DREADMOOR Fishing Guide – Where to Find Fish, Best Bait

Fishing is one of the most important activities in DREADMOOR. You’ll need it to complete quests, collect materials for boat upgrades, produce fuel, and earn money. However, catching every fish isn’t as simple as throwing your line into the water. Different species prefer different bait, and some require you to actively move your lure to attract them.

When you first reach the Trading Post, you’ll start with a Simple Rod and Earthworm bait. This is enough to catch your first Snappers, but you’ll eventually need crafted lures such as Wind-Up Tin and Rainbow Fin to find more valuable fish. You’ll also need to learn how to control your line tension, because pulling too hard can cost you the entire catch.

In this DREADMOOR fishing guide, I’ll explain where to find the known fish, which bait to use, how the fishing minigame works, and what you should do with your catches. I’ll also cover the fishing equipment and upgrades worth working towards as you explore further into the game.

DREADMOOR Fishing Guide – Where to Find Fish, Best Bait

Here’s a quick breakdown of the known fish species, where to find them, and which bait you should bring:

• Snapper
  • Bait: Earthworm
  • Location: Under the Trading Post pier.
  • Main use: Early fishing objective and Fish Meat for boat fuel.
• Softgrazer
  • Bait: Wind-Up Tin
  • Location: Peaceful fishing grounds introduced during the early upgrade quest.
  • Main use: Produces Chromatic Scales when processed in the Thresher.
• Harpooner
  • Bait: Rainbow Fin
  • Location: Fishing spots where Harpooner appears in the fish information.
  • Main use: Three carcasses required for Betsy’s objective.
• Bloodgill
  • Bait: Rainbow Fin
  • Location: Bloodgill fishing schools; check around the Ghoul Tower area.
  • Main use: Father Matias’s raw-essence quest, Fish Meat, and Jaws.
• Belly Bulge
  • Bait: Wind-Up Tin or Sturdy Earcrawler.
  • Location: Shallow-water fishing spots.
  • Main use: Later fishing objective.
• Toadling
  • Bait: Sturdy Earcrawler or Wind-Up Tin.
  • Location: Weedy shallows with a Toadling fishing school.
  • Main use: Later objective and trading.

Always check the fishing spot information box before casting. Using the correct bait won’t help if you’re fishing in an area where your target species isn’t present.

Where to Find Fish in DREADMOOR

Different fish appear in different waterways, and you’ll need to explore beyond the Trading Post to discover more species. Watch for splashes and fish jumping out of the water while sailing, as these can help you locate active fishing areas.

Snapper – Trading Post Pier

Snapper is the first fish you’ll encounter during the early fishing objective. You can find them swimming beneath the Trading Post pier.

At this point, you’ll have access to the Simple Rod and Earthworm bait, which are enough to get started.

The early objective asks you to catch five Snappers. Later, you’ll also need to process fish through the Grinder to obtain Fish Meat, which can be used to feed the Fuel Larva and keep your boat running.

What to remember:

• Location: Under the Trading Post pier.
• Bait: Earthworm.
• Main use: Early fishing objective and Fish Meat for boat fuel.

Softgrazer – Early Upgrade Fishing Grounds

Softgrazers are peaceful fish that become important when you start working on your boat’s early upgrades.

During this objective, Gill and Bozur provide the Wind-Up Tin blueprint and ask you to catch three Softgrazers. Once you’ve collected them, process the fish in the Thresher to obtain Chromatic Scales.

These scales are particularly useful because they’re also required when crafting Rainbow Fin bait. That means catching Softgrazers helps prepare you for the next stage of fishing, where you’ll start targeting predators.

What to remember:

• Location: Peaceful fishing grounds introduced during the early hull-upgrade objective.
• Bait: Wind-Up Tin.
• Main use: Chromatic Scales for boat upgrades and bait crafting.

Harpooner – Predatory Fish

Harpooners are predatory fish, so catching them requires a different approach from Snappers and Softgrazers.

