Fishing in Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a relaxing break from the intense action, and for players aiming to complete the legendary fish collection, the Legendary Muskie is one of the key catches. Located in the northern regions of the map, this elusive predator requires the right technique, bait, and timing to be reeled in successfully. Whether you’re after it for the thrill, the challenge, or completionist purposes, knowing how to catch the Legendary Muskie in RDR2 can save you time and frustration. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from preparation to final catch.
Where to Find the Legendary Muskie
Exact Location
The Legendary Muskie can be found at the mouth of the Lannahechee River, just south of the Van Horn Trading Post. This area is located in the northeastern part of the map. Look for the marker near the water’s edge once you’ve received the map from Jeremy Gill or have progressed far enough in the Stranger mission A Fisher of Fish.
Best Approach
To reach the fishing spot safely and efficiently:
- Travel to Van Horn Trading Post by horseback or fast travel.
- Head south along the riverbank until you find a wide section where the river meets the open water.
- Look for ripples or the legendary fish icon that marks the Muskie’s territory.
Be mindful of wild animals or gang activity in the area. It’s wise to clear out the region beforehand if there’s any threat nearby that could interrupt your fishing session.
Recommended Gear for Legendary Muskie
The Right Rod and Bait
To catch a Legendary Muskie, you must use a specific combination of fishing equipment:
- Rod: Lake Lure Rod (standard fishing rod works, but the lake lure is essential).
- Bait: Special River Lure this is the only bait that reliably hooks the Legendary Muskie.
You can purchase the Special River Lure from any bait shop once fishing is unlocked, or from the shop at Lagras. It’s part of the set of legendary fish lures and should be in your tackle box before heading out.
Clothing and Inventory Tips
Since you’ll be in the northern area where the weather can shift quickly, bring warm clothing. Also carry extra food, Dead Eye tonics, and weapons for self-defense in case things get chaotic. Although the fishing itself is peaceful, random events can always occur.
Timing and Conditions
Best Time to Fish
The Legendary Muskie is available in both day and night, but many players find better success in early morning or late afternoon when fish activity increases. Weather can affect visibility and ease of fishing, so try to go when the sky is clear or slightly overcast for ideal conditions.
Understanding Fish Behavior
The Muskie is a large, aggressive predator, and it will put up a long fight once hooked. It may take a few minutes of patient reeling and resisting before it tires out. Always keep your rod angled properly and avoid over-tension to prevent the line from snapping.
How to Catch the Legendary Muskie
Step-by-Step Strategy
- Equip your Lake Lure and attach the Special River Lure before casting.
- Stand near the water’s edge at the marked location, facing the river mouth.
- Cast your line far into the water and begin a slow, steady reel. Use the right analog stick to simulate lifelike movement.
- Wait for a strong tug; the Muskie often bites aggressively, so be ready to hook quickly.
- Once hooked, tilt your rod left and right to wear the fish down. Reel when it stops struggling and avoid pulling when it’s thrashing.
This fight may last several minutes. Don’t panic if the fish starts pulling line. It’s normal for legendary fish to be more challenging than ordinary catches. Focus on consistency and avoid jerky movements.
Using Dead Eye and Focus
Although you can’t use Dead Eye during fishing, stay mentally focused. If your controller vibrates heavily, it’s a sign the fish is resisting. Wait for the vibration to reduce before reeling again. If you feel your line tightening too much, give it slack by tilting the rod in the opposite direction.
What to Do After Catching the Legendary Muskie
Storing and Transporting the Fish
Once caught, Arthur will automatically strap the fish to his horse. The Legendary Muskie is a large fish, so you can only carry one at a time. Ride carefully and avoid combat, as dying on the way to deliver the fish means losing it permanently.
Where to Deliver the Fish
You should mail the fish to Jeremy Gill using the post office. There is one located nearby at Van Horn. Simply approach the post clerk and select the option to mail the Legendary Fish. Doing so contributes to the A Fisher of Fish mission progress.
Rewards and Progress
Mailing the Legendary Muskie counts toward the total of 13 legendary fish needed to complete the Stranger mission. Completing the full set earns you a hefty reward, a unique lure, and a special reward from Gill himself. While the Muskie alone doesn’t give a large cash payout, it’s crucial for achieving 100% completion.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Watch Out for Hostile NPCs
Since the area near Van Horn can sometimes be hostile, it’s smart to clear the region of enemies or choose a different time of day if there’s too much activity. The last thing you want is to lose your catch to a random shootout.
Save Before You Fish
If you’re unsure or this is your first attempt, consider manually saving the game before starting your fishing session. That way, if something goes wrong whether it’s a broken line or an accidental death you can reload and try again.
Practice with Smaller Fish
If you’re not confident in your fishing skills, practice with smaller fish using regular bait first. This helps you understand the mechanics of reeling, tension control, and proper rod movement.
Catching the Legendary Muskie in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding challenge for players who appreciate the game’s deep hunting and fishing systems. From knowing where to find it to choosing the right bait and fighting with patience, every step matters. With proper preparation and a careful approach, you’ll reel in this massive predator and edge one step closer to completing your legendary fish collection. Keep your line tight, your lure steady, and enjoy the journey into the wild waters of RDR2.