Hey there, Zelda adventurers! Link isn’t just a master swordsman and wolf whisperer; he’s also quite the angler! When it comes to Twilight Princess fishing: there lies diverse waters teeming with life, and with the right know-how, you can snag everything from common Gillfish to the legendary Hylian Loach. This guide will walk you through the two main fishing styles in Twilight Princess: classic Bobber Fishing and the more nuanced Lure Fishing. So grab your rod, and let’s dive in!
Table of Contents: Twilight Princess Fishing Guide
Section 1: Bobber Fishing – The Classic Cast
This is where your angling journey begins! Early in your Ordon Village adventures, the kind Ulla (Moy’s wife, in case you forgot!) gifts you your first Fishing Rod. This trusty tool uses a simple hook and bobber. Any fish you snag with this method gets recorded in your Fishing Logbook, a handy record of your catches, including the species and size. Keep an eye on it to track your personal bests!
1a: Mastering the Bobber – Procedure
Don’t let the initial waggles of the Wii Remote (or analog stick twitches in the HD version!) fool you; mastering bobber fishing is a breeze once you get the hang of it.
- Gear Up: First, assign your Fishing Rod to the “B” button (or your preferred item slot).
- Find Your Spot: Position Link near a body of water. Pro tip: make sure there are actually fish there! Use the first-person view (often “C” button or right stick click) to scout the area. No fish, no bites!
- Casting Call:
- Wii: Press “B” to enter fishing mode. You’ll know you’re ready when tilting the Wii Remote back and forth moves Link’s rod on screen. Pull the Wii Remote back so Link holds the rod vertically, then flick your wrist forward to cast your line into the water.
- HD Versions (Wii U/Switch): Press the assigned button to bring out the rod. Use the analog stick to aim your cast, and press the button again to send the line flying.
- The Waiting Game: Watch your bobber closely. It’ll settle in the water, standing mostly upright.
- The Bite!: This is crucial! A fish will nibble, causing the bobber to dip slightly. Wait for it! You’re looking for a distinct tug where the bobber is pulled at least halfway under the water’s surface.
- Set the Hook!:
- Wii: As soon as you see that significant tug, sharply pull the Wii Remote back to a vertical position.
- HD Versions: Yank back on the control stick and/or press the reel button.
- Reel ‘Em In!: Once the hook is set, maintain that vertical rod position (Wii) or keep reeling (HD). Link will automatically pull the fish in.
Important Notes:
- Timing is Everything: Pull back too early, and you’ll miss the hookset. Wait too long after the big tug, and the clever fish will snatch your bait and swim off!
- Catch and Release (Mostly): Unlike some past Zelda titles, you can’t bottle these fish (unless it’s a specific quest item like the Reekfish scent for the Zora Prince). Most fish are immediately released after you catch them, usually rewarding you with a Heart or some Rupees.
1b: Bait – Sweetening the Deal
Want to increase your chances of a bite and attract even the pickiest fish? Bait is your best friend! There are two types you can use with your bobber rod.
- Equipping Bait: First, ensure your Fishing Rod is assigned to “B” (or your chosen button). Then, assign your desired bait to one of your D-Pad or other quick-select slots. In the game, press the direction/button for the bait you want to use, and Link will add it to his hook.
- Careful Now! If you try to equip bait when Link already has bait on his hook, he’ll just eat the new bait himself! A tasty, if wasteful, snack.
Bee Larvae (10 per scoop):
What it is: Juicy, wriggling larvae that many fish can’t resist.
How to get it: Look for beehives hanging from trees or buildings (there’s one in Ordon Village across from the shop, and another at the Fishing Hole building). Knock one down with your Slingshot or Gale Boomerang (careful of the bees!), then scoop up the Bee Larvae into an empty Bottle. Each scoop nets you a generous 10 larvae.
Worm (1 per scoop):
What it is: A classic fish attractor.
How to get it:
- Kargarok Hunting: Those “freaky land birds” (actually Kargaroks, though the description is apt!) that patrol Hyrule Field and sometimes drop bomb-like surprises will occasionally leave behind a Worm when defeated. You’ll find a few just outside Faron Woods.
- Wolf Senses: At the Lure Fishing Hole (more on that later!), switch to Wolf Link and use your senses. You’ll spot some shiny patches on the ground you can dig up to find Worms.
Like larvae, just walk over and scoop it into a Bottle. Each scoop yields one (1) Worm.
1c: Hooks – Getting an Edge
Your bobber rod can be enhanced with a special hook!