You’ll need Rainbow Fin bait to attract them. Unlike peaceful fish, predators respond to an active lure presentation. Cast your bait into a fishing spot containing Harpooners, then start retrieving it through the water to attract a bite.

An early objective asks you to collect three Harpooner carcasses for Betsy. Make sure you keep the required catches intact until you’ve completed that task.

What to remember:

• Location: Fishing spots where Harpooner appears in the fish information.
• Bait: Rainbow Fin.
• Main use: Three carcasses for Betsy’s objective.

Bloodgill – Check the Ghoul Tower Area

Bloodgills are another predatory species that requires Rainbow Fin bait.

You may find them around the Ghoul Tower area, but make sure the fishing spot specifically lists Bloodgill before you start fishing. A nearby Harpooner fishing school won’t turn into a Bloodgill school just because you’re using the same bait.

Bloodgills are important for Father Matias’s raw-essence quest. Processing them can also provide Fish Meat and Jaws.

What to remember:

• Location: Bloodgill fishing schools; check around Ghoul Tower.
• Bait: Rainbow Fin.
• Main use: Father Matias’s quest, Fish Meat, and Jaws.

Belly Bulge – Shallow Water

Belly Bulges are part of a later fishing objective. You’ll need to explore beyond the starting pier to find their fishing schools.

Look for them in shallow water and check the fishing spot information before casting.

Wind-Up Tin works for catching Belly Bulges, while Sturdy Earcrawler is another bait option listed for this species.

Remember to leave enough room in your cargo hold before heading out. These later fish can take up more space than you might expect.

What to remember:

• Location: Shallow-water fishing spots.
• Bait: Wind-Up Tin or Sturdy Earcrawler.
• Main use: Later fishing objective.

Toadling – Weedy Shallows

Toadlings are another fish you’ll encounter during later fishing objectives.

Look for their fishing spots in weedy shallow areas. Sturdy Earcrawler is a useful bait option, although Wind-Up Tin is also listed as an alternative.

Toadlings can also be worth selling. One reported merchant offer was 76 for a single specimen, so check the available trade value before processing or selling your catch.

What to remember:

• Location: Weedy shallows with a Toadling fishing school.
• Bait: Sturdy Earcrawler or Wind-Up Tin.
• Main use: Later objective and trading.

Other Known Fish in DREADMOOR

The fish listed above aren’t the only species in the game. There are several additional fish to discover as you explore new waterways.

Here are some other known species and their available characteristics:

• Sharpfin / Sharp Fin: A peaceful fish known for its dense fins and scales. Wind-Up Tin is used to catch it.
• Gleamer: A bioluminescent fish that is active at night.
• Greaschar / Greasechar: An oily predatory fish that provides grease.
• Hornhead: An armored predator found in deeper waters.
• Rivetback: Another armored deep-water predator.
• Bone Scar / Bonescar: An armored fish found in deeper waters.
• Bully: An armored predatory fish.
• Shovelnose: Recognizable by its shovel-shaped nose.
• Bristler: A dangerous predator that can be valuable.

Exact fishing locations and bait requirements aren’t established for every species in this list. Check the information displayed at each fishing spot rather than assuming that a particular lure will work.

How to Catch Fish in DREADMOOR

Before you start fishing, you need to understand the difference between peaceful fish and predators. They don’t respond to bait in exactly the same way, and the way you present your lure can make a big difference.

Find a Fishing Spot and Check the Fish School

While sailing, keep an eye on the water for splashes or fish jumping above the surface. These are signs that a fishing area may be nearby.

Move your boat towards the activity and interact with the fishing spot. You’ll see an information box showing which fish are available in that location.

Check the fish name before choosing your bait. For example, Earthworm is suitable for the early Snapper objective, Wind-Up Tin is used for Softgrazer, and Rainbow Fin is required for Harpooner and Bloodgill.

Once you’ve selected the correct bait, you’re ready to cast.

How to Catch Peaceful Fish

Peaceful fish are a good starting point if you’re still learning the fishing mechanics.

