So you wanna hunt those impossible fish in Red Dead Redemption 2? Let me tell you straight - it's frustrating. I spent three real-life hours trying to snag the Legendary Bullhead Catfish before realizing my dumb mistake. But when that line finally went tight? Pure magic. This guide cuts through the BS so you don't waste time like I did.
Gear Up First or You'll Regret It
Don't even think about chasing legendary fish without the right tackle. I made that mistake near Owanjila and lost the monster muskie after 10 minutes of fighting. Soul-crushing.
Must-Have Equipment:
- Special Lures - Buy these from bait shops in Lagras or Valentine. Regular lures won't trigger legendary spawns. Costs $20 each - expensive but non-negotiable. Pro tip: Get all three types (lake/river/swamp) at once.
- Legendary Fish Map - Jeremy Gill mails this after you complete "A Fisher of Fish" mission. No map? Head to your camp lockbox.
- Eagle Eye - Press both thumbsticks constantly while fishing. Legendaries glow gold in the water once they're active.
| Lure Type | Where to Buy | Price | Legendary Fish It Catches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Lake Lure | Lagras Bait Shop | $20.00 | Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Muskellunge |
| Special River Lure | Valentine General Store | $20.00 | Sockeye Salmon, Perch, Steelhead Trout |
| Special Swamp Lure | Lagras Bait Shop | $20.00 | Longnose Gar, Bullhead Catfish |
Save Before Casting: I learned this the hard way when my legendary steelhead despawned after a cougar attack. Always manual save at least 100 yards from fishing spots. Wildlife and random events WILL mess with you.
Legendary Fish Locations & Strategies
Finding them is half the battle. Some spots are obvious - others? Not so much. Here's exactly where and how to catch each beast:
New Hanover Fish
(Check your satchel map for reference points)
| Fish | Exact Location | Best Time/Conditions | Personal Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary Smallmouth Bass | O'Creagh's Run - north shore near rock formation [Map: Grizzlies East] | Morning (6-10 AM), sunny weather | Cast parallel to shore. This jerk dives under rocks - keep rod tip high. |
| Legendary Rock Bass | Elysian Pool waterfall basin [Map: Roanoke Ridge] | Overcast afternoons | Use Eagle Eye to spot it behind the falls. Took me 4 attempts. |
West Elizabeth Fish
| Fish | Exact Location | Best Time/Conditions | Personal Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary Muskellunge | Owanjila - west end where river meets lake [Map: Big Valley] | Dusk (6-8 PM), calm water | Bring health cures! This brute drained my stamina completely. |
| Legendary Longnose Gar | Stillwater Creek - swampy area north of Braithwaite [Map: Scarlett Meadows] | Midday rainstorms | Alligators patrol here. Clear them first or get chomped mid-fight. |
Advanced Reeling Techniques That Actually Work
Standard fishing won't cut it. These monsters fight dirty. After losing two legendaries to snapped lines, I developed this system:
- The Hookset: When it bites, yank right stick DOWN hard. Miss this and it spits the hook.
- Reel Fighting: Alternate between holding R2 (reel) and releasing when fish struggles. Watch tension meter!
- Rod Pumping: Push left stick UP when reeling, DOWN during struggles. Doubles reeling speed.
Funny story - during the steelhead fight, my thumb cramped so bad I had to use my elbow. Don't be me. Stretch first.
Stamina Tricks: Chug miracle tonics BEFORE starting. If stamina drains, stop reeling and hold rod steady until circle flashes. Green means go.
After You Land the Beast
Congrats! Now don't screw up like I did with my first catch. Three critical steps:
- Ice 'Em Fast: Legendaries rot in 24 in-game hours. Ride directly to post office.
- Mailing Rules: One fish per mailing envelope. Costs $1.50 per shipment.
- Gill's Rewards: After every 5 fish, he sends unique lures. Final reward? A sick special shotgun.
Fun fact: You can briefly display fish on your horse. Took this beauty to Saint Denis saloon before mailing. Zero reactions. Rude.
Why Isn't It Biting? Common Fixes
Spent 2 hours near Lake Isabella with nothing? Been there. Try these:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Fish not spawning | Sleep 72 hours away from location then return |
| Strikes but won't hook | Switch lure type (sometimes river vs lake confuses) |
| Instant line break | Stop reeling during struggle flashes |
Weirdest fix? For the bullhead catfish, I had to stand knee-deep in swamp water. Worked first try.
Legendary Fish FAQs
Can I miss legendary fish forever?
Nope. Even if it gets away, it respawns in 3 game days. I tested this after accidentally dynamiting my sockeye salmon. Oops.
Do weather conditions really matter?
Absolutely. Rain boosts chances for perch and catfish by about 40%. Clear skies? Bass and trout time.
What’s the hardest legendary fish?
Northern pike near Van Horn. Currents pull like crazy. Almost snapped my controller.
Why does Jeremy Gill want these fish?
Dude's obsessed with proving their existence. Final mission reveals his... unusual collection methods.
Final Reality Check
Look, learning how to catch legendary fish RDR2 ain't quick. My first took 4 hours. But that satisfaction when "Legendary Fish Caught" pops? Chef's kiss. Avoid my mistakes - use special lures, save constantly, and for god's sake watch your stamina bar. Happy fishing, partner.
Still stuck on one? Ride out to Clemens Point at dawn. Sometimes just watching the water helps. Weirdly peaceful before the chaos starts.
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