Bonus: This is essential for catching Reekfish. It also significantly increases the bite rate for all other fish types when bobber fishing. A must-have upgrade!
Bone Hook
What it is: This is the standard hook that comes with your Fishing Rod when Ulla gives it to you.
Bonus: Reliable, but no special perks. Gets the job done for most common fish.
Coral Earring
What it is: Not just a piece of Zora finery! This special hook is a gift from the young Zora Prince Ralis after you’ve helped him during the events following the Lakebed Temple (the 5th dungeon, storyline-wise).
1d: The Bobber Catch List – What’s Biting?
With your trusty bobber rod, you can catch six standard types of fish, one very stinky special fish, and even some unexpected “treasures.”
Greengill
Find ’em: Absolutely everywhere! Cast your line in almost any fish-populated water, and you’re likely to pull one up. The small pond at Hena’s Fishing Hole is teeming with them.
Look for: Small, green, and very common. Hard to miss.
Reekfish
Find ’em: Only in Zora’s Domain, specifically in the pool at the base of the waterfall near Mother-and-Child Rock (that distinctive double-peaked rock formation – a nice nod to The Wind Waker!).
Look for: Large and reddish.
Special Notes: You must have the Coral Earring equipped to catch these. As their name implies, they stink. If you’re having trouble figuring out your next story step involving the Zora Prince, try sniffing one as Wolf Link… hint, hint!
Ordon Catfish
Find ’em: Most reliably found at Hena’s Fishing Hole, especially near the rock archway in the center of the lake (cast from the western shore towards it). You can also find them, though less commonly, at the back of the stream in Ordon Village (near where that pesky monkey snatched Colin’s cradle).
Look for: Broader nose area and distinct whiskers. Can sometimes be confused with Hylian Pike from a distance.
Hylian Pike
Find ’em: Also common at Hena’s Fishing Hole, particularly towards the northern end of the western bank. They also appear in various rivers across Hyrule and sometimes in the center of Lake Hylia (where you help Iza with her boat ride).
Look for: Pointier nose area and prominent dorsal fins.
Hyrule Bass
Find ’em: A Zelda staple! Readily available at Hena’s Fishing Hole, often schooling near the east end of the southern bank.
Look for: Distinctive shape, quite different from other fish, making them easy to identify.
Hylian Loach
Find ’em: Infrequently at Hena’s Fishing Hole, often in the same areas as Hylian Pike. For a better chance, head to the Howling Stone near the Lake Hylia Bridge. South of it, look for a circle of grass. Dig there as Wolf Link to find a hidden grotto with an underground pond full of them! There’s also a beehive for larvae.
Look for: Somewhat pike-like, with a slightly elongated, almost barracuda-esque appearance.
Skullfish
Find ’em: These aggressive, piranha-like fish inhabit the waters of the Lakebed Temple. They’ll readily attack your hook.
Best Spot: Try fishing just outside the boss room door for your best chance. (Shoutout to original guide author Maniacaly_Sane for this tip!)
Empty Bottle
Find it: The very first time you fish in the small pond near Hena’s cabin at the Fishing Hole, you might just reel in an Empty Bottle instead of a fish. A fantastic and useful find!
Bag o’ Rupees
Find it: Occasionally, instead of a fish, you’ll snag a bag of Rupees. The amount can vary, often between 1 and 50 Rupees. Every little bit helps!
Junk
Find it: Yep, sometimes you’ll just pull up random junk like an old boot. It happens to the best of us!
Section 2: Lure Fishing – For the Serious Angler
Ready to step up your fishing game? Lure fishing is a more involved and rewarding experience, found exclusively at Hena’s Fishing Hole, located near the midpoint of Zora’s River. You’ll reach it after clearing the Lanayru Province’s Twilight and restoring light to the Zora.
- General: Instead of a simple bobber, you’ll rent a special rod and canoe from Hena, the quirky proprietor. This allows you to use a variety of lures, each with unique properties.
- Logbook Note: Fish caught via lure fishing do not get recorded in your personal Fishing Logbook. Instead, impressive catches are displayed in the large fish tank inside Hena’s cabin.
- Need Help? If you’re out on the canoe and forget the controls or want tips, just press Up on the D-Pad (Wii) or the corresponding help button to ask Hena (if you hired her).
2a: Finding the Fishing Hole
Hena’s Fishing Hole becomes accessible after you’ve completed the Lanayru Province Twilight segment (the third “Tears of Light” quest) and restored the Zora people. It’s that picturesque lake area you land in after Kargarok air-lifts you from Upper Zora’s River.
