What are the best fishing spots near Blackwater in RDR2?

Fishing near Blackwater in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rewarding activity that can provide food, income, and a relaxing break from the game''s more intense moments. Blackwater, located in the western part of the map, offers several excellent fishing spots along the Upper Montana River and the nearby shoreline of Flat Iron Lake. To get started, you''ll need a fishing rod, which can be obtained during the mission ''A Fisher of Men'' in Chapter 2, or purchased from a general store if you missed it. Additionally, you''ll need bait or lures, which can be bought or crafted depending on the type of fish you''re targeting.\n\nOne of the best fishing spots near Blackwater is along the Upper Montana River, just north of the town. This area is teeming with fish like the Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, and Bluegill. To reach this spot, head north from Blackwater along the riverbank until you find a quiet area with clear water. Cast your line into the deeper parts of the river, as fish tend to congregate there. Use crickets or bread as bait for smaller fish, or switch to a river lure if you''re aiming for larger catches like the Smallmouth Bass.\n\nAnother prime location is the shoreline of Flat Iron Lake, directly south of Blackwater. This area is ideal for catching larger fish such as the Lake Sturgeon and Channel Catfish. To fish here, head south from Blackwater until you reach the lake''s edge. Look for areas with calm