special Swamp lures. Without those, you’re just a guy standing in the rain holding a stick.
👉 See also: Astro's Playroom Secret Bots: The Clever Way to Get Your Head Start in Astro Bot
The Map is a Liar: Finding the Real Legendary Fish Locations
Most players get stuck because the icon on the map isn't exactly where the fish spawns. It’s an approximation. A suggestion, really. Take the Legendary Sockeye Salmon up in Lake Isabella. It’s freezing. It’s miserable. You’re likely dodging a White Arabian horse or a stray wolf while you’re trying to fish. The trick here isn't just being at the lake; it’s being on the western shore. If you stand on the ice, you’re going to have a bad time. Find the clear water near the inlet.
Then there’s the Legendary Smallmouth Bass at Owanjila. This one is tucked away west of Strawberry. Honestly, this is one of the easier spots because the lake isn't huge, but the terrain is rugged. You’ll want to stand on the shore near the road, not the steep cliffs. Use the Special Lake Lure. If you see bubbles, throw it there. It’s not rocket science, but the game loves to make you think it is.
👉 See also: Why Caper in the Castro Still Matters to Gaming History
The Swamp Problem
Lagras is a nightmare. The Legendary Bullhead Catfish is located at the Sisika Penitentiary. Yes, the prison. You need a boat. You’ll probably get shot at by guards if you aren't careful. It’s a tiny, ugly fish, but it counts toward the total. Most people miss this because they’re terrified of the "Wanted" level. Just row out to the north side of the island. Keep your head down.
The Legendary Longnose Gar is also in the swamp, specifically at Bluewater Marsh. Look for the spot between Lakay and Saint Denis. It’s murky. It’s full of alligators that want to eat your legs. Kill the gators first. I'm serious. There’s nothing worse than being mid-struggle with a massive fish only to have a 10-foot reptile lunge at your ribs.
Deep Water and Big Struggles
The Legendary Muskie at Van Horn Trading Post is a classic "expect the unexpected" situation. You have to stand on the pier. The water is choppy. The Muskie is a fighter, and if you aren't reeling correctly, you’ll snap the line in seconds. Pro tip: tilt your analog stick down to pull the fish’s head up, then reel like a maniac when it stops splashing.
Why the Legendary Bluegill is Frustrating
South of Rhodes, at Clemens Point, lives the Legendary Bluegill. It’s small. It looks like every other fish. But it’s aggressive. You’ll find it near the shore where the water gets deep quickly. If you’ve started the "A Fisher of Fish" quest with Jeremy Gill, this is usually one of the first ones you'll go after. Gill is a fraud, by the way. Every seasoned player knows it. He talks a big game, but you’re the one doing the heavy lifting in the mud.
👉 See also: Is Skyrim Anniversary Edition Switch Worth It? What Most People Get Wrong
The Ones Everyone Misses
- Legendary Perch: Elysian Pool. This place is poisoned. The fish look... wrong. Don't eat them. Just catch the legendary one and get out. It’s right in the middle of the pool.
- Legendary Chain Pickerel: Dakota River, northwest of Flatneck Station. Look for where the river narrows and the water is clear.
- Legendary Redfin Pickerel: Stillwater Creek. This is way down in New Austin. If you’re playing as Arthur through glitches, good luck. If you’re John, it’s a breeze.
- Legendary Lake Sturgeon: Right under the southern bridge into Saint Denis. You’ll hear trains. You’ll see industrial smog. It’s the least "nature" fishing spot in the game.
The Legendary Steelhead Trout is way up northeast at Willard's Rest. It’s near the waterfall. It’s beautiful, honestly. One of the best spots in the game. But the fish is heavy. It’s going to take you five minutes of real-world time to reel that monster in. If your thumb starts cramping, you’re doing it right.
Gear and Technique Secrets
Most people fail because they reel while the fish is struggling. Don't do that. You’re just wasting line durability. Wait for the vibration to stop. Then, and only then, do you go ham on the reel. Also, use the "Hold to Reel" setting in the accessibility menu if you value your joints. Your thumbs will thank me later.
The weather actually matters. Some say it's a myth, but catching the Legendary Largemouth Bass in the San Luis River is much easier when the sun is out. Conversely, some of the northern fish seem to bite more frequently during a light drizzle. Is that hardcoded? Maybe. Does it feel more immersive? Absolutely.
The Final Stretch
Once you have all 13 (or 14, depending on how you count the channel catfish mystery), you have to mail them. Don't let them rot on your horse. If you get into a shootout and your horse dies, you lose the fish. Ride straight to a post office.
The Legendary Fish locations are spread across the most diverse biomes in the game, from the snowy peaks of Ambarino to the dusty plains of New Austin. It’s a tour of the frontier. It’s also a giant pain if you don't know where to stand. Stop overthinking the lures. Use the "Special" versions. Every time.
Actionable Next Steps
- Go to Lagras immediately and buy the Special Lake, Special River, and Special Swamp lures. You cannot catch these fish with standard bait.
- Check your map for the "X" marker. Once a Legendary Fish is caught, Arthur will cross it out on his hand-drawn map. If it’s not crossed out, it’s still in the water.
- Change your settings. Go to Options > Controls > Accessibility and change "Fishing Reel" to a button hold instead of spinning the analog stick to prevent physical fatigue and controller wear.
- Visit a Post Office after every two or three catches. Large fish take up the back of your horse, and you don't want to lose a Legendary Muskie because you tripped over a rock near Annesburg.