Fishing is one of the oldest “sports” in human history—an activity shaped by tradition, patience, technique, and a little bit of luck.
Over thousands of years, people have invented countless methods of catching fish, from simple lines and hooks to advanced gear built for deep waters and trophy catches.
What are the Best Fishing Games?
Fortunately, you don’t need a lake nearby (or a 5 a.m. wake-up call) to experience the thrill of the hunt. Fishing games let you enjoy everything from realistic simulations to relaxing, cozy vibes—right from the comfort of your home. Below you’ll find a curated list of the best fishing games you can play on PC (and in many cases, other platforms too).
Sega Bass Fishing
When talking about fishing games, you can’t skip Sega Bass Fishing. It’s one of the earliest legends of the genre, originally released in 1997 for arcades, where it quickly became a fan-favorite thanks to its easy-to-learn gameplay and satisfying “hook-to-land” action.
SEGA Bass Fishing
Release Date: March 04, 2011
Genres: Simulator, Sport, Arcade
Why it still matters
Sega later refreshed the game and brought it to PC and 7th generation consoles in 2008, proving that fishing games don’t have to be overly complex to be fun. If you want a classic, fast, and arcade-friendly fishing experience, this one is still worth a look.
Fishing Planet
If you’re looking for realism, Fishing Planet is one of the most popular modern choices. This simulator focuses heavily on authentic fishing systems—bite behavior, gear choices, line tension, casting technique, and the long “fight” between angler and fish.
The Fisherman - Fishing Planet
Release Date: October 17, 2019
Genres: Simulator, Sport, Strategy, Adventure
Realistic, multiplayer, and free-to-play
Fishing Planet is a free-to-play multiplayer game, so you can jump in without paying upfront. It also offers paid DLC that expands the experience with additional content and equipment. Whether you want to fish casually or chase rare catches, it offers a deep rabbit hole for players who enjoy learning systems and optimizing setups.
Euro Fishing
Another strong pick for realism fans is Euro Fishing. This immersive fishing simulator lets you travel across a range of European lakes and chase big catches that require skill, patience, and proper preparation.
Euro Fishing
Release Date: November 02, 2015
Genres: Simulator, Sport, Strategy
A slower pace with a rewarding learning curve
Euro Fishing shines when you treat it like a hobby: study fish behavior, adjust tactics, try different baits, and learn how certain species react in different conditions. It won’t always be easy—and that’s exactly the point. The challenge makes the “finally got it!” moment feel genuinely satisfying.
Fishing: North Atlantic
If you like the idea of fishing as a full career rather than a relaxing weekend activity, Fishing: North Atlantic offers a different flavor. Instead of focusing only on casting, it leans into a larger experience: running a fishing operation in cold northern waters.
Fishing: North Atlantic
Release Date: October 16, 2020
Genres: Simulator, Adventure
Career mode, boats, and business growth
The game features a developed career mode, where you create a character, learn new fishing techniques, discover species unique to the region, and build a profitable operation. You’ll hire employees, buy better boats, upgrade equipment, and expand your reach—turning fishing into a long-term progression system.
Cat Goes Fishing
Fishing games don’t always have to be serious to be entertaining. Cat Goes Fishing is a charming indie title where you play as a fluffy little fisherman and gradually upgrade your rod, unlock new gear, and learn how different fish behave.
Cat Goes Fishing
Release Date: January 19, 2015
Genres: Simulator, Indie
Cozy progression with smart design
The game features quests, upgrades, and plenty of fish types with unique patterns. It’s a casual take on fishing that feels rewarding without requiring you to memorize complex systems—perfect for players who want a relaxing experience that still offers progression and goals.
DREDGE
If you want a fishing game with a twist, DREDGE is an unforgettable pick. It blends fishing with exploration and mystery as you sail between islands, upgrade your boat, and pull strange catches from the depths.
DREDGE
Release Date: March 30, 2023
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Adventure
Fishing meets eerie exploration
What makes DREDGE stand out is its atmosphere. It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about discovering what’s hiding under the surface, managing risks, and deciding how far you’re willing to go when the sea starts feeling… wrong.
Call of the Wild: The Angler
From the creators known for outdoor simulation experiences, Call of the Wild: The Angler delivers open-world fishing in beautiful environments. It’s designed for exploration, relaxing sessions, and chasing trophy fish in scenic locations.
Call of the Wild: The Angler
Release Date: August 31, 2022
Genres: Simulator, Sport, Adventure
Open world, relaxing vibe, and trophy hunting
This is a great option if you like the idea of wandering, finding your perfect spot, experimenting with gear, and enjoying the landscape as much as the catch. It’s also a strong pick for players who want a modern presentation and accessible systems.
Ultimate Fishing Simulator (and Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2)
Ultimate Fishing Simulator is another popular choice that strikes a balance between realism and accessibility. It offers multiple locations, a broad equipment selection, and plenty of fish species to target.
Ultimate Fishing Simulator
Release Date: August 30, 2018
Genres: Simulator, Sport, Adventure
Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2
Release Date: August 22, 2022
Genres: Simulator, Sport
A solid “all-around” fishing game
If you want a fishing simulator that’s easy to get into but still offers depth, this series is worth checking out. It’s especially appealing to players who enjoy trying different environments and experimenting with setups without feeling overwhelmed.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re chasing realism, cozy progression, open-world exploration, or something weird and unforgettable, fishing games have never offered more variety. Try a simulator like Fishing Planet or Euro Fishing if you want authentic mechanics, jump into Fishing: North Atlantic for career progression, or pick DREDGE and Cat Goes Fishing if you want a more unique and relaxing spin on the genre.
No matter your style, one thing stays the same: the thrill of the bite—and that satisfying moment when you finally land the catch.