Looking to reel in the elusive Gravid Bowfin in Monster Hunter Wilds? This rare fish is key to completing Kanya’s “Fishing for Flavor” side quest, but tracking it down requires knowing the right spots and timing. From the tranquil oasis in Windward Plains to the serene pools near Scarlet Forest’s waterfall, these prime fishing locations could be your gateway to success – if you come prepared with the Emerald Jitterbait and fish at dawn or dusk during the season of Plenty. Ready your rod and dive into the best tips to find and catch the Gravid Bowfin across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox versions of the game.
Our Monster Hunter Wilds guide will tell you where to find gravid bowfin locations and how to catch them.
Where to find gravid bowfin locations in Monster Hunter Wilds
Gravid Bowfin in Monster Hunter Wilds can be found in several key locations, with the most reliable spots being the Oasis in Area 13 of the Windward Plains and the deep waters near the waterfall between Areas 12 and 13 in the Scarlet Forest. They also spawn in the Oilwell Basin, Iceshard Cliffs (near the Icy Shores), and the Ruins of Wyveria (in a tunnel near Area 8). These fish tend to appear more frequently during morning and evening hours, and setting the environment to “Plenty” can increase your chances of encountering them. For the best results, set up camp near these fishing spots to reset spawns easily and use the Emerald Jitterbait lure provided by Kanya to catch them as part of the “Fishing for Flavor” side quest.
If you’re really lucky, a gravid bowfinlocation will spawn right in the pond where Kanya is fishing and you won’t have to travel at all. You’re looking for the orange-gold fish that have a slightly armored head.
That said, Gravid bowfins can (hypothetically) be found in every region, but it’s just a question of whether or not they spawn when you’re there. Know they seem to be most common in the evening (and setting the environment to plenty never hurts).
Here are some waypoints that are worth trying:
- In the Windswept Plains, check the oasis in Area 13.
- In the Scarlet Forest, head to the deep water near the waterfall between Areas 12 and 13.
- The Aquatic Life menu says that gravid bowfin can be found in Oilwell Basin, but if they’re there, we haven’t found them yet (or any other fish for that matter).
- In the Iceshard Cliffs, Reddit users report success in the deep pool just north of the Area 1: Icy Shore pop-up camp (but we did not have any luck there).
- In the Ruins of Wyveria, head into the tunnel on the west side of Area 8 to find the Area 8: Gap in Rubble pop-up camp and its fishing hole.
If you don’t luck out in Windswept Plains or Scarlet Forest, we recommend heading to the Area 8: Gap in Rubble in the Ruins of Wyveria. We found several there on our first visit. Just be prepared to fish your way through every other (greedy) fish first.
How to catch a gravid bowfin in Monster Hunter Wilds
To catch a gravid bowfin in Monster Hunter Wilds, use the Emerald Jitterbait lure and ensure it is moving, as gravid bowfins only bite when the lure is in motion. Cast your line past where the fish are and reel it in slowly by moving the left thumbstick up and down to mimic movement. The gravid bowfin is most commonly found in the Scarlet Forest, particularly in the pool near Kanya’s fishing spot at the Base Camp, ideally during the morning and when the environment is set to “Plenty.” If you don’t find one immediately, resting at a nearby camp to change the time and environmental settings can help respawn them. Twitch the line to attract their attention, then press the reel button as soon as they bite to catch them successfully.
Gravid bowfins go for the emerald jiggerbait, but they’re a little finicky about it – they only go for the lure when it’s moving.
When you spot a gravid bowfin, cast your lure past where they’ll be and start reeling it in slowly by moving the left thumbstick up and down. You can pause your reeling occasionally and mix in a jerk by pressing down on the left thumbstick. Just keep reeling slowly even as the bowfin takes an interest in the lure.
Where are the most secretive spots to find gravid bowfin in Monster Hunter Wilds
The most secretive spots to find Gravid Bowfin in Monster Hunter Wilds are concentrated in a few rare, tucked-away locations where their elusive nature is best matched by the environment’s tranquility. Key hidden spots include:
-
The oasis in Area 13 of the Windward Plains, a small, clear pool where the Gravid Bowfin’s reddish-brown form can sometimes be seen lurking beneath the surface.
-
Deep waters near the waterfall between Areas 12 and 13 in the Scarlet Forest, offering a secluded fishing hole away from the main paths.
-
A hidden cave tunnel on the western side of Area 8 in the Ruins of Wyveria, accessible through the Gap Rubble-up camp, which features a quiet fishing spot.
-
A pool near the Icy Shore pop-up camp in Area 1 of the Iceshard Cliffs, reported by players but less consistently fruitful.
These locations are secretive not only because of their remote or tucked-away nature but also because the Gravid Bowfin only spawns under specific conditions: during dawn or dusk in the Season of Plenty, and with the use of the Emerald Jitterbait lure to attract them. Patience and timing are essential, as the fish is rare and can take several minutes to bite once spotted. Setting up camp nearby to reset the area and waiting for the right time can increase your chances of encountering this elusive fish.
Why are some gravid bowfin locations considered more secretive than others
Some gravid bowfin locations in Monster Hunter Wilds are considered more secretive than others due to several factors:
-
Rarity and Spawn Conditions: Gravid bowfins only spawn under specific conditions such as during dawn or dusk in the Season of Plenty, making their appearances unpredictable and rare in many locations. This rarity makes some spots feel more secretive because the fish may not appear consistently.
-
Remote or Hidden Areas: Certain locations are tucked away in less-traveled or hard-to-reach parts of the map, such as the oasis in Area 13 of Windward Plains or the tunnel on the western side of Area 8 in the Ruins of Wyveria. These hidden spots require players to explore carefully, adding to their secretive reputation.
-
Environmental Factors and Reset Mechanics: Some spawn points require players to clear other fish first or reset the area by leaving and returning to the zone to trigger gravid bowfin spawns. This mechanic can make these locations feel more elusive and secretive since players must engage in specific actions to reveal the fish.
-
Behavioral Sensitivity: Gravid bowfins are sensitive to lure movement; certain lure motions can scare them away, while others attract them. This sensitivity means players must use precise fishing techniques in secretive spots to successfully catch them.
Overall, the combination of rare spawning times, secluded locations, environmental resets, and the fish’s particular behavior makes some gravid bowfin locations more secretive and challenging to discover than others.
