Overview
Fishing is one of the core gathering activities in Crimson Desert, offering players a reliable source of food ingredients and early-game income. The continent of Pywel is home to approximately 51 distinct fish species spread across rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastal waters. Fish can be caught using a fishing rod or grabbed by bare hands in shallow water. Every fish you discover is logged in the Knowledge menu under Creatures > Aquatic Creatures, and once registered, the Knowledge tab reveals the species' location on your map.
Fish are primarily used in cooking recipes. Cleaning a caught fish at a campfire or butchery station yields Fish Fillet, the key ingredient in dishes like Fish Porridge, Battered Fish, Fish Skewers, and Grilled Meat and Fish. Selling cooked fish to vendors is one of the easiest ways to earn copper and silver during the early chapters of the story.
Fishing Mechanics
Fishing with a rod follows a multi-step minigame. The core loop involves casting your line, hooking a fish, tiring it out through tension management, and then reeling it in. The system is similar to the fishing mechanics found in games like Red Dead Redemption 2, placing emphasis on patience and directional control rather than quick-time events.
Learning to Fish
Kliff can learn the fishing skill by observing fishermen at the Nas River Fishing Dock. Hold the observe button (L1 on controller) near a fisherman to gain the knowledge. Alternatively, completing Annabella's Request provides you with a free fishing rod and teaches the basics.
Step-by-Step Rod Fishing
Equip the rod: Open the quick menu (hold left D-pad on controller or T on PC) and toggle the fishing rod into the tool slot on the bottom right of the weapon wheel.
Cast your line: Approach a body of water at least knee-deep. Press and hold the aim button (L2 or Q) and look for a blue circle indicator on the water's surface. Release to cast. Longer holds cast further out.
Wait for a bite: Watch for splashing on the water's surface and listen for an audio cue. On controller, you will also feel a vibration when a fish takes the bait.
Hook the fish: Press the hook button (R2) as soon as you see splashes or feel the vibration to set the hook.
Tire out the fish: Use the left stick (or WASD on PC) to pull the rod in the opposite direction the fish is swimming. If the fish swims right, pull left, and vice versa. Do not attempt to reel during this phase or the line will snap.
Reel it in: When the fish stops thrashing and the water calms (no visible bubbles), rotate the right stick clockwise (or scroll the mouse wheel) to reel it in. If the fish starts fighting again, stop reeling immediately and repeat the tiring step.
Land the fish: Continue the tire-and-reel cycle until the fish is fully pulled to shore. It will be added to your inventory automatically.
If you get stuck on an obstacle or the tension gets too high, press the right directional button to cut the line and avoid breaking your rod. You will lose the fish but keep your equipment intact.
Fishing Rod Types
There are several fishing rods available in Crimson Desert. Better rods reduce wait times between bites and improve reeling efficiency, making it easier to land larger and rarer fish.
Rod | How to Obtain | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Purchase from Provisioner shops, Finley at Nas River dock, or Hailard at Rodbel Fishing Dock | 15 Copper | The starter rod. Adequate for common freshwater fish. No bait required. | |
Craft via blueprint purchased from Grimrak at the Back Alley Shop (south of House of Healing) | 10 Silver (blueprint) | Crafting requires: 10x Fine Timber, 10x Iron Ore, 3x Thick Hide, 10x Feather. Reduces bite wait time and improves reeling speed. | |
Complete the 'Secret Tools of Life' research project (2C) at Pororin Village, southeast of Hernand Highlands | 500 Silver (research cost) | One of the best rods in the game. Recommended for catching legendary fish. Completion time is 1 day and 4 hours. |
Freshwater Fish
Freshwater fish are found in the rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams scattered across Pywel's inland regions. The Nas River near Howling Hill is the earliest and most accessible freshwater fishing spot. Freshwater species are organized by size: small fish are the easiest to catch and ideal for beginners, midsized fish present a moderate challenge, and large freshwater species require significant skill and patience. A total of 24 freshwater species have been confirmed in the game.
Small Freshwater Fish
Small freshwater fish are abundant in rivers and shallow streams. Most of these species are suitable for beginners and can be caught with a Basic Fishing Rod or even by bare hands in shallow water.
