Fishing in Far Cry 5 is more than just a relaxing side activity away from the chaotic action of Hope County. Players who take the time to master the mechanics can unlock top-tier gear, including the coveted Old Betsy fishing rod. To claim the highest honors, anglers must track down regional record boards and catch heavy trophy fish scattered across Montana's waterways.
Finding the Fishing Record Boards in Hope County
Before targeting trophy fish, players need to know the target weights required to break each local record. Record boards are located inside the main headquarters of each major region. You can find these bulletin boards in Fall's End for Holland Valley, the Hope County Jail for Henbane River, and the Wolf's Den for Whitetail Mountains.
Checking these boards reveals the target weight for common fish species as well as region-specific targets. Four species of trout appear across all regions, while specialized species like salmon, bass, and sturgeon are exclusive to specific territories. Monitoring your progress at these locations ensures you know exactly which records still stand.
Locating Hard Fishing Spots for Trophy Catches
Breaking state records requires visiting fishing locations designated as Hard on the in-game map. Standard fishing spots typically feature smaller fish that will not meet the weight requirements listed on the boards. Identifying these challenging spots requires exploring secluded riverbends, mountain lakes, and quiet coves.
In the Whitetail Mountains region, anglers can hunt for massive Chinook, Kokanee, and Arctic Grayling Salmon in high-altitude waters. Meanwhile, Holland Valley harbors heavy Pallid and Paddlefish Sturgeons along its southern rivers. Heading over to the Henbane River region provides prime opportunities to reel in record-breaking Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Rock Bass.
Essential Gear and Perks for Master Anglers
Catching record-sized fish requires better equipment than the basic rod found early in the campaign. Unlocking the Fisher King perk is a critical step because it grants access to specialized lures tailored to specific fish types. Using the correct fly greatly increases the chances of attracting state-record contenders.
Upgrading to stronger rods, such as the Natural Rod or the Wonderboy Rod obtained through Skylar's side quests, makes fighting heavy fish significantly easier. Maintaining proper line tension during a struggle prevents snapped lines when reeling in heavy trophy catches. Combining the right perks, lures, and patient technique ensures steady progress toward beating every record in Hope County.
