Fishing in Fallout 76 might sound like a peaceful break from fighting mutants and scavenging for supplies, but it’s actually a deep and rewarding system with its own challenges, rare catches, and even legendary rewards. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or hunt down the rarest fish in Appalachia, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from getting your first fishing rod to reeling in the biggest catches.
Before you can cast your line, you’ll need to unlock fishing by starting the “Casting Off” quest. Head to The Mire, one of Appalachia’s swampy regions, and tune your Pip-Boy radio to the “Linda-Lee Shortwave Signal.” This will lead you to Fisherman’s Rest, a small dock east of the Valley Galleria. Here, you’ll meet two key characters: Captain Raymond Clark, who gives you the quest, and The Fisherman, a silent vendor who sells bait.
Once you complete the quest, you’ll receive your first fishing rod and the recipe for Fish Bits, a cooked item that plays a big role in trading for legendary gear. The rod won’t appear in your inventory, but you can modify it at a Tinker’s Workbench later.
How Fishing Works
Fishing in Fallout 76 is simple but has a few mechanics to master:
- Find Water – Look for deep enough water (about waist-high). Rivers, lakes, and even toxic pools work.
- Choose Bait – You’ll start with Common Bait, but better bait improves your chances for rare fish.
- Cast Your Line – Hold the fishing button, pick your bait, and release to cast.
- Wait for a Bite – Watch the bobber. When it dips underwater, quickly press the button to start the mini-game.
- Reel It In – A radar-like circle appears. Keep the fish inside the highlighted zone until it reaches the center.
If you fail, you’ll lose the bait, so timing is key.
Types of Bait and Where to Get Them
There are three types of bait, each affecting what you can catch:
- Common Bait – Best for generic fish. Buy it from The Fisherman or Captain Clark for a few caps each, or find it in lunchboxes and coolers.
- Improved Bait – Increases chances for uncommon fish. Earn it from public events, daily quests, or loot containers.
- Superb Bait – The rarest type, ideal for legendary fish and axolotls. Only available as a seasonal reward or from the Atom Shop.
Save your Improved and Superb Bait for tougher catches once you’ve upgraded your rod.
Weather Matters
Believe it or not, the weather changes what fish you’ll find:
- Clear Skies – Best for common fish.
- Rain/Snow – Boosts chances for regional and uncommon fish, including axolotls.
- Radstorms/Nuke Zones – Ideal for glowing and mutated fish.
You can even manipulate weather using CAMP Weather Control Stations—thunderstorm machines count as rain, while radstorm emitters mimic nuke zones.
Upgrading Your Fishing Rod
Your starter rod is weak, but you can upgrade it by completing fishing challenges and daily quests. Mods improve stats like:
- Line Strength – Prevents big fish from escaping.
- Reel Speed – Makes the mini-game easier.
- Catch Zone – Widens the sweet spot for reeling.
The best mods come from the “Big Fish in a Small Pond” daily quest, which also rewards bait and plans.
Rare Fish and Legendary Rewards
Some fish are much harder to catch than others:
- Axolotls – One type spawns per month, only in specific regions. Use Superb Bait during rainy weather for the best shot.
- Local Legends – Three unique fish found only in certain spots, like Wavy Willard’s Water Park. They drop rare rewards like caps and legendary modules.
But the real prize is Linda-Lee, the giant hermit crab at Fisherman’s Rest. Feed her 25 Fish Bits, and she’ll spit out random legendary gear. Pay attention to her hunger cues—she’s more likely to reward you when “almost full.”
Fishing Challenges and Long-Term Goals
Fishing isn’t just about catching dinner. Completing challenges unlocks:
- Better rod mods (like the Mark 4 reel for toughest fish).
- CAMP displays to show off your biggest catches.
- Unique titles (like “Master Angler”).
The biggest challenge? Catching all 12 axolotls, which takes a full year since each is only available one month.
