Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it takes to catch every legendary fish in Red Dead Redemption 2? The legendary fish locations RDR2 questline is one of the most immersive and rewarding side activities in the game, challenging players to explore every corner of the map in search of rare, oversized fish. These legendary fish aren’t just trophies—they’re tied to the “A Fisher of Fish” quest from Jeremy Gill, who tasks you with mailing each catch for a collector’s reward.
In this ultimate guide to legendary fish locations RDR2, you’ll discover where to find all 13 legendary fish, which special lures to use, and the best strategies for landing each one. Whether you’re after the Bullhead Catfish in the Lemoyne swamps or the Sockeye Salmon in the icy Grizzlies, this post covers every detail you need for 100% completion. Legendary fish require special lures, careful planning, and sometimes a bit of luck—especially since most are only available after Chapter 4.
Below is a quick reference table of all 13 legendary fish, their regions, and the lures you’ll need:
| Fish Name | Region | Lure |
|---|---|---|
| Legendary Bullhead Catfish | Lemoyne | Special Swamp Lure |
| Legendary Channel Catfish | Bluewater Marsh | Special Swamp Lure |
| Legendary Largemouth Bass | San Luis River | Special River Lure |
| Legendary Rock Bass | Aurora Basin | Special Lake Lure |
| Legendary Smallmouth Bass | Owanjila Lake | Special Lake Lure |
| Legendary Lake Sturgeon | Saint Denis | Special River Lure |
| Legendary Steelhead Trout | Roanoke Ridge | Special River Lure |
| Legendary Chain Pickerel | Dakota River | Special River Lure |
| Legendary Longnose Gar | Lagras | Special Swamp Lure |
| Legendary Muskie | Kamassa River | Special River Lure |
| Legendary Northern Pike | Lake Isabella | Special Lake Lure |
| Legendary Sockeye Salmon | Willard’s Rest | Special River Lure |
| Legendary Redfin Pickerel | Stillwater Creek | Special River Lure |
Prerequisites for Legendary Fish Hunting
Unlocking the Quest
To begin your legendary fish journey, you must complete the “A Fisher of Fish” stranger mission, which becomes available east of Saint Denis after Chapter 4. Jeremy Gill will give you a map and instructions to mail each legendary fish you catch.
Essential Gear and Lures
- Purchase all three special lures (Lake, River, Swamp) from the bait shop in Lagras.
- Use the advanced fishing rod, unlocked after starting the quest.
- Bring a reliable horse for fast travel and a canoe or boat for hard-to-reach spots.
- Use Eagle Eye to spot fish hotspots (look for bubbles and ripples).
Map Overview and Timing
Legendary fish are spread across every region in RDR2. Most are best caught during the day and in clear weather. Some require a boat or careful approach to avoid predators or guards. Never hand legendary fish to Pearson or drop them—mail them to Jeremy Gill to avoid losing your catch.
Bait Shop Locations and Spoilers
- Lagras bait shop: All special lures available here.
- Valentine and Saint Denis: General stores sell basic bait, but not special lures.
- Spoiler: The Legendary Channel Catfish is only available after mailing all other legendary fish.
Legendary Fish Locations RDR2: Complete Guide
Legendary Bullhead Catfish
- Location: West of Sisika Penitentiary, in the Lemoyne swamps.
- Lure: Special Swamp Lure.
- How to catch: Take a boat east from Saint Denis and cast near the murky waters by the prison. Avoid getting too close to the guards. Fish during the day for best results.
- Tips: Watch for alligators in the area. The Bullhead Catfish is one of the smaller legendary fish but puts up a strong fight.
Legendary Channel Catfish
- Location: Bluewater Marsh, only after mailing all other legendary fish.
- Lure: Special Swamp Lure.
- How to catch: Jeremy Gill will invite you to Rio Bravo for a special mission. This is the largest fish in the game and requires patience.
- Tips: Beware of predators and keep your horse nearby for a quick escape.
Legendary Largemouth Bass
- Location: San Luis River, west of Rio Del Lobo Rock.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Fish from the southern shore, casting near the river’s bend. Early morning is ideal.
- Tips: The current is strong—keep tension on the line and reel steadily.
Legendary Rock Bass
- Location: Aurora Basin, Tall Trees (west of Manzanita Post).
- Lure: Special Lake Lure.
- How to catch: Cast near the rocks on the north shore. The epilogue is recommended due to sniper risk in the area.
- Tips: Fish are most active at midday. Watch for aggressive wildlife.