Image | Fish | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | A tiny freshwater species that anyone can catch with minimal effort. Commonly found in streams and rivers throughout Hernand. One of the first fish new anglers will encounter. | |
| Beginner | One of the smallest fish in Pywel. Small Minnows swim in schools and are omnivorous, feeding on whatever is available in shallow streams and riverbanks. | |
| Beginner | A tiny freshwater species found in clear streams. Easy to catch, it feeds on dead insects that fall onto the water's surface. | |
| Beginner | A tiny bottom-dwelling fish that adapts well to poor water quality. Available at fishing shops for 27 Copper. Found in streams and riverbeds across Hernand. | |
| Beginner | A small schooling fish recognized by its distinctive bone-like scale patterns. Available at fishing shops for 27 Copper. | |
| Beginner | A small, common fish known for its robust health, thriving in a range of freshwater habitats. Available for purchase at fishing shops for 27 Copper. | |
| Beginner | A silvery freshwater fish that tends to swim near the water's surface. Found in shallow, slow-moving water such as rice paddies and calm ponds. | |
| Intermediate | A popular freshwater catch that requires some practice to land. Common across most rivers and a good source of Fish Fillet for early cooking recipes. | |
| Intermediate | A freshwater species that requires a bit of practice to reel in. Common in rivers and lakes throughout the Hernand region. | |
| Intermediate | A sturdy freshwater fish that requires some practice to catch. Required for Annabella's Request. Found in the pool near Three Saints' Fall, close to the Wycliffe Mappery. Available at fishing shops for 79 Copper. | |
| Intermediate | A distinctive perch species covered in leopard-like spots. Found in mid-level rivers throughout the Hernand region. | |
| Intermediate | A smaller species similar to the common Carp. Found in calm, still waters such as ponds and quiet lake inlets. |
Midsized Freshwater Fish
Midsized freshwater fish are harder to land and typically require a decent fishing rod and some experience with the tension management minigame. These species are found in deeper rivers, lakes, and mountain streams.
Image | Fish | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced | A prized catch that lives in both freshwater and the sea, making it difficult to land. Found in rivers, particularly in the Hernand waterways. | |
| Advanced | A challenging salmon variant recognized by its red body and yellow head during spawning season. Found in select rivers across Pywel. | |
| Advanced | A large predatory fish with sharp teeth and a distinctive duck-bill snout. Ambushes prey in deeper rivers and lakes. | |
| Advanced | A color-changing freshwater species that is not easily caught. Common in rivers and mountain streams at higher elevations. | |
| Advanced | A long-lived fish with distinctive barbels near its mouth. Widely available in ponds and slow-moving rivers, though landing one takes patience. | |
Advanced | A bottom-feeding species whose whisker-like barbels help it detect prey in murky water. Found in deeper river sections and large ponds. | ||
| Advanced | A beautifully colored freshwater fish that is not easily caught. Found in cold mountain streams and highland rivers across Pywel. | |
| Advanced | A challenging catch that can grow to the size of a small child. This deep-water freshwater species sparks a real sense of challenge among anglers. | |
| Expert | A distinctive perch variant with serrated fins that draws the attention of fishing enthusiasts. Prized for its fatty flesh. | |
| Expert | Often called the snake of the water due to its immense length. Freshwater Eels carry venom and are found in rivers and streams across Hernand. |
Large Freshwater Fish
Large freshwater fish are rare catches that demand patience and a quality rod. These species put up a significant fight and are prized by experienced anglers.
Image | Fish | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | A species beloved by fishing enthusiasts for the challenge it presents. Electric Eels generate electricity and inhabit select freshwater locations. | |
| Expert | A larger variant of the Pond Loach that captures the interest of fishing enthusiasts. Found in ponds and still freshwater bodies. |
Saltwater Fish
Saltwater fish inhabit the coastal waters and ocean-adjacent areas of Pywel. These species tend to be larger and more valuable than their freshwater counterparts, though they are typically found in later-game regions like Delesyia and the Pailune coastline. Saltwater species are organized by size: small coastal fish are moderately challenging, medium species require real skill, and large oceanic fish are among the toughest catches in the game. A total of 16 saltwater species have been confirmed.
Small Saltwater Fish
Small saltwater fish are found in coastal shallows and near-shore areas. While not as easy as freshwater beginners, they are manageable for anglers who have practiced the fishing minigame.
Image | Fish | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | A flatfish species with a flat body and both eyes on one side. Found along the ocean floor in coastal areas. | |
| Intermediate | A blue-backed saltwater fish that spoils rapidly if not cleaned or cooked soon after catching. Common along Pywel's coastlines. | |
| Advanced | A flat-bodied saltwater species that requires experience in fishing to land. Found in coastal shallows. |
Medium Saltwater Fish
Medium saltwater fish offer a real challenge and are found in deeper coastal waters. Landing these species rewards skilled anglers with valuable catches.
