Summary
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimhas not lost momentum in the RPG world since gaining traction following its release in 2011. Players worldwide have logged hours upon hours of game time diving into the seemingly endless number of quests. With the launch of theSkyrim Anniversary Editionin 2021, players found even more to explore and battle.
One feature of note is fishing.While it can be easily overlooked, this activity can be quite entertaining and lucrative. Of course, finding all the fishing spots can be quite challenging, with so many that can easily blend in with the scenery. Sprinkled throughout the holds in places a player would be least likely to suspect, there may be more than just one that gets missed.
Whiterun Fishing Spots
A Simple Taste Of Fishing
The Whiterun Hold is one of the first places players come across in the game as they begin their story. From purchasing two properties to key activities related to the strife between the Stormcloaks and the Imperials, quite a lot of action takes place in this location, making fishing somewhat of an afterthought.
When players make time to fish, they’ll find this region hasthree available fishing locations, all of which are stream biomes. Players can catch different fish and items depending on whether the area is clear or rainy. All locations are outside, making them relatively easy to find.
How To Get There
Chillfurrow Farm
Head east from Chillfurrow Farm. Cross the road that runs north to Whiterun and proceed to the White River. The fishing spot is in a straight line from the farm’s main building.
Riverwood
Leave Riverwood as if heading directly for Whiterun. Just before reaching the bridge, there’s a fishing spot located on the left hand side of the path.
Swindler’s Den
From Swindler’s Den, walk north to a small stream that flows east. Follow the stream until reaching a lake with an island to the north. The fishing spot is located across the lake on the eastern shore.
Eastmarch Fishing Spots
Numerous And Varied Options
The Eastmarch Hold is a key playing field in the main storyline. Players must choose their paths very carefully, as it will affect several different aspects of their gameplay. Related quests will have players rushing back and forth across the world map, fighting for the Imperials or the Stormcloaks.
When they’re ready to take a break for more relaxing activities, they’ll find eight fishing spots sprinkled throughout Eastmarch. These are a combination of stream, lake, and underground biomes. The streams and lakes will produce different results depending on the weather.
Kynesgrove
Leave Kynesgrove in a northwest direction. At the crossing, jump the low wall to continue toward the sawmill. Find the fishing spot at the foot of the waterfall to the mill’s southwest.
Find the fishing spot directly southwest of the shack.
Darkwater Crossing
Move from Darkwater Crossing toward the mine entrance in the east. To the right will be a camping area with tents. Walk pass the tents going south to the river, where the fishing spot is located.
Mixwater Mill
From Mixwater Mill, walk to the eastern riverbank. The fishing spot is next to a wood chopping block south of the Worker’s House.
Stony Creek Cave
Walk to the lake next to Stony Creek Cave. The fishing spot is on the pier on the southern shore.
Lost Knife Hideout
Inside Lost Knife Hideout, follow the small stream into a large cave. Cross the bridge to an island and pass a wooden structure on the right. Turn right and head down the ramp to the fishing spot.
Windhelm #1
At the Windhelm Port, find a ship called The North Wind located on the northern pier. The fishing spot is on the ship.
Windhelm #2
At the Windhelm Port, walk to the southern pier to find the fishing spot.
The Rift Fishing Spots
Land Made For Fishing
Located in the southeastern part of Skyrim, The Rift begins as an ally to the Stormcloaks. Players' decisions will ultimately determine which party this hold belongs to in the end. It also serves as the starting and ending point for a bunch of quests.
When players need a break from all the political strife and nearly endless questing, they have their pick of ten fishing spots. They’re a healthy mix of stream, lake, and underground biomes, allowing players the opportunity tocatch an array of treasuresand fish they can’t find anywhere else.
Ivarstead
From behind the Vilemyr Inn, walk to the river to find the fishing spot.
Riften
Inside Riften, find Marise Aravel’s House. The fishing spot is located on the walkway next to this location.
Faldar’s Tooth
From Faldar’s Tooth, walk onto the pier to the east to find the fishing spot.
Heartwood Mill
Move from Heartwood Mill to the eastern shore to find the fishing spot.
Honeyside
This property must be owned, and the porch must be upgraded before the fishing spot appears. Once it is owned, the spot will be located on the pier to the west next to a boat.
Black-Briar Meadery
From the entrance of Black-Briar Meadery, walk down the steps toward Riften Fishery. At the bottom of the steps, turn to face the meadery. Follow the ramp down to the lower level where the fishing spot is.
Riften Fishery
Move west from the Riften Fishery to Lake Honrich. Walk down the middle pier to find the fishing spot.
Geirmund’s Hall
Walk from the entrance of Geirmund’s Hall to the eastern shore to find the fishing spot.
Dead Drop Falls
Enter Dead Drop Falls inside the castle at Fort Dawnguard. Once inside, jump from the top of the waterfall into a lake. Exit the northern end of the lake to find the fishing spot at the left of two braziers.
Fort Dawnguard
From Fort Dawnguard, walk to the nearby frozen lake’s northernmost tip, where the fishing spot is located.
The Reach Fishing Spots
Hidden Gems Among The Forsworn
The Reach is a mountainous region that initially belongs to the Imperials. Players will determine the fate of this hold as the main story quest progresses. This area is chock full of quests and riddled with Forsworn, making it a challenge for those players not prepared to do battle.
Of course, when it’s time for a break from all the hacking and slashing, players can kick back and relax at one of these seven fishing spots. The biomes found in this hold are a mix of stream and underground.
Deep Folk Crossing
At Deep Folk Crossing, follow the river on the right-hand side. The fishing spot will be located at the bottom of a large cascade.
Salvius Farm
Walk east from Salvius Farm to the bridge. From there, turn north as if heading to Solitude and continue walking, following the road. At the first tree on the right, head to the river to locate the fishing spot.
Bard’s Leap Summit
From Bard’s Leap Summit, jump into the body of water below. Exit the water to the northeast, where the fishing spot is located.
Reachcliff Cave
Take the path down the mountain from Reachcliff Cave. Continue this path until arriving at the main road located across from the bridge that heads toward Karthspire. Turn to the east and proceed to the river. Find the fishing spot on a rocky outcrop. This location is linked to the quest “Spirits Away.”
Markarth
From inside the Markarth entrance, head left, following the stream. The fishing spot is located near the entrance to The Warrens on the right side of the waterfall’s base. This location is linked to the quest “Private Lessons.”
Reachwater Rock
From the entrance of Reachwater Rock, follow the path to a stream, then onward to a lake. The fishing spot can be found on the frontside of the lake.
Deepwood Vale
Enter Deepwood Vale from Deepwood Redoubt. Move south from the bridge to Deepwood Redoubt to the central island. The fishing spot will be on the southwestern shore.
Haafingar Fishing Spots
Diverse Fishing Biomes
Located in the northwest region of Skyrim, Haafingar is home to the Imperial capital of Solitude. As such, it starts off as the Imperial center of activity, but things can quickly change based on players' choices. It contains a range of plants and animals in addition to thevarious fish that can be caught.
Within Haafingar Hold, players will find eight different fishing spots. These are a mix of stream, freezing waters, and underground biomes.
Dragon Bridge
Move west from the sawmill at the Dragon Bridge Lumber Camp to a small waterfall to find the fishing spot.
East Empire Company Warehouse
Head from the East Empire Company Warehouse to the southern pier. The fishing spot can be found near the Red Wave.
Solitude Sawmill #1
Start at the Solitude Sawmill and walk toward the river to the south. At the river, turn to the east and continue walking. Halfway down the path, next to a campfire, is the fishing spot.
Solitude Sawmill #2
Start from the Solitude Sawmill #1 fishing spot. Continue walking in the same direction to find the fishing spot on the pier.
Broken Oar Grotto
Inside Broken Oar Grotto, ascend the wooden ramp. When the path splits, take the left fork. Follow the steep northward ramp. Continue down this path, following it when it descends. At the wooden scaffolding, move to the lower levels until arriving at a boat leaning on a ramp with a fishing spot next to it.
Shadowgreen Cavern
From inside the entrance of Shadowgreen Cavern, follow the path to a river and then to a lake. Find the fishing spot by the body of the hunter.
Castle Volkihar
The fishing spot is located on the pier just after arriving at Castle Volkihar.
Orphan’s Tear
Move from the wreck of the Orphan’s Tear northeast. The fishing spot is located on the peninsula’s western shore by a boat.
Hjaalmarch Fishing Spots
A Poor Hold With Underwater Treasures
Hjaalmarch Hold is noted for being one of the most economically challenged holds in Skyrim. While it starts off allied to the Empire, players can choose to alter its fate with mainline quest decisions. It’s located in the northern area of Skyrim and is essentially isolated from the rest of the holds.
However, that doesn’t stop it from being a great place to fish. Within this hold, players will find seven fishing spots to pass the time or collect essential quest items. These fishing spots are divided between stream and underground biomes.
Chillwind Depths #1
From the entrance inside Chillwind Depths, walk straight until reaching a wall. The fishing spot will be located inside the nearby alcove.
Chillwind Depths #2
From outside the entrance to Chillwind Depths, head along the path to the east until reaching a hunter’s camp. Pass the boat on the shore in a southward direction to find the fishing spot.
Crabber’s Shanty
Walk east from the Crabber’s Shanty to find the fishing spot.
Morthal #1
From Falion’s House in Morthal, head north until reaching the end of the pier to find the fishing spot.
Morthal #2
From Falion’s House in Morthal, head east until reaching the northern shore of the River Hjaal to find the fishing spot. This spot is linked to the quest “No Contest.”
Movarth’s Lair
From the outside of Movarth’s Lair, walk to the northwest to reach the nearest body of water. Turn west and follow the shoreline to reach the fishing spot. It can be found among the swamp fungal pods.
Brood Cavern
Inside Brood Cavern, follow the stream against the flow of water. The fishing spot is located in the space between where the cavern opens up and a waterfall.
Falkreath Fishing Spots
Where It All Begins
Every player’s story begins in the Falkreath Hold in Helgen. Since the game allows for complete open-world exploration, they can then chart their own path going forward. This hold is one that starts as an Imperial supporter but can be overtaken by the Stormcloaks.
When the struggle to choose a political side becomes too much, players can choose from any ofthese seven fishing spotsto pass the time. These biomes include lakes, streams, and underground bodies of water.
The Guardian Stones
From The Guardian Stones, head to the hunter camp near the river to find the fishing spot next to a boat.
Ilinalta’s Deep
Walk from Ilinalta’s Deep toward Moss Mother Cavern. The fishing spot is located roughly halfway between the two locations.
Half-Moon Mill
Head northeast from Half-Moon Mill to the shore of Lake Ilinalta to find the fishing spot.
Brittleshin Pass
From South Brittleshin Pass, head south to the pier at Lake Ilinalta, where the fishing spot is located.
Shriekwind Bastion
Head northeast from North Shriekwind Bastion to Lake Ilinalta. The fishing spot is on an island near the lake’s southern shore.
Embershard Mine
In the final room of Embershard Mine is a waterfall with a fishing spot located at its base.
Darkshade
Once inside Darkshade, head left until reaching a lake with a waterfall. The fishing spot can be found on the north shore.
Solstheim Fishing Spots
Fit For The Dragonborn
As part of the Dragonborn quest, players can begin accessingthe island of Solstheim. This area adds more quests, including those related to Hermaeus Mora, another individual capable of absorbing dragon souls.
In addition to the added action and questing, there are several fishing locations on the island. Players can choose from seven different spots. These spots are from the freezing waters and underground biome types.
Damphall Mine #1
Walk from the entrance of Damphall Mine into the cave to the first body of water and swim to the waterfall. Jump down to the next lake. The fishing spot can be found on the nearby wooden structure.
Damphall Mine #2
Walk to the west of Damphall Mine. There will be a small peninsula with a boat next to it. The fishing spot is located on the peninsula.
The fishing spot is located on Raven Rock’s short pier.
Bujold’s Retreat
From Bujold’s Retreat, head east to the pier where the fishing spot is located.
Haknir’s Shoal
Head southwest from Haknir’s Shoal to the shore to find this fishing spot.
North Shore Landing
Head to the east of the pier on the northern shore at North Shore Landing to find this fishing spot.
Skaal Village
Travel north from Skaal Village to the island’s eastern shore for this fishing spot.
Winterhold Fishing Spots
Many Casualties Of The Sea
Winterhold is located in the north and is most well-known for the College of Winterhold. Its capital city, Winterhold, is a shell of what it once was, with only four buildings remaining standing. Despite this, there’s no shortage of quests to take on in this hold. Initially, it’s a Stormcloak supporter.
Players can also take advantage of seven fishing spots. Because of the location of this hold, the majority of these spots are in the freezing waters biome. One is in the underground biome.
The Great Lift At Alftand
Starting from The Great Lift at Alftand, head to Blackreach. Once there, walk the path that heads northwest. The fishing spot will be on the shore of a lake with multiple waterfalls.
Hela’s Folly
Head south from Hela’s Folly to find the fishing spot on the shore by a campfire.
Pilgrim’s Trench
Head south from Pilgrim’s Trench to find the fishing spot by a boat.
Wreck Of The Pride Of Tel Vos
Head to the left from the Wreck of the Pride of Tel Vos to find the fishing spot next to a small boat.
Wreck Of The Winter War #1
This fishing spot can be found inside the Wreck of the Winter War. Move into the eastern half of the wreck and down to the lower deck.
Wreck Of The Winter War #2
Head northwest from the Wreck of the Winter War. Upon reaching a long peninsula, move to the eastern shore. The fishing spot is located by a boat.
The Pale Fishing Spots
Freezing Waters And Hidden Rarities
As one of the northern holds, The Pale is made of snowy, harsh terrain. It begins as an ally to the Stormcloaks. Players will find it very thinly populated, leaving them with few places to lay low.
However, they can alsotake time from their explorations to fishat any of these six fishing spots. All these spots are freezing waters biomes, which will limit what players can catch throughout the hold due to a lack of diversity.
Dawnstar #1
While in Dawnstar, head to The Mortar and Pestle. The fishing spot is located in front.
Dawnstar #2
Head west out of Dawnstar. This fishing spot can be found to the north of Windward Ruins. This spot is linked to the quests “Crustacean Extermination” and “Wave Breaker.”
Nightgate Inn
Walk east from Nightgate Inn to the small lake. The fishing spot will be to the north of the small pier.
Anga’s Mill
Walk south from Anga’s Mill Common House to find the fishing spot.
Bronze Water Cave #1
Head south from Bronze Water Cave to an aetherium dynamo actuator, where the fishing spot is located. This spot is linked to the quest “Beneath Bronze Waters.”
Bronze Water Cave #2
Head southeast from Bronze Water Cave to an aetherium dynamo actuator, where the fishing spot is located. This spot is linked to the quest “Beneath Bronze Waters.”