2b: A World of Seasons
One of the coolest features of Hena’s Fishing Hole is its dynamic seasons. Each time you exit and re-enter the Fishing Hole area (not just renting a boat), the season will advance in its natural order: Winter -> Spring -> Summer -> Fall -> Winter, and so on.
- Winter: Snow blankets the landscape, giving it a serene, chilly vibe. Some fish are more active or larger in winter.
- Spring: Cherry blossoms burst into bloom, painting the scenery with vibrant pinks. A beautiful time to fish!
- Summer: Everything is lush and intensely green. You’ll notice lily pads in the northernmost cove – very important for a certain legendary fish!
- Fall: The trees turn shades of red, gold, and brown, with leaves gently falling.
The season can affect fish behavior, size, and even which fish are present.
2c: Weather & Water Wisdom
The Fishing Hole also experiences a day/night cycle and weather changes, which dramatically impact water clarity:
- Morning: Typically starts with clear skies and crystal-clear water, offering the best visibility.
- Afternoon: As the day progresses, fog often rolls in, making the water murkier and reducing visibility.
- Evening/Rain: It might start to rain heavily towards the end of the day. This makes the water nearly opaque. Fish could be right in front of your lure, and you’d barely see them!
- Post-Rain: Once the rain clears, conditions usually return to clear skies and excellent water clarity.
Use these conditions to your advantage. Clear water is great for spotting specific fish, while murkier water might make some shy fish bolder.
2d: Know Your Lake
Before you even cast a line, get a feel for the lake’s layout.
- Go for a Swim: Equip your Zora Armor and Iron Boots. Jump in and explore! Take note of where the shallows are, where deep pockets exist, and any underwater structures. Some larger fish prefer specific depths or areas.
- Key Areas: Pay attention to the waterfall, the central rock archway, the reedy areas, and the northern lily pad cove (especially in summer!).
2e: Lure Fishing Like a Pro – Procedure
Alright, here’s the reel deal!
- Rent Your Gear: Head into Hena’s cabin and speak to her.
- Canoe & Rod: Costs 20 Rupees for a session.
- Hire Hena as a Guide: For 100 Rupees, Hena will join you in the canoe. She offers advice, points out fish, and generally adds to the charm (though some find her chatter a bit much!). She’s not strictly necessary but can be helpful for beginners.
- Out on the Water – Controls:
- Analog Stick: Steers the canoe.
- “A” Button (or equivalent): Opens your options menu (Go Back to shore, Change Lure, Quit Fishing).
- “B” Button (or equivalent): Enters casting mode.
- D-Pad Up (Wii) / Help Button: Get general info or tips from Hena (if she’s with you).
- Casting Your Lure:
- Wii: Once in cast mode (press “B”), hold “A”. Pull the Wii Remote back, then snap your wrist forward, releasing “A” at the peak of your cast to send the lure flying.
- HD Versions: Enter cast mode, aim with the analog stick, and press the cast button. You might need to hold and release a button similar to the Wii’s “A” button mechanic for power.
- Working the Lure:
- Wii: Once the lure is in the water:
- Wiggle the Wii Remote: This makes the lure twitch and hop, attracting fish.
- Rotate the Nunchuk: This reels in your line, just like a real fishing reel.
- HD Versions: Use button presses or stick movements to wiggle the lure and reel it in.
- Attraction Technique: The key is to create an enticing movement. Wiggle the lure a few times, pause for a couple of seconds, then wiggle some more.
- Too much wiggling: Can scare off cautious fish.
- Too little wiggling: They’ll lose interest.
- (Exception: The Sinking Lure, which we’ll cover, attracts fish passively.)
- Wii: Once the lure is in the water:
- Fish On! The Strike:
- When a fish bites, you’ll often feel a rumble and see a splash. Immediately snap the Wii Remote back (Wii) or pull back on the stick/press the button (HD) to set the hook. You should see a “Fish On!” message.
- The Fight:
- Reel, Reel, Reel! Keep the rod held vertically (Wii) or tilted back (HD) and reel like crazy.
- Jumps: If the fish leaps out of the water, immediately push the Wii Remote forward (Wii) or ease off the tension (HD) to give it some slack. Failing to do this can snap your line!
- Steering the Fish: If the fish is being reeled in directly towards your canoe’s bow, try tilting the Wii Remote (or stick) slightly left or right. This brings the fish alongside the canoe, making it easier to judge when it’s close enough to land.