Image | Fish | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced | A dark-colored saltwater species that inspires a sense of challenge among anglers. Found in coastal waters. | |
| Advanced | A saltwater fish with an oval, flattened body that sparks a sense of challenge. Not to be confused with the rarer Crimson Opaleye variant. | |
| Expert | A striking saltwater species with bold vertical stripes that draws the attention of fishing enthusiasts. | |
| Expert | A long-lived saltwater fish that captures the attention of experienced anglers. Found in coastal waters throughout Pywel. |
Large Saltwater Fish
Large saltwater fish are the most formidable catches outside of legendary species. These ocean predators require the best rods, strong nerves, and expert tension management. Several of these species are targeted only by master fishermen.
Image | Fish | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | A powerful game fish beloved by fishing enthusiasts. Recognized by its sharp, pointed snout, it puts up a fierce fight when hooked. | |
| Master | A massive fish covered in bony plates, targeted by master fishermen. Highly valued when sold to vendors. | |
| Master | A large, distinctive species sought after by seasoned fishermen. Recognized by its paddle-like snout, it inhabits coastal and estuarine waters. | |
| Master | A massive variant of the Red Seabream found in deeper ocean-adjacent waters. One of the larger catches available along Pywel's coast. | |
| Master | A large, fast-swimming species targeted by master fishermen. Recognized by its enormous sail-like dorsal fin, it is one of the more challenging catches in the game. | |
| Legendary | A rare shark species targeted only by the finest fishermen. Named for its seven gill slits and distinctive cogwheel-shaped teeth. Found in deep coastal waters. | |
Expert | A red-scaled variant of the Opaleye unique to Pywel's coastline. Said to be tastier than its standard counterpart, making it a valued catch. | ||
| Expert | A deep-sea species that attracts the interest of fishing enthusiasts. Uses a bioluminescent lure to draw in prey. Found in deep coastal waters. | |
Intermediate | Found in brackish and coastal waters. Available at fishing shops for 85 Copper. |
Legendary Fish
There are five legendary fish scattered across Pywel. These extremely rare species can only be caught with a fishing rod (bare-hands fishing will not work) and require patience and a good rod. The Pororin Fishing Rod is recommended for landing legendary catches. Each legendary fish sells for approximately 10 Silver on average, making them some of the most valuable single catches in the game.
Legendary Fish | Location | Region |
|---|---|---|
Small lake to the southeast of Tashkalp | ||
West of the Cliff of Despair | ||
Small lake to the east of the Argent Peaks | ||
Beside the waterfall south of Forebearer's Barrens | ||
Stream southwest of the Mountain of Frozen Souls | Southern Hernand |
Crustaceans and Shellfish
In addition to fish, several crustacean and shellfish species can be gathered from water sources. These are classified separately from fish in the gatherables system.
Image | Species | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crustacean | Found near coastal and river areas | |
| Crustacean | Found in freshwater rivers and streams | |
| Shellfish | Gathered from riverbeds and lake bottoms | |
| Crustacean | Found in freshwater areas along river banks |
Fishing Spot Locations
You can fish in any natural body of water that is at least knee-deep. However, certain locations feature dedicated fishing docks, nearby shops, and higher concentrations of fish. Fishing shops are marked on the map with a fish icon once discovered.
Nas River Fishing Dock
The Nas River is the closest fishing spot to your camp at Howling Hill. The dock is located southeast of Hernand and is where many early quests send you. Finley operates the Hernand Fishing Shop here, selling the Basic Fishing Rod (15 Copper) and several fish species. The Nas River yields a variety of common freshwater fish, making it an ideal starting location for new anglers.
Rodbel Fishing Dock
The Rodbel Fishing Dock sits on the south side of Rocca's Hill, directly east of Hernand. Hailard runs a fishing shop here, selling rods and fish including Pond Loach (27 Copper), Small Rasbora (27 Copper), Small Gudgeon (27 Copper), Tench (79 Copper), and Yellow Bass (85 Copper). Note that the area around Rodbel may contain hostile bandits that need to be cleared before you can fish safely.
Other Fishing Locations
Beyond the main docks, fishing is available throughout Pywel wherever you find deep enough water. Rivers and streams in the Hernand region provide reliable freshwater fishing, while coastal areas in Delesyia and Pailune open up saltwater species. Mountain streams in higher elevations like the Hernand Highlands are good spots for species like Lenok and Trout. Check the Knowledge menu's Aquatic Creatures tab and use the 'Open Map' function to locate specific species you have already discovered.
