In the chaos of cults and firefights, Far Cry 5 hides a serene, skill-based gem: fishing. For some players, it’s the quiet reprieve that turns into a full-blown obsession. And for completionists? It’s the hook that reels them into one of the game’s most overlooked challenges—smashing fishing records across Hope County.

But if you want to claim those state records, you're going to need more than patience. You’ll need the right bait, the right spots, and the muscle to reel in the big ones. This guide breaks down every fish species, where to catch them, and what it takes to etch your name on each regional board.

Fishing in Far Cry 5 isn’t just for leisure—it’s tied to achievements, perks, and even mission progress.

To start, you’ll need a fishing rod. There are four in the game:

• Basic Rod – Found early on or at general stores.

• Natural Rod – Earned via the "Tools of the Trade" challenge.

• Wonderboy Rod – Reward for completing the quest "Gone Fishin'."

• Old Betsy Rod – Unlocked by beating all regional fishing records.

The better the rod, the easier it is to control and land large fish. To fish, approach any body of water, cast your line, and use the analog sticks (or mouse and keyboard) to simulate tension, resistance, and reeling.

Fishing also plays a minor role in missions, such as the one near Lamb of God Church , where the peaceful environment around the river can make for a great fishing session after surviving the chaos.

Aside from setting records, catching fish offers tangible in-game benefits:

• Sell for Cash : Take your haul to a vendor and trade it in for easy money. High-value species like Paddlefish Sturgeon and Chinook Salmon offer the biggest payouts.

• Complete Challenges : Catching specific types contributes to perk point challenges, helping you unlock useful abilities like increased health or better aim.

• Side Quests : Some missions ask for fish or involve fishing tasks, especially in Faith's region.

• Unlock Equipment : The best rod in the game, Old Betsy, is locked behind fishing records.

It’s not just for fun—it’s financially rewarding and necessary for full progression.

There are 12 main fish species in the game. Here’s where to find each one and what you’ll need to catch them:

1. Kokanee Salmon

• Best Location: Dutch’s Island (starting region) and nearby rivers

• Rod Needed: Basic or better

• Lure: Bass Popper or Natural Lure

2. Chinook Salmon

• Best Location: Whitetail Mountains – north rivers

• Rod Needed: Wonderboy or Natural Rod recommended

• Lure: Salmon Egg Lure

3. Pallid Sturgeon

• Best Location: Henbane River, near the Cult Outposts

• Rod Needed: Wonderboy minimum

• Lure: Spoon Lure or Bass Popper

4. Paddlefish Sturgeon

• Best Location: Southwest corner of Henbane River, near Langford Lake

• Rod Needed: Natural or Wonderboy

• Lure: Hybrid Sturgeon Lure

5. Lake Trout

• Best Location: Frozen lakes in Whitetail Mountains like Wishbone Lake

• Rod Needed: Natural Rod or better

• Lure: Trout Lure

6. Rainbow Trout

• Best Location: Faith’s Region – quiet lake areas such as Silver Lake

• Rod Needed: Basic is fine

• Lure: Trout Lure

7. Bull Trout

• Best Location: Whitetail Region, near Jacob’s bunker

• Rod Needed: Natural Rod or Wonderboy

• Lure: Trout Lure

8. Rock Bass

• Best Location: Any body of water in Dutch’s region, especially near Rock Bass Lake

• Rod Needed: Basic Rod

• Lure: Bass Popper or Spoon Lure

9. Largemouth Bass

• Best Location: Holland Valley – southwest lakes

• Rod Needed: Basic or Natural

• Lure: Bass Popper

10. Smallmouth Bass

• Best Location: Clutch Nixon Stunt locations (usually near rivers)

• Rod Needed: Basic

• Lure: Bass Popper

11. Golden Trout

• Best Location: High-altitude rivers in Whitetail Mountains

• Rod Needed: Wonderboy required

• Lure: Trout Lure

12. Arctic Grayling

• Best Location: Remote rivers in Faith’s Region, often grouped with Arctic Grayling Salmon spawns

• Rod Needed: Wonderboy or Old Betsy

• Lure: Trout or Salmon Lure..

Fishing isn’t just about location—it’s about technique and timing. To snag a state record:

• Use the Wonderboy or Old Betsy rod to reduce fight time.

• Don’t reel while the fish is pulling. Wait until it slows.

• Keep line tension in the green zone—jerking too hard breaks it.

• Aim for named fishing spots marked with a blue fish icon.

• Change lures if fish stop biting—match them to your target species.

Pro tip: Some players swear by early morning casts for larger fish.

Once you’ve got the basics down, here are some next-level tactics to help you outfish the locals:

Watch the Water

Observe for ripples and shadows in the water—these often indicate active fish. Try casting near these zones for better results.

Use the Environment

Use elevated rocks or docks to gain a better casting angle. In some cases, height gives you more visibility and a cleaner line path.

Control the Fight

When the fish starts pulling, don’t resist. Let it run, then pull back when it slows. Alternating between pull and reel is the secret to taming the biggest catches.

Match Lure to Habitat

Lakes and rivers favor different lures. Bass Popper works wonders in shallow rocky waters, while Trout Lure shines in deeper lakes.

Use Fast Travel Smartly

Rather than wasting time on foot, fast travel between known hotspots like Langford Lake , Silver Lake , and Wishbone Lake to cover more ground.

Besides unlocking Old Betsy , the best rod in the game, breaking records grants:

• Challenge XP toward perk points

• Cash rewards for each massive catch

• Bragging rights across co-op sessions

You’ll also get to explore some of the most beautiful spots in the game, from the peaceful waters of Langford Lake to the stunning reflections of Silver Lake —the kind of places where landing a giant Chinook feels like an earned trophy.

In a game packed with explosions, bear attacks, and cultist ambushes, fishing in Far Cry 5 offers a different kind of thrill. It rewards patience, mastery, and knowing where to stand.

So grab your rod, pick your lure, and hit the water. Whether you're after a rare Arctic Grayling Salmon or chasing that elusive record-size Paddlefish near Wishbone Lake , Hope County’s lakes and rivers are calling.