Legendary Smallmouth Bass
- Location: Owanjila Lake, west of Strawberry.
- Lure: Special Lake Lure.
- How to catch: Stand on the west bank by the dam and cast toward the bubbles.
- Tips: Use Eagle Eye to spot the fish. Avoid fishing during storms.
Legendary Lake Sturgeon
- Location: Northeast of Shady Belle, near the Saint Denis train tracks.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Use a canoe to reach the islands and cast into deep water. The sturgeon’s sharp spine makes for a tough fight.
- Tips: Fish at dawn or dusk for best results.
Legendary Steelhead Trout
- Location: West of Willard’s Rest, Roanoke Ridge.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Fish near the waterfall. Watch for Murfree Brood gang members.
- Tips: Stay alert and keep your horse hidden.
Legendary Chain Pickerel
- Location: Dakota River, near Bards Crossing.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Cast from the east bank. The pickerel is aggressive and strikes quickly.
- Tips: Reel in steadily and avoid slack in the line.
Legendary Longnose Gar
- Location: Lagras swamp, Bayou Nwa.
- Lure: Special Swamp Lure.
- How to catch: Cast from the shoreline near the bait shop.
- Tips: Fish during the day and watch for alligators.
Legendary Muskie
- Location: Kamassa River at Van Horn.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Fish in the deep sections near the river mouth.
- Tips: The muskie is a strong fighter—keep tension and reel slowly.
Legendary Northern Pike
- Location: Lake Isabella shores, Grizzlies West.
- Lure: Special Lake Lure.
- How to catch: Fish near the waterfall on the southern shore.
- Tips: Dress warmly—cold weather affects stamina.
Legendary Sockeye Salmon
- Location: Willard’s Rest banks, Grizzlies East.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Cast into the fast-moving water.
- Tips: Fish are most active in the morning.
Legendary Chinook Salmon
- Location: Upper Montana River, north of Strawberry.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Fish from the north bank, near the bend.
- Tips: Use a boat for easier access.
Legendary Redfin Pickerel
- Location: Stillwater Creek, south of MacFarlane’s Ranch.
- Lure: Special River Lure.
- How to catch: Cast from the southern shore.
- Tips: Fish during clear weather for best results.
Legendary Perch
- Location: Flat Iron Lake isle (small island in the lake).
- Lure: Special Lake Lure.
- How to catch: Use a boat to reach the island and cast into the shallows.
- Tips: Avoid storms and fish at midday.
Catching Tips and Common Challenges
Best Practices for Legendary Fish
- Always use the correct special lure for the region (lake, river, swamp).
- Reel in patiently—don’t rush or the line may snap.
- Use the right analog stick to control tension and direction.
- After catching, mail the fish to Jeremy Gill immediately to avoid losing it.
Common Challenges
- Predators like alligators or wolves may attack while fishing—stay alert.
- Herons and other wildlife can steal bait or even your catch.
- Avoid handing legendary fish to Pearson or dropping them, as you can’t recover them.
| Error | Fix |
|---|---|
| Line snaps | Loosen reel, angle rod up |
| Fish stolen | Fight fast, guard your horse |
Video Tutorial
For a visual guide, check out a top-rated RDR2 fishing tutorial on YouTube for real-time tips and techniques.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Mastering all legendary fish locations RDR2 is a true test of patience, skill, and exploration. With this guide, you’re ready to catch every legendary fish, complete Jeremy Gill’s quest, and earn your place as the ultimate angler in the Wild West. Don’t forget to share your trophy catches in the comments and subscribe for more RDR2 guides, including the best weapons and hunting spots.
Key Takeaways
- There are 13 legendary fish in RDR2, each with a unique location and required lure.
- Start the “A Fisher of Fish” quest to unlock the legendary fish map and mail-in system.
- Use special lures from the Lagras bait shop and fish during the day for best results.
- Mail each catch to Jeremy Gill—never hand them to Pearson or drop them.
- Stay alert for predators and weather changes, and use Eagle Eye to spot fish hotspots.
FAQ
How many legendary fish are in RDR2?
There are 13 legendary fish in Red Dead Redemption 2.
Do you need special lures for legendary fish?
Yes, each region requires a specific special lure (lake, river, or swamp).
Can you lose a legendary fish?
Yes, if you drop it, hand it to Pearson, or get attacked before mailing it.
What do you get for catching all legendary fish?
You receive a special reward from Jeremy Gill and unlock the Legendary Channel Catfish mission.