Bare-Hands Fishing
Crimson Desert allows you to catch fish without a rod by wading into shallow water and grabbing them directly. This method is faster and simpler than rod fishing, though it generally yields only smaller, common species.
How It Works
Wade into the water: Walk into ankle-to-waist-deep water in rivers, streams, ponds, or at lake edges.
Spot the fish: Look down into the water to see rendered fish models swimming around. You may need to move slowly to avoid scaring them away.
Grab the fish: Walk close to a fish model until an interact prompt appears on screen. Press the interact button (E on PC or the face button on controller) and Kliff will reach down and snatch the fish bare-handed.
No minigame: The fish is added directly to your inventory with no animation delay, tension management, or failure risk.
Bare-hands fishing is ideal for quickly gathering common fish for cooking ingredients. However, rarer and larger species (including all legendary fish) require a rod. This method cannot be used in deep water or at coastal fishing spots.
Cooking Uses
Fish are a versatile cooking ingredient. Cleaning a fish at a campfire or butchery station produces Fish Fillet, which is used in multiple recipes. Below are the confirmed fish-based dishes.
Recipe | Ingredients | Effect |
|---|---|---|
1 Fish (or 2 Fish Fillet), 1 Grain (Barley, Wheat, Beans, Lentils, or Peas), 1 Salt, 3 Water | Health +240, Ice Resistance Lv. 4 (1 min) | |
1 Fish (or 2 Fish Fillet), 1 Egg, 3 Cooking Oil | Health +100 | |
1 Fish, 1 Vegetable (Onion, Flax, Cucumber, Turnip, or Beet) | Health +80 | |
1 Meat, 1 Fish | Health +120, Fire Resistance Lv. 2 (30 sec) |
The Fish Porridge recipe is taught by Renee, the butcher in Hernand, as part of Renee's Request. This is one of the most useful early-game dishes, providing solid health recovery and cold resistance for exploration in icy regions.
Annabella's Request
One of the earliest fishing-related quests in the game is Annabella's Request. Annabella is a saddler at the Hernand Saddlery who asks Kliff to catch a Tench for its scales. She provides a free fishing rod and directs you north across the bridge to the pool near Three Saints' Fall, close to the Wycliffe Mappery. After catching the Tench, deliver it to Bloomwood Ranch southeast of Hernand. Rewards include an inventory expansion, dried fish, and you keep the fishing rod.
Tips and Tricks
Use the Knowledge menu: Once you discover a fish species, its location is marked in the Knowledge tab under Creatures > Aquatic Creatures. Select 'Open Map' to find the best spot to catch that species again.
Avoid obstacles: Fish in open, deeper water away from rocks and other obstacles. Casting near rocks increases the chance of snagging your line.
Never reel while the fish is fighting: The most common mistake is trying to reel in while the fish is still thrashing. Wait for the splashing and bubbles to stop completely before rotating the right stick.
Pull in the opposite direction: When the fish swims left, pull right. When it swims right, pull left. This is the key to tiring the fish out quickly without snapping the line.
Upgrade your rod: The Fine Fishing Rod significantly reduces bite wait times. If you plan to fish regularly, invest in the blueprint from Grimrak's Back Alley Shop early.
Sell cooked fish for profit: Raw fish sell for modest amounts, but cooking them into dishes like Fish Porridge and Battered Fish increases their value. Fish at the Nas River, cook at the nearest campfire, and sell in Hernand for a steady income loop.
Bare-hands for bulk gathering: When you just need common fish for cooking, wade into shallow water and grab them by hand. It is significantly faster than rod fishing for small species.
Save the Pororin Rod for legendaries: The Pororin Fishing Rod requires a 500 Silver research investment and over a day of waiting. Prioritize it when you are ready to pursue the five legendary fish.
Feed fish to cats: Raw fish can be given to stray cats to build trust and befriend them.
Cast distance matters: Longer casts by holding the aim button reach deeper water where larger fish may be hiding. Short casts near the shore tend to attract smaller species.
Tracking Your Progress
All discovered fish species appear in the Knowledge menu under Creatures > Aquatic Creatures. Each entry displays the fish's name, an illustration (or a question mark for undiscovered species), and a map marker showing where to find it. Filling out the full aquatic creatures log is a long-term completionist goal, with all 51 species tracked across freshwater, saltwater, and legendary categories.