Is Fishing Available in Way of the Hunter 2?

If you are looking for a relaxing break beside the water between hunts, the important answer is simple: fishing is not currently a playable activity in Way of the Hunter 2. You can explore rivers, lakes, waterfalls, wetlands, and other scenic waterside areas, but there is no fishing rod, lure selection, casting system, boat fishing, or fish-catching progression.

That does not mean water is unimportant. It shapes the atmosphere of the reserves, creates memorable travel routes, and can be useful when planning a hunt around animal activity. However, water remains part of the hunting environment rather than a separate outdoor-sports system.

FeatureCurrent statusWhat it means for players
Rod and reel fishingNot availableYou cannot cast, hook, or land fish.
Fly fishingNot availableThere is no fly gear or related challenge system.
Visible fishNot officially confirmed as a game featureDo not expect reliable fish spotting or aquatic wildlife tracking.
Fishing boatsNot availableWatercraft are not a fishing option.
Waterside explorationAvailableRivers, lakes, and falls add scenery and routes while hunting.

The game is a hunting simulator built around tracking game, choosing equipment, reading signs, taking ethical shots, and developing your hunting grounds. Its current content includes wildlife hunting, a companion dog, portable shelters, blinds, decoys, reserve monitoring, trophy display, and lodge upgrades.

For now, treat a lakeshore as a place to scout, wait, travel, take photographs, or set up for a hunt—not a place to start a fishing session.

Way of the Hunter 2 screenshot 8
Image: Steam

Why Players Keep Asking for Fishing

Fishing is a natural request because Way of the Hunter 2 already focuses on outdoor immersion. Walking through forests with a dog, passing streams, watching weather shift, and waiting near water creates the kind of quiet pace many players associate with fishing games.

Community discussion commonly imagines fishing as a complementary activity rather than a replacement for hunting. The appeal is clear: players could fill downtime, enjoy co-op conversation, and stay active in the same reserve without turning every outing into a hunt.

Player ideaWhy it fits the gameCurrent availability
Fish while waiting near waterGives players a low-pressure activity between huntsNot available
Fish with friends in multiplayerAdds a social activity beyond coordinated huntingNot available
Fly fish in streams and riversMatches the game’s scenic wilderness settingNot available
See fish in clear waterMakes waterways feel more alive during explorationNot officially confirmed
Add boats for lake accessExpands travel and outdoor-simulation possibilitiesNot available

A full fishing feature would need more than a casting animation to feel worthwhile. Players asking for it generally want believable fish behavior, tackle choices, a meaningful fight on the line, varied species, and water that feels alive. Those systems take significant design work, especially in a game that is also expanding hunting, animals, gear, dogs, maps, accessibility, and multiplayer.

That is why it is best to separate enthusiasm from expectation. Fishing is a frequently suggested idea, but player interest alone does not make it announced content.

What You Can Do Near Water Instead

Even without fishing, lakes and rivers can still support a productive hunting session. Water is often useful as a visual landmark, a travel corridor, and a calm place to observe animals before deciding where to move next.

Start by using the terrain rather than assuming every shoreline has a special gameplay mechanic. Look for open sightlines, nearby cover, animal signs, and routes that let you approach without exposing yourself.

  • Use shorelines to orient yourself when moving through unfamiliar terrain.
  • Set up in a blind or use a tent where the surrounding land offers a good approach to animal activity.
  • Keep your dog ready to help locate signs, follow blood trails, and recover wounded animals.
  • Watch wind, weather, and visibility before committing to a long approach.
  • Use waterside scenery for photo mode, trophy-hunt memories, or a quieter break between objectives.
  • Pack gear for the animals you intend to hunt; fishing equipment is not part of the current loadout.
Existing systemHow it can help on a waterside hunt
Hunting dogHelps find signs, track blood, and locate wounded game.
TentsProvide convenient fast travel and a place to wait or change the time.
BlindsLet you wait in concealment when the surrounding terrain supports it.
DecoysHelp attract applicable bird species to a prepared setup.
Weather forecast controlsLet you plan ahead for conditions that suit your hunt.
Hunting lodgeSupports trophy display, planning, and upgrades for each reserve.

A quiet shoreline can also be a good reset point after a difficult stalk. Check the map, review the wind, decide whether your previous route made too much noise, and choose a better position. That methodical rhythm is close to what many people want from fishing, even though the game’s payoff remains a successful hunt.

If you want a calmer experience, slow down instead of constantly fast traveling. Walk the riverbanks, listen for wildlife, use the landscape to break up sightlines, and take time to observe. The reserve’s water features are strongest when treated as part of the broader wilderness experience.

Could Fishing Be Added Later?

Fishing has not been officially confirmed for Way of the Hunter 2. The developer’s post-launch roadmap focuses on expanding hunting depth, animal behavior, trophy variations, equipment customization, character options, dog training, multiplayer improvements, new gear, and new hunting regions.

The game launched version 1.0 with 28 species, with two more planned through future updates. The roadmap also includes work on dynamic animal senses affected by weather, non-typical trophies, a new hunt-rating system, additional multiplayer tools, and larger long-term co-op features.

Roadmap areaPlanned directionFishing connection
Animal behaviorMore depth and weather-influenced sensesFocused on hunted wildlife, not fish.
Trophies and ratingsNew trophy types and hunt evaluationFocused on hunting progression.
GearNew equipment and partner gear DLCNo fishing tackle announced.
DogsAdvanced training and dog-focused contentFocused on hunting companions.
MultiplayerText chat, private sessions, larger future modesCould support future activities, but fishing is unconfirmed.
New regionsAdditional hunting maps and locationsNew water scenery is possible, but fishing is unconfirmed.

This roadmap can change, and long-term support leaves room for future ideas. Still, players should not buy the game expecting fishing to arrive on a particular date. Until the developer formally announces rods, fish species, tackle, or fishing mechanics, it remains a community wish rather than a planned feature.

The most practical approach is to follow official update announcements and patch notes. If fishing becomes real content, it would likely be introduced with clear details about its gear, locations, fish behavior, progression, and multiplayer support.

FAQ

Does Way of the Hunter 2 have fishing?

No. Way of the Hunter 2 fishing is not currently a playable activity. The game does not include rods, casting, lures, fish-catching mechanics, or fishing progression.

Can I catch fish in lakes or rivers?

No. Waterways are explorable parts of the reserve, but fish cannot currently be caught.

Is fly fishing planned?

Fly fishing has not been officially confirmed. Players have requested fishing and fly fishing, but there is no announced release window or feature plan.

Are there boats for fishing?

No. There are no fishing boats or boat-based fishing activities currently available.

What should I do near water if I want a slower session?

Use waterside terrain for scouting, observing wildlife, planning a route, taking photos, or waiting in a carefully chosen hunting position. Tents, blinds, decoys, and your dog can all support a patient hunt near water.