All fishing locations in Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds didn’t hold back in designing a roster of 29 large monsters for you to catch, but they didn’t forget about aquatic and endemic life either.

It’s easy to forget about the fishing mechanic until your stomach is rumbling – or until you get a fishing-related side quest. Unlike ores and other crafting materials, MHW’s fish aren’t marked on the map, nor can you filter them like you would a Tracktail Lizard.

So, here’s a simple guide on how to fish and where to find every fish species in Monster Hunter Wilds.

All fish in MHW & where to catch them

Icon	Fish	Location
	Blind Perch	Iceshard Cliffs – Area 1 Ruins of Wyveria – Area 13
	Bomb Arowana	Scarlet Forest – Area 15 Oilwell Basin – Area 16
	Burst Arowana	Scarlet Forest – Area 15 Oilwell Basin – Area 16
	Escunite	Scarlet Forest – Area 12
	Gajau	Scarlet Forest – Areas 12 and 17
	Gastronome Tuna	Scarlet Forest – Area 17 (Plenty)
	Glass Parexus	Iceshard Cliffs – Area 1 Ruins of Wyveria – Area 13
	Goldenfish	Windward Plains – Area 14 Scarlet Forest – Area 13 Oilwell Basin – Area 12 Iceshard Cliffs – Area 20
	Goldenfry	Scarlet Forest – Area 13 Oilwell Basin – Area 12 Iceshard Cliffs – Area 1 Ruins of Wyveria – Area 13
	Goliath Squid	Scarlet Forest – Area 17
	Grand Escunite	Scarlet Forest – Area 12
	Gravid Bowfin	Windward Plains – Area 13 Scarlet Forest – Area 1 & 17 Oilwell Basin – Area 12 Iceshard Cliffs – Area 1 Ruins of Wyveria – Area 13
	Great Trevally	Scarlet Forest – Area 17
	Gunpowderfish	Scarlet Forest – Area 13 Oilwell Basin – Area 12 Iceshard Cliffs – Area 1 Ruins of Wyveria – Area 13
	Petricanths	Scarlet Forest – Area 16 Oilwell Basin – Area 12
	Platinumfish	Windward Plains – Area 14 Scarlet Forest – 17 Oilwell Basin – Area 12 Iceshard Cliffs – Area 20 Ruins of Wyveria – Area 13
	Speartuna	Scarlet Forest – 17
	Sushifish	Windward Plains – Area 13 and 14 Scarlet Forest – Base camp Oilwell Basin – Area 12
	Virid Bowfin	Windward Plains – Area 13 and 14 Scarlet Forest – Area 12
	Whetfish	Windward Plains – Area 13 (at Night)

How fishing works

Fishing in Monster Hunter Wilds is a more immersive and realistic experience than in previous games. Mastering it requires patience and practice, but the process is straightforward once you understand the basics.

Unlock Fishing Rod

You’ll receive the fishing rod early in the game, typically during Chapter 1-2. It is considered an essential item and will always be available in your inventory.

Finding fish

To catch fish, you need to locate a suitable body of water. In clear water, fish will be visible, while in murky water, look for ripples to indicate their presence. Keep in mind that fish are harder to find during intense weather conditions.

How to fish

Start by selecting your fishing rod from the Essentials Radial Menu or quick access inventory.

Once equipped, aim and cast your line near the fish you want to catch. Unlike previous games, simply casting your line is not enough – you must actively make your lure attractive to fish.

Slowly moving the line back and forth or using sudden jerks can help, depending on the fish’s preference. For controllers, move the left joystick up and down continuously. For keyboard users, alternate between tapping W and S rapidly.

When a fish bites – not just nibbles – press the prompted button to hook it. On consoles, this is typically A or X, while PC players should press the left mouse button.

Using different lures

Some fish species require specific lures to catch. For example, the Golden Bughead lure is needed to catch Goldenfish. If you are struggling to attract a certain type of fish, consider experimenting with different lures.

Catching Whoppers

Larger fish require special bait and a different approach. When reeling in a whopper, follow the fish’s movements to reduce line tension. Reel in quickly when the fish stops moving to gain control. If the fish jumps, follow its direction and press RT/R2 at the right moment to slam it back into the water.

That’s everything you need to know about fishing in Monster Hunter Wilds. While you’re here, check out how to upgrade armor and transmog.