We’re getting a whole host of new content in the Skyrim Anniversary Edition. One of the new additions that are free to owners of the Special Edition is fishing. Fishing is a totally new activity in Skyrim. It makes a lot of sense considering the numerous beautiful ponds and lakes that dot the province. Here is our guide on how to get started on fishing, where to go next and how to get on your way to becoming the best fisherperson in all of Skyrim!
Getting Started
You can start your fishing journey any time in Skyrim. In fact, as soon as you leave Helgen you can make your way to the first fishing spot of the game. On the road to Riverwood, just behind the Guardian Stones is a small camp. A local hunter lives here and tells you they’ve been hunting and fishing in this area for years. There are a few handy things to grab from the camp. First, you want to read the Line and Lure book pictured below. After reading the book, grab the rod beside it and you’re ready to go.
Next to these is a bucket of fishing supplies. Interacting with it will begin the fishing minigame. Fishing is extremely simple in Skyrim, casting is automatic. As you do, ripples appear in the water. The more there are, the more fish are in the area. No ripples means no fish, come back tomorrow. While your line is out, fish will tug on it. You want to wait until they tug hard enough that the rod bends to hit the interact button to reel it in. Your first few catches will likely range from some glorified goldfish to a bucket or an empty bottle.
Once you start fishing, you’ll get a quest telling you to go to the Riften Fishery. There you can speak to Viriya and Swims-In-Deep-Water to learn more about fishing. Before leaving the hunters camp be sure to grab the free map of fishing spots around Falkreath pictured above, it’s located in her tent.
There’s Always A Bigger Fish
Upon reaching Riften Fishery, Viriya will give you a crab and tell you not to ask why. Unusual as that was, move on to Swims-In-Deep-Water for a more substantial chat. Not much more, though. Asking him to teach you more about fishing will prompt him to give you a list of fish and tell you to go out and catch them. He offers little more information or advice, so get on with it I suppose
To his credit, the list of fish he asks for is not long, and they are all pretty common fish. Head outside and get back to fishing. There’s a fishing spot on the pier of the fishery, or you could head back to Falkreath and try one of the areas on your new map. There are dozens of fishing spots in the game, pick a body of water and you won’t have to search long to find one.
From here your fishing journey truly begins! Continue working with Swims-In-Deep-Water to improve your fishing and your equipment. Once you have your own home, you can display your fish in an aquarium, so get out there and catch as many fancy fish as you can!
With this guide, you are well on your way to becoming a fishing master in Skyrim Anniversary Edition. For more information check out some of our other guides. We have guides for starting out the game as a brand new warrior, thief or a mage. On the other hand, if you need help with getting married, finding strong weapons early on, or making money, we have guides for that too.
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Featured Image Credit: Bethesda