For Snappers, equip Earthworm bait and cast your line into the correct fishing area. Let the bait sit in the water and wait for a bite.

Avoid unnecessary mouse movement while waiting. Excessive movement can scare fish away, so it’s better to be patient rather than constantly adjusting your line.

Wind-Up Tin works in a similar way for peaceful fish such as Softgrazers. Get your lure into the active fishing area and give the fish time to approach it.

Once a fish bites, you’ll need to manage its movement and line tension to bring it in safely.

How to Catch Predatory Fish

Predatory fish require a more active approach.

Equip Rainbow Fin and find a fishing spot that contains Harpooner or Bloodgill. Cast your lure into the water and start retrieving it once it lands.

Keep the lure moving to attract the predator. Leaving it completely still may make it harder to trigger a bite.

When a predator follows your lure and takes the bait, focus on controlling the fish rather than continuously reeling. You’ll need to manage its stamina and your line tension during the fight.

How to Control Fish Stamina and Line Tension

The fishing minigame revolves around two important indicators:

• Fish Stamina: Shows how much energy the fish has left during the fight.
• Line Tension: Shows how much pressure is being placed on your fishing line.

When a fish pulls in one direction, move your rod in the opposite direction. This helps wear down its stamina and makes it easier to bring closer to your boat.

However, don’t keep reeling continuously while the fish is fighting at full strength. Too much pressure can push the line tension into the danger zone and eventually snap your line.

Instead, follow these tips:

1. Watch the direction in which the fish is pulling.
2. Move your rod against the fish to reduce its stamina.
3. Reel when the line can handle the pressure.
4. Release the reel when tension approaches the red zone.
5. Use the fish’s exhausted moments to bring it closer.
6. Complete the landing prompt when the fish reaches your boat.

Be careful not to give the fish too much time to recover. A tired fish can regain stamina if you leave it alone for too long.

The key is finding a balance between applying enough pressure to tire the fish and avoiding excessive tension that could break your line.

DREADMOOR Bait and Fishing Upgrades

Your bait determines which fish you can target, so crafting better lures becomes important as you explore new areas.

Some baits are designed for peaceful fish, while others are made for attracting predators. You’ll also find more advanced lure options as you progress.

Starter Bait and Lure Recipes

Here are the main bait options used during the early fishing progression:

• Earthworm
  • Main use: Starter bait for Snapper.
  • Recipe: Found during the tutorial; no crafted recipe established.
• Wind-Up Tin
  • Main use: Softgrazer and Belly Bulge.
  • Materials: Metal Plate x1 and Fish Meat x1.
• Rainbow Fin
  • Main use: Harpooner and Bloodgill.
  • Materials: Fish Meat x1, Metal Plate x1, and Chromatic Scale x1.

Wind-Up Tin becomes available during the Softgrazer objective. Rainbow Fin is the next important bait to work towards when you start targeting predatory fish.

Fish Meat is particularly important because it’s used for both crafting bait and feeding the Fuel Larva. Try to keep some in reserve instead of using all of it for fuel.

Advanced Lures

As you progress, you’ll encounter additional bait options that help you target more difficult fish.

• Sturdy Earcrawler: An advanced peaceful-fish bait that is particularly useful for Toadling.
• Deadly Tick: A spring-loaded lure designed for predatory fishing.
• Burning Belly: A higher-tier vibrating or luminous lure.
• Mutant-X: Another advanced artificial lure.

Keep in mind that lures have durability. They wear down with use, so don’t assume one crafted lure will last for an entire fishing trip.

I recommend bringing spare bait when exploring unfamiliar waterways, especially if you’re travelling a long distance to catch a particular quest fish.

Rods, Reels, and Fishing Line Upgrades

The Simple Rod is enough to get started, but you’ll eventually want better fishing equipment for tougher catches.

Some of the equipment options available include:

Rods

• Simple Rod
• Reinforced Rod
• Coral Fishing Rod

Fishing Lines

• Braided Line
• Armored Fishing Line

Reels

• Baitcasting Reel
• Drag Reel

You can unlock improved equipment through research progression and craft the required gear using collected materials.

