The best fishing games either exist independently or as fun activities on a larger scale (pun intended). Sometimes, we have titles completely dedicated to the art of catching a fish; other times, we get some of the most relaxing mini-games in the likes of other genres, such as the best farming games.
In fact, some of the best RPGs you can play right now are also home to some of the most memorable and enjoyable fishing games. So, we've decided to take every fishing mechanic-related experience into account below. While our top picks vary in style and difficulty, ranging from the surprisingly tricky Stardew Valley mini-game to the dark single-player fishing story in Dredge, all our choices will scratch that aquatic hunter itch.
We can all agree that angling for glory is something we all enjoy doing in video games, and going fishing in them is one way to realize that metaphor. So, here's a collection of the 15 best fishing games you can cast a line into right now, digital downtime ensured.
15. Skyrim
Developer: Bethesda
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, VR
Fishing in Skyrim is a new mechanic introduced to celebrate the game's 10th anniversary. Thankfully, it launched as a free update to anyone who owns the game and isn't locked behind the Anniversary Edition upgrade. It bumps the total fish count in the game up to 26, with some tied to certain types of water - from fresh to salt.
But it's not just about collecting them all; there's also a fishing-related quest to play through called the Angler Acquaintances that leads you to a new location called The Riften Fishery. This acts as a hub for all of this, with characters like Swims-In-Deep-Water, Hulda, and Viriya, who will regularly give out literal bounties on certain fish they want to catch.
Read our Skyrim Special Edition review for more information.
14. Pokemon Sword and Shield
Developer: Game Freak
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Fishing in the Pokemon series has always been integral to the whole schtick of catching 'em all. Water Type Pokemon lurk beneath the waves of the oceans and the quieter waters of the region's lakes and rivers, and getting your preliminary old rod is quite the triumph for unlocking a whole new set of 'mons. Pokemon Sword and Shield are the same, albeit with a little more focus on where you can cast your line.
Look out for dark patches on the water, particularly around marinas or in the Wild Area, and you'll start adding lots of new aquatic friends to your Pokedex. If we were being really picky, we'd argue that Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire are the best fishing games in the series.
Check out our Pokemon Sword and Shield review, or read our list of the best Pokemon games next.
13. Spiritfarer
Developer: Thunder Lotus
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Fishing is a lovely little mini-game in Spiritfarer, a game about helping souls move on to the afterlife. Not only is it super peaceful to watch Stella's Everlight transform into a fishing rod as she settles down in the deckchair, but the fishing itself is also soothing.
You'll need to focus on matching the fish's rhythm if you stand a chance of catching them. But, there's an unexpected pleasure in discovering the things that can get stuck to the side of your ship, too, adding to the deliciousness that Stella can whip up for the Spirits back in the kitchen. Hungry bellies mean no happy Spirits, after all.
For more wholesome stories, read our list of the best feel-good games to play today.
12. Minecraft
Developer: Mojang Studios
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Minecraft, like many of the other games on this list, makes fishing a key part of the gameplay loop. The ability to fish arrived with the Java Edition Alpha v1.2.0 along with the Nether, and you can now fish whenever and wherever you want to.
Your rod can be improved, too, with a range of enchantments, including a lure. Plus, there's more to catch than just fish, with a variety of Treasures, including bows and books, junk like leather boots, and even really bizarre things like rotten flesh to reel in.
Want to know more about this classic? Read our Minecraft review.
11. The Sims 4
Developer: Maxis
Platform: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS5
Fishing may only be one small element of The Sims 4 gameplay, but the way Maxis has made it such an interconnected part of Sims life makes it one of the best fishing games. Not only can you create your own ponds now and fill them with fish, but you can use anything you catch to create meals or fertilize crops.
You'll have to learn about lures and travel around to find all the different species available, too, with more being added through expansions. The more you fish, the better your skill will become, which allows you to catch rarer - and thus more valuable - fish, which can then become another source of income for those who like to play The Sims without the use of cheats - you mad lot.
10. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
While Animal Crossing: New Horizons has now added cooking for frying up your catches, in reality, fishing has always been about providing new exhibits for the museum. Delivering Blathers each species builds out your aquarium wing and delights our old feathered chum in equal parts.
Completing the wing in New Horizons also earns you the coveted golden fishing rod - the hardiest of all the rods - and now a rather glorious poster to celebrate all your donations. Plus, fishing now extends to diving in order to discover a raft of sea creatures, including gigantic crabs and even pearls.
Read our Animal Crossing: New Horizons review for more details!
9. Red Dead Redemption 2
Developer: Rockstar
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S PC
Red Dead Redemption 2 is absolutely swimming in fish, including heroically complicated to catch Legendary Fish that are incredibly valuable if you snag one. The fishing mechanic is introduced as part of the main storyline, but there's plenty of fishing fun to be had as you explore the huge open world.
There's even a particularly amusing side-story including fishing to uncover if you find it. But, Red Dead Redemption 2's fishing is seriously involved, with special lures needed to secure all the different types of fish, so strap those waders on tight - especially when you're going after the Red Dead Redemption 2 legendary fish.