- Landing Your Catch: Keep up the fight, reeling when you can, giving slack when it jumps. As the fish gets close to the boat, you’ll see a prompt to press “A” and “B” simultaneously (Wii) or the indicated landing buttons (HD). Time it right, and Link will hoist his prize!
2f: Lure Arsenal – Picking Your Poison
You start with a couple of basic lures, but can unlock some truly special ones!
Swimmer Lure (Starting Lure)
Description: Your standard, all-purpose lure. Nothing too fancy, but it’ll catch most common fish.
Best For: General fishing, learning the ropes.
Popper Lure
Description: This lure floats on the surface and makes a “popping” sound and splash when twitched.
Best For: Attracting fish in deeper waters towards the surface, especially in the middle of the lake. Good for bass.
Spinner Lure
Description: Features a spinning blade that flashes and vibrates, attracting fish from further away.
Best For: Larger, more aggressive fish. Particularly effective near the waterfall during Fall and Winter for big Pike or Catfish.
Frog Lure (Rollgoal Reward)
Description: A life-like frog lure. The legendary Hylian Loach loves frogs!
How to Unlock: You need to beat at least Level 1-8 of the Rollgoal mini-game located inside Hena’s cabin (look at the game board near the door with “C”/first-person view to start).
Special Technique: This lure requires patience. Fish (especially the Loach) will often “nibble” it for about 2−3 seconds before committing to a full bite. Try to set the hook too early, and they’ll spook. Wait for the definite, strong pull.
Sinking Lure (The “Illegal” Lure)
Description: The ultimate fish magnet! This heavy, shiny lure sinks quickly and seems to attract fish from all corners of the lake, even without much wiggling. The Hylian Loach finds it irresistible.
How to Unlock: This one’s a bit of a secret:
First, make sure you’ve caught at least one of each: Hyrule Bass, Hylian Pike, and Ordon Catfish while Lure Fishing (they need to be in Hena’s tank). Then, head out with your Bobber Rod (not the lure rod).
Go to one of these spots:
- The highest point on the Western bank of the Fishing Hole.
- The easternmost point on the Southern bank.
Cast your bobber rod as close and parallel to the cliff wall/bank as possible. It might take a few tries, but you should eventually fish up the Sinking Lure.
Important Notes:
- Tiny Hook Window: The window for setting the hook with the Sinking Lure is very small. Be ready!
- No Wiggle Needed: You primarily reel this one in; wiggling isn’t its main attraction method.
CONTROVERSY! Hena considers this lure to be “illegal” or cheating. DO NOT equip it if you have hired Hena as a guide! She will spot it, get very angry, confiscate it, and your fishing session will end abruptly (she might even whack you with a fish!). If fishing solo, use it to your heart’s content.
2g: Lure Fishing Catch List – Tank Fillers
These are the main species you’ll be targeting with your lures at Hena’s Fishing Hole. Aim for record sizes!
Hyrule Bass
Find ’em: Absolutely everywhere in the Fishing Hole. They’re often the ones getting in the way when you’re hunting for something rarer.
Biggest Season: Tend to be largest in Spring.
Hylian Pike
Find ’em: Often hang out near the waterfalls and around the rocky areas where you can find the Sinking Lure.
Biggest Season: Seem to reach their peak size in the Fall.
Ordon Catfish
Find ’em: Plenty of them cruise the center of the lake, especially near the stone archway.
Biggest Season: Grow to impressive sizes in Winter.
Piece of Heart
Find it: Not a fish, but a fantastic prize! Paddle out to the stone archway in the middle of the lake. Cast any lure towards the top or sides of the arch itself. With a successful cast that snags it, you’ll reel in a valuable Piece of Heart!
Section 3: The Legend Himself – The Hylian Loach
Ah, the Hylian Loach. The stuff of Hylian legend, and the ultimate prize for any serious angler in Twilight Princess. This massive, elusive fish is a true test of skill and patience.
The Challenge: While fishing in Twilight Princess isn’t as brutally difficult as some past Zelda titles (looking at you, Ocarina of Time Fishing Pond!), landing the Hylian Loach is still a significant achievement.
Location & Season: This rare specimen is only found in Summer, specifically among the lily pads in the northernmost cove of Hena’s Fishing Hole.
Lure Preference: He has expensive taste! The Hylian Loach will only respond to the Frog Lure or the Sinking Lure.
Spotting Him:
- He has a unique behavior: this fish is too cool for gills (apparently!) and will periodically surface for air. Look for this animation.
- Keep an eye on the lily pads. You’re looking for a GI-FREAKING-NORMOUS splash (well, maybe not that big, but significantly larger than other fish). That’s your Loach.