If you’re planning to catch tougher predators, improving your fishing line is a good place to start. Better tackle gives you more room to manage difficult fights, although you’ll still need to pay attention to the tension indicator.

What Should You Do With Fish in DREADMOOR?

Catching fish is only half the job. Depending on the species, you may need to keep it for a quest, process it for crafting materials, use it for fuel, or sell it for money.

Keep Quest Fish Before Processing or Selling

Some objectives require specific fish or materials, so don’t immediately put every catch into the Grinder or sell it.

Here’s what you should know about the important catches:

• Snapper: Required for the early fishing objective and useful for producing Fish Meat.
• Softgrazer: Catch three and process them in the Thresher for Chromatic Scales.
• Chromatic Scales: Used for hull-related progression and Rainbow Fin crafting.
• Harpooner: Keep three carcasses for Betsy’s objective.
• Bloodgill: Important for Father Matias’s raw-essence quest; processing also provides Fish Meat and Jaws.
• Belly Bulge: Keep the required fish for its later fishing objective.
• Toadling: Keep any required catches for the later objective before considering a sale.
• Mutant Fish Meat: Listed as an ingredient for First-Aid Kit crafting alongside a hinge and alcohol. The exact quantities are not established here.

Always check whether your current objective requires a whole fish or a processed material. Processing a fish too early could leave you needing to catch it again.

Turn Fish Meat Into Boat Fuel

DREADMOOR uses a biological fuel system to keep your boat running. Instead of relying on a traditional fuel source, you’ll need to feed the Fuel Larva.

The process is straightforward:

1. Catch fish such as Snapper.
2. Take the fish to the Grinder.
3. Process them into Fish Meat.
4. Feed the Fish Meat to the Fuel Larva.
5. Use the fuel pump to refill your boat.

This is particularly important during the early stages, when you’ll need to travel between the Trading Post and nearby islands to collect upgrade materials.

Sell Extra Fish for Money

Selling fish is another way to make money in DREADMOOR.

Once the relevant story progression unlocks fish trading with Gill, you can sell extra catches instead of processing everything.

Different fish can have different values. Their weight and star ratings can also affect the available offer, so inspect each catch before selling it.

For example, one reported merchant offer for a Toadling was 76. This makes it worth checking the value of unusual catches before deciding what to do with them.

My advice is to finish your active fishing objectives first, keep the materials needed for upgrades and bait, and sell anything you can spare.

Rare Fish and Night Fishing

DREADMOOR has a day-and-night cycle, and the time you choose to fish can affect what you encounter.

Some fish are associated with particular conditions. Gleamer, for example, is a bioluminescent species that is active at night, making it easier to notice in darker waterways.

Mutated fish schools are also more likely to spawn at night. If you’re searching for unusual catches, it can be worth revisiting fishing locations after dark rather than assuming you’ve already found every species in an area.

Keep exploring different waterways and check the fishing spot information whenever you discover a new school.

Fishing Tips to Remember

If you’re planning a longer fishing trip, these tips can save you time and materials:

• Always check the fishing spot information before casting.
• Use Earthworm for the early Snapper objective.
• Craft Wind-Up Tin when you need Softgrazers.
• Save Chromatic Scales for Rainbow Fin and boat progression.
• Use Rainbow Fin for Harpooner and Bloodgill.
• Keep predatory lures moving to attract bites.
• Move your rod against the fish to reduce its stamina.
• Release the reel when line tension reaches the red zone.
• Bring spare bait because lures lose durability.
• Keep quest fish intact until you’ve completed the relevant objective.
• Save some Fish Meat for bait crafting instead of feeding everything to the Fuel Larva.
• Explore at night if you’re looking for Gleamer or mutated fish schools.

Fishing becomes much easier once you understand how each species behaves. Start with the peaceful fish, collect the materials needed for better bait, and gradually work your way towards the tougher predators.