8. Ridiculous Fishing
Developer: Vlambeer
Platform: Android, iOS
An oldie but a good one, Ridiculous Fishing is our mobile entry on this list. It's a game where you use motion and touch controls to guide your lure down into the depths as far as you can without hitting anything and then try to catch as many fish as you can on the way back up.
Your fish are then flung into the air for you to shoot (don't ask) in order to bank your winnings in cash. It's bizarre yet brilliant and a handy game to have in your pocket for commutes. It's also full of charm, and we personally love the art style of it.
For more games on the go, check out our list of the best Android games to play right now.
7. Final Fantasy 15
Developer: Square Enix
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC
Final Fantasy 15 has plenty of activities to take part in, from Chocobo races to camping, but there's something about its fishing that makes us keep coming back. As Noctis' favorite pass time, doing a spot of fishing will increase his particular skill.
When you've found a marked fishing location, you can catch two types of fish - those for cooking and the prize catches. Some side quests are also geared towards fishing, and nothing quite beats the satisfaction of reeling in a rare fish that's tough to catch.
Read our Final Fantasy 15 review for more details, or check out our list of the best Final Fantasy games of all time.
6. Sea of Thieves
Developer: Rare
Platform: Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X
Finding a fish dinner is just part of pirate life, and developer Rare has made the process not only potentially lucrative but also super chill, thanks to its music. There are 10 different fish available in Sea of Thieves, which can all be sold at The Hunter's Call in exchange for gold, with the value of the fish dependent on how well you've cooked it on the stove.
Timing is key here, with the degree of cooking ranging from raw to burnt. Fishing can also nab you some Treacherous Plunder, which - despite the name - isn't actually dangerous, and again can be traded in for gold. You might even reel in an Ashen Key, which you can sell to the Bilge Rats for five doubloons or use to open Ashen Chests.
Read our Sea of Thieves review for more high seas information.
5. Stardew Valley
Developer: ConcernedApe
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
The fishing in Stardew Valley has become pretty iconic purely for the fact it can be a little frustrating. If you want to fill out the Community Centre and build strong relationships with the residents, though, you have to invest time - and money - into your rod.
Keeping your bobber in the green reeling-in line is almost impossible for the rarer fish, but thankfully, there are ways and means to increase the size of the bar and the speed at which your line snaps. Plus, when you actually nail that fish you've been after for weeks, it's oh-so worth it.
For more recommendations, read our list of the best games like Stardew Valley.
4. Dave the Diver
Developer: MINTROCKET
Platform: PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch
OK, so Dave the Diver is a fishing game, but not in the sense where a pole and dock are involved. Instead, you'll be diving into the deep sea, shooting fish, sharks, and everything else with your trusty harpoon. Every day, Dave is tasked with getting a boatload of fish, which then, in turn, will be served on the menu for the sushi restaurant he is also managing.
Earn money from your restaurant, unlock better equipment for your dives, discover new fish and ingredients, and finally, face off against some underwater bosses, too. Dave the Diver is packed full of charm and humor and is a great action-forward fishing game for those who want to get up close and personal with their catches.
Dive into the deep with our list of the best adventure games.
3. Moonglow Bay
Developer: Bunnyhug
Platform: Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC
Unlike the majority of the other games on this list, Moonglow Bay is a game that's all about fishing. You play as someone trying to revitalize a small town one fish at a time. You'll have to grab your rod and head out to the piers or further afield on your boat in order to discover all the fish.
There are multiple rod and lure types to combine for finding new fin friends, alongside crab pots and nets for alternative fishing options. Then, you start to make your living by cooking up the fish and selling it to your fellow townsfolk. There's a sweet storyline to go alongside it, an adorable dog companion, and even some legendary fish to discover.
2. Ultimate Fishing Simulator
Developer: Ultimate Games
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Of course, our list of the best fishing games had to have one of the most well-known fishing sims! In terms of actual fishing games, Ultimate Fishing Simulator is as close to the real thing as you're going to get without getting wet.
While we could have also put Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 on this list, you just can't beat the original; the first iteration in the series is still the best fishing experience, in our opinion, anyway. Intense attention has been paid to modeling everything from equipment to bait, and it's incredibly realistic, with day-and-night cycles to boot. Plus, there's loads of DLC if you want even more fishing fun.
Escape the real world with our list of the best simulator games of all time.
1. Dredge
Developer: Black Salt Games
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
Dredge is hands down one of the most innovative and darkly fun fishing games around. But be warned, this isn't a cute or wholesome entry like the rest of the picks on our list. No, Dredge is a single-player horror-forward fishing game with Lovecraftian undertones. You play as a captain who goes out exploring remote islands with your fishing trawler. Complete quests, meet the locales, and soon you'll also discover some very odd and unsettling mysteries that exist around the area.
Things also get dangerous the further you venture away from the lighthouse at night, so be careful. You may just fish up something far more dangerous in the deep than you'd wish for. Dredge is atmospheric, its fishing mini-games are fun, and its story is enthralling. Out of every entry on this list, this is the one we'd recommend if you’re after something to play today.
For more on our top pick as the best fishing game around, read our Dredge Review.
Check out our best cat games and best dog games while you're at it. Or look ahead and read our guide on all the new games heading our way.
