Skyrim Fishing Guide: All Fishing Locations Across the Holds

Key Takeaways:

1. Skyrim’s fishing system is surprisingly detailed, offering unique rewards in each hold.
2. Each hold has distinct fishing locations with a mix of stream, lake, and underground biomes.
3. Weather and region play a role in determining the types of fish players can catch.

Since its launch, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has captured the hearts of RPG fans around the world, and the 2021 Anniversary Edition has added even more depth to the already immersive experience. One new feature is fishing a pastime that lets players explore Skyrim in a whole new way. This guide will walk you through all the best fishing spots across Skyrim’s holds, helping you locate each region’s unique fish and treasures.

Whiterun Fishing Spots: A Simple Taste of Fishing

Overview:
Whiterun is one of the first areas players encounter. Known for its central role in the conflict between the Imperials and Stormcloaks, it also has three fishing spots in stream biomes. You’ll find different catches here, especially depending on the weather.

Fishing Locations in Whiterun

1. Chillfurrow Farm – Head east from Chillfurrow Farm across the road, following the path to the White River.
2. Riverwood – Depart Riverwood toward Whiterun; the fishing spot is just before the bridge on the left.
3. Swindler’s Den – From Swindler’s Den, head north to a stream flowing east. Follow it to a lake where the fishing spot is on the eastern shore.

Eastmarch Fishing Spots: Numerous and Varied Options

Overview:
Eastmarch has a wide range of fishing biomes with eight spots across streams, lakes, and underground areas. This region plays a pivotal role in Skyrim’s main storyline, and fishing can be a welcome break from the intense questing.

Fishing Locations in Eastmarch

1. Kynesgrove – Go northwest from Kynesgrove to the sawmill; the spot is by a waterfall near the mill.
2. Riverside Shack – Southwest of Riverside Shack.
3. Darkwater Crossing – From the campsite near the mine entrance, head south to the river.
4. Mixwater Mill – Head to the eastern riverbank, next to a chopping block by the Worker’s House.
5. Stony Creek Cave – At the lake next to the cave, find the fishing spot on the pier.
6. Lost Knife Hideout – Inside the hideout, cross the bridge in a large cave to find this spot.
7. Windhelm (Port #1) – At the northern pier on The North Wind ship.
8. Windhelm (Port #2) – At the southern pier.

The Rift Fishing Spots: A Land Made for Fishing

Overview:
Located in the southeast, The Rift features ten diverse fishing spots with access to stream, lake, and underground biomes. Known as a Stormcloak stronghold, The Rift provides a wealth of treasures for those willing to explore its waters.

Fishing Locations in The Rift

1. Ivarstead – From Vilemyr Inn, head to the river.
2. Riften – Near Marise Aravel’s House.
3. Faldar’s Tooth – Located on the eastern pier.
4. Heartwood Mill – Find the spot on the eastern shore.
5. Honeyside – This spot appears once the property is owned and upgraded.
6. Black-Briar Meadery – Go down the steps from the Meadery to find this spot.
7. Riften Fishery – Walk to Lake Honrich and follow the middle pier.
8. Geirmund’s Hall – Near the entrance on the eastern shore.
9. Dead Drop Falls – Inside Fort Dawnguard, jump down the waterfall.
10. Fort Dawnguard – Find the spot at the northernmost point of the frozen lake.

The Reach Fishing Spots: Hidden Gems Among the Forsworn

Overview:
The mountainous Reach hold is riddled with Forsworn enemies and quests. Its seven fishing spots are located across streams and underground biomes, with unique catches awaiting those who brave the terrain.

Fishing Locations in The Reach

1. Deep Folk Crossing – Follow the right side of the river at the waterfall’s base.
2. Salvius Farm – East of the farm, near a tree by the river.
3. Bard’s Leap Summit – Jump from the summit into the water and head northeast.
4. Reachcliff Cave – Follow the river path on the east side.
5. Markarth – Near the entrance to The Warrens.
6. Reachwater Rock – Near a lake along the river path.
7. Deepwood Vale – On the southwestern shore of the central island.

