Red Dead Redemption 2 presents an intricate ecosystem where fishing stands as one of the most immersive activities. For those pursuing 100% completion or the sheer prestige of the catch, locating and reeling in all legendary fish is a significant milestone. These unique specimens are larger, stronger, and more elusive than their common counterparts, requiring specific preparations and knowledge of the rugged American landscape.

Getting Started with the Fisher of Fish Quest

Before heading to the nearest riverbank, the legendary fishing challenge must be formally initiated. This begins with meeting Jeremy Gill, a self-proclaimed world-famous angler. His location is at Gill's Landing, a small pier on the northern shore of Flat Iron Lake in the Heartlands of New Hanover. Engaging in conversation with him unlocks the Stranger Mission "A Fisher of Fish."

Upon accepting the quest, Jeremy provides a map detailing the approximate locations of 13 legendary fish across the five states. However, simply having the map is not enough. Standard bread or corn bait will not entice these giants. Success relies entirely on Special Lures.

The Essential Gear: Special Lures

Special Lures are the only way to consistently hook legendary specimens. These cannot be found in general stores. Instead, a trip to the Bait and Tackle shop in Lagras, located in the Bayou Nwa region, is required. There are three primary types to purchase:

  • Special Lake Lure: Required for legendary fish found in lakes and large ponds.
  • Special River Lure: Essential for specimens dwelling in flowing rivers and streams.
  • Special Swamp Lure: Designed specifically for the murky waters of the Lemoyne marshlands.

Each lure costs $20.00, but they are reusable unless the line snaps. For high-stakes fishing, keeping the line tension in check is the difference between a trophy and a lost investment.

1. Legendary Bluegill

The Legendary Bluegill resides in the eastern waters of Flat Iron Lake. To find it, navigate to the area between Clemens Point and the islands directly south of the Chapter 3 camp. The water here is relatively calm, but the Bluegill itself is surprisingly feisty for its size. Using a Special Lake Lure is mandatory.

Strategy: Stand on the shore near the small cluster of rocks. This fish tends to stay close to the surface, and using Eagle Eye will reveal its distinct silhouette among the smaller Bluegills. It is often most active during sunny weather.

2. Legendary Bullhead Catfish

Located in the most isolated part of the map, the Legendary Bullhead Catfish lives in the waters surrounding Sisika Penitentiary. This requires a boat to reach, which can usually be found along the coast of Saint Denis or north of Copperhead Landing.

Strategy: Use a Special River Lure. The fish is found in the narrow creek deltas on the western side of the prison island. Be wary of the guards patrolling the island perimeter; if the player gets too close to the land, they will open fire. It is best to remain on the boat while casting into the shallow, muddy channels.

3. Legendary Chain Pickerel

This specimen is found in the Dakota River, specifically northwest of Flatneck Station. It inhabits a scenic bend in the river where the current slows down.

Strategy: Equip the Special River Lure. The Chain Pickerel is known for its long, slender body. While not the heaviest fish in the game, it provides a persistent struggle. Casting from the northern bank near the bend offers the best leverage for reeling it in before it can hide in the deeper channels.

4. Legendary Longnose Gar

Deep in the heart of Bayou Nwa, the Legendary Longnose Gar waits in the swampy waters between Lakay and Lagras. This is a prehistoric-looking beast that requires the Special Swamp Lure.

Strategy: The primary challenge here is not just the fish, but the environment. Alligators are densely packed in this area. It is advisable to clear out any nearby predators before casting the line. The Gar is massive and heavy, meaning the reel-in process will be slow. Keep the rod high to prevent the line from snagging on swamp vegetation.

5. Legendary Largemouth Bass

South of Lake Don Julio, along the banks of the San Luis River in New Austin, lives the Legendary Largemouth Bass. This is a late-game location for many players, as the heat and open terrain of the desert define the experience.

Strategy: Despite being in a river, the Largemouth Bass often responds best to the Special Lake Lure in this specific spot due to the slow-moving, deep pools. Stand on the southern bank and cast toward the center of the river. It fights with explosive bursts, so releasing the reel when it thrashes is critical to prevent a line break.

6. Legendary Muskie

The Legendary Muskie is found at the Van Horn Trading Post. Specifically, it dwells in the water surrounding the base of the lighthouse at the southern end of the town.

Strategy: This is a heavy specimen that demands the Special River Lure. The rocky terrain around the lighthouse can make landing the fish difficult. Try to find a flat rock surface to stand on. Because of the Muskie’s weight, the player should pull the left stick down repeatedly while reeling to drag the fish toward the shore faster during its idle moments.

7. Legendary Perch

Elysian Pool, located northeast of the Emerald Ranch, is the home of the Legendary Perch. The water here is murky and technically "poisoned" in the game's lore, which reflects in the fish’s sickly appearance.

Strategy: Use the Special Lake Lure. The Perch is one of the easier legendary fish to catch. It doesn't put up as much of a fight as the larger predators, making it a good entry point for novice anglers. Casting toward the center of the pool from the western bank usually yields a quick bite.

8. Legendary Redfin Pickerel

In the southern reaches of Stillwater Creek, west of Thieves Landing, you will find the Legendary Redfin Pickerel. This creek is a series of interconnected pools and shallow runs.