Hooking the Beast:
- Sinking Lure: Makes him easier to attract, as he’ll often come to investigate it from a distance. The downside? So will every other fish in a five-mile radius, potentially leading to many frustrating bycatches.
- Frog Lure: More targeted, but requires you to get closer and wait for that 2-3 second nibble before setting the hook.
The Fight: Once you hook him, get ready for a workout! He’s incredibly strong and will fight you every inch of the way.
Pro Tip: Try to lure him as close to your canoe as possible before he actually bites and the fight begins. The less line he has to run, the better.
Landing Window: Be prepared! The window to press “A” + “B” (or equivalent) to land him once he’s close enough is MINISCULE. Have your fingers ready!
The Reward:
So, what do you get for all this effort? An extremely rare, incredibly valuable… picture of yourself catching it! Hena will snap a photo for her wall. (Amusingly, Link isn’t always accurately depicted – so no showing off your Magic Armor in this particular photo op).
But wait, there’s more! Unlike the catch-and-release policy of Ocarina of Time‘s Hylian Loach, you get to keep this one! It gets placed in Hena’s main tank with all your other prize catches.
Tank Terror! And then the real fun begins. Your Hylian Loach will proceed to DEVOUR ALL THE OTHER FISH IN THE TANK! One by one! It’s a massacre! (And according to the original guide’s humorous take, it might even eye up Hena… but thankfully, she’s safe. Mostly.)
Post-Loach Life: With the king of the lake caught, all that’s left is to try and beat your own Loach size record and perhaps have a quiet chat with your new, gluttonous friend about Life, the Universe, and Everything. He seems like a pretty informed Loach.
Section 4: Fishing Hole Fun & Secrets
Hena’s Fishing Hole isn’t just about the fish; there’s more to discover!
4a: Rollgoal – Get Your Game On!
Inside Hena’s cabin, near the door, you’ll see a distinctive game setup. Use your first-person view (“C” button or right stick) to look at it, and you can start playing Rollgoal!
The Game: It’s a dexterity puzzle where you tilt a maze to guide a ball to the goal.
Tips for Success:
- Steady Hand: The original guide suggested securing the Wii Remote to a flat surface (like cardboard). This can help stabilize your movements.
- Slow and Steady: Take your time. Rushing often leads to the ball falling off.
- Curved Pieces: These are the trickiest. They often require a bit of momentum and careful finesse to navigate.
Rewards:
- Frog Lure: Beat all 8 levels of Course 1 (1-1 through 1-8) to unlock the coveted Frog Lure.
- Max Rupees & Free Play: If you have the patience to beat all 64 levels (all 8 courses, up to 8-8), Hena will reward you by filling your wallet to its maximum capacity! Plus, you’ll unlock the ability to play any level of Rollgoal for free, anytime.
4b: Cabin Curiosities – Cool Little Discoveries
While in Hena’s cabin, take a moment to look around in first-person mode. You might learn a few things:
- Ocarina of Time Throwback: Look at the picture of the Fishing Hole owner from Ocarina of Time. Hena will share some thoughts about him.
- Play Rollgoal: As mentioned, look at the game board.
- Hylian Loach Lore: Examine the book on the bottom left of the bookshelf (beneath the pictures) to read up on the legendary Hylian Loach.
- Sisterly Squabble?: Look back and forth between the pictures of Hena and her sister Iza (the one who runs the rapids ride upriver). Hena will comment, prompting a humorous “conversation” about who Link thinks is cuter.
- Lure Rack Intel: Inspect the lure rack behind Hena. She might drop hints about the existence of the Frog Lure and the forbidden Sinking Lure.
Section 5: The Ganondorf Prank – Bobber Rod of Evil’s Bane?!
Here’s a hilarious and surprisingly effective trick for the final confrontation with Ganondorf (during the horseback sword-fighting phase, and the one-on-one duel):
- If you’re feeling bold (or just want a laugh), whip out your Bobber Fishing Rod and cast it towards Ganondorf.
- The Dark Lord, in a moment of utter bewilderment, will actually stop attacking and watch your bobber with his eyes!
- This leaves him completely vulnerable for a few precious seconds. Quickly switch to your sword and unleash a flurry of attacks! Poor Ganondorf. First, he’s baffled by Empty Bottles in Ocarina of Time, and now a simple fishing lure in Twilight Princess. Some villains never learn!
This guide should set you on the path to becoming a true fishing legend in Hyrule. Remember to experiment with different spots, times, and lures. Happy fishing, and may your lines be tight and your catches colossal!