Haafingar Fishing Spots: Diverse Fishing Biomes

Overview:
Located in northwest Skyrim, Haafingar is home to Solitude and a mix of biomes, from streams to underground lakes. There are eight fishing spots, where players can reel in fish that thrive in colder waters.

Fishing Locations in Haafingar

1. Dragon Bridge – West of the sawmill at Dragon Bridge.
2. East Empire Company Warehouse – Near the southern pier.
3. Solitude Sawmill #1 – Near a campfire halfway along the river path.
4. Solitude Sawmill #2 – Continue along the river path past the first sawmill spot.
5. Broken Oar Grotto – Inside, follow the ramps down to a boat with the fishing spot.
6. Shadowgreen Cavern – Near a lake by a hunter’s body.
7. Castle Volkihar – On the pier.
8. Orphan’s Tear – On the peninsula’s western shore.

Hjaalmarch Fishing Spots: A Poor Hold with Underwater Treasures

Overview:
Known for its swampy, isolated landscapes, Hjaalmarch is home to seven fishing spots, mostly along streams and underground waterways.

Fishing Locations in Hjaalmarch

1. Chillwind Depths #1 – Inside Chillwind Depths, near an alcove.
2. Chillwind Depths #2 – Outside, near a hunter’s camp.
3. Crabber’s Shanty – East of the shanty.
4. Morthal #1 – From Falion’s House, follow the pier.
5. Morthal #2 – Near the northern shore of the River Hjaal.
6. Movarth’s Lair – Near swamp fungal pods to the northwest.
7. Brood Cavern – Inside, follow the stream to a waterfall.

Falkreath Fishing Spots: Where It All Begins

Overview:
Falkreath is the starting location for many players, with seven fishing spots available in lakes, streams, and underground areas.

Fishing Locations in Falkreath

1. The Guardian Stones – Near the hunter’s camp by the river.
2. Ilinalta’s Deep – Between Ilinalta’s Deep and Moss Mother Cavern.
3. Half-Moon Mill – Northeast along the lake shore.
4. Brittleshin Pass – On the pier at Lake Ilinalta.
5. Shriekwind Bastion – On an island in Lake Ilinalta.
6. Embershard Mine – Near the base of a waterfall inside the mine.
7. Darkshade – Near a lake inside the cave.

Solstheim Fishing Spots: Fit for the Dragonborn

Overview:
Solstheim is a land tied to the Dragonborn questline. The island offers seven fishing spots primarily in freezing waters and underground biomes.

Fishing Locations in Solstheim

1. Damphall Mine #1 – Inside, near a wooden structure by a waterfall.
2. Damphall Mine #2 – On the peninsula by a boat west of the mine.
3. Raven Rock – On the pier.
4. Bujold’s Retreat – At the pier.
5. Haknir’s Shoal – Southwest along the shore.
6. North Shore Landing – Near the pier on the northern shore.
7. Skaal Village – Along the island’s eastern shore.

Winterhold Fishing Spots: Many Casualties of the Sea

Overview:
Winterhold, home to the College of Winterhold, offers seven fishing spots mainly in freezing waters.

Fishing Locations in Winterhold

1. The Great Lift at Alftand – In Blackreach, near a lake with waterfalls.
2. Hela’s Folly – South of Hela’s Folly, near a campfire.
3. Pilgrim’s Trench – South of the trench, by a boat.
4. Wreck of the Pride of Tel Vos – Near a boat to the left.
5. Wreck of the Winter War #1 – On the lower deck of the wreck.
6. Wreck of the Winter War #2 – Near a boat on the eastern shore.
7. The Pale – A cold and sparsely populated hold in the north.

FAQ

Q: Can the weather affect the fish you catch in Skyrim?
Yes, Skyrim’s fishing system is influenced by weather, especially for certain fish in specific biomes.

Q: Are there unique items to catch while fishing in Skyrim?
Yes, some fishing spots can yield unique treasures and quest-related items beyond the standard fish.

Q: Is fishing only available in the Anniversary Edition?
Fishing is a feature added in the Anniversary Edition, allowing for new quests, rewards, and fish species.