Strategy: The Special Lake Lure is the tool of choice here. Look for the largest, deepest pool in the creek system. The Redfin is small but quick. It is highly recommended to fish for this one during a clear morning when visibility is at its peak, as the murky creek water can hide the ripples.

9. Legendary Rock Bass

The Legendary Rock Bass is situated in the Aurora Basin, a beautiful lake at the head of the Lower Montana River in West Elizabeth. It is a remote location, surrounded by tall trees and potential predator spawns like bears and cougars.

Strategy: Equip the Special Lake Lure. The fish is often found near the center of the basin. There is a small pier in the Aurora Basin that provides an excellent vantage point. Casting from the pier allows for a cleaner reel-in without the risk of the fish getting stuck in shore-side reeds.

10. Legendary Sockeye Salmon

High in the snowy mountains of Ambarino, the Legendary Sockeye Salmon lives in Lake Isabella. This is the same lake where the White Arabian horse can be found. The water is freezing, and the atmosphere is often dominated by blizzards.

Strategy: Use the Special Lake Lure. The Salmon’s bright red color makes it very easy to spot using Eagle Eye against the dark blue water. It is a strong fighter. Ensure the player's stamina is full before starting, as the cold environment can drain cores faster. Casting from the western ice shelves is usually the most effective method.

11. Legendary Smallmouth Bass

Lake Owanjila, located west of Strawberry, houses the Legendary Smallmouth Bass. This lake is known for its serene beauty and the proximity of the Big Valley wilderness.

Strategy: The Special Lake Lure is required. The Smallmouth Bass is found on the western side of the lake. It is a heavy hitter and will try to run into the deeper sections of the lake. When it jumps out of the water, stop reeling immediately to avoid excess tension.

12. Legendary Lake Sturgeon

The Legendary Lake Sturgeon is found right on the edge of Saint Denis. To catch it, the player must stand on the railroad bridge leading into the city from the south, over the Lannahechee River.

Strategy: This is one of the most dangerous spots to fish, not because of the fish, but because of the trains. Keep an ear out for the whistle; if a train approaches, the player must run to the side platforms or risk death. Use the Special River Lure. The Sturgeon is incredibly heavy. It is often easier to row a boat under the bridge and fish from there to avoid the train hazard entirely.

13. Legendary Steelhead Trout

In the far northeastern corner of the map, at Willard's Rest (near Brandywine Drop), lives the Legendary Steelhead Trout. This area is characterized by massive waterfalls and rocky outcrops.

Strategy: Use the Special River Lure. The Trout is located in the basin at the bottom of the falls. It is a powerful swimmer and will use the current to its advantage. Reeling it in requires patience; only reel when the fish is calm and pull back on the rod to gain ground quickly.

Advanced Fishing Mechanics and Techniques

Catching legendary fish isn't just about the right location; it’s about mastering the mechanics.

The Cast: Don't just hold the button and hope for the best. A short cast is often better than a long one. The closer the fish is to the shore when it bites, the less distance you have to reel it in, reducing the chance of a snap or a struggle-induced escape.

The Struggle: When the fish is splashing and fighting, stop reeling. Instead, move the left stick in the opposite direction of the fish's movement to tire it out. If you reel while the fish is struggling, the line will almost certainly break.

The Reel-In: While the fish is calm, rotate the right stick clockwise quickly. Simultaneously, pull the left stick down (toward you) to heave the fish closer. After pulling down, quickly push it back up and pull down again. This "pumping" motion drags the fish toward you much faster than the reel alone.

Eagle Eye: Always activate Eagle Eye (pressing both sticks) while holding the rod. Legendary fish appear with a faint glow and are significantly larger than others. This helps in aiming your cast directly at the target rather than wasting time on common fish.

The Final Challenge: The Legendary Catfish

Once all 13 legendary fish are caught and mailed to Jeremy Gill, a final stage of the quest is triggered. After a few in-game days, Jeremy will send an invitation to his shack for one last outing. This takes the player to the Rio Bravo region in New Austin to hunt the mythical 14th fish: the Legendary Catfish.

This encounter is more of a narrative conclusion to the "A Fisher of Fish" questline. Without spoiling the outcome, it provides a memorable end to the hours spent patrolling the riverbanks of the frontier.

Post-Catch Logistics

Capturing a legendary fish is only half the job. To complete the quest and earn rewards, the fish must be mailed to Jeremy Gill. Large fish (like the Sturgeon or Muskie) must be stowed on the back of your horse, while smaller ones (like the Perch) go into your satchel.

It is highly recommended to head straight to the nearest Post Office after a catch. If the player dies while a legendary fish is on their horse, the fish will be lost, although it typically clears from the map and reappears at its spawn location after a few days. Mailing the fish rewards the player with various items, including lures, jewelry for crafting talismans, and eventually, the Special Spinner—a versatile lure that works for all fish types in any water condition.

Completing the legendary fish circuit is a test of patience and geographical knowledge. By utilizing the correct special lures and understanding the nuances of the reeling mechanic, any player can clear the waters of these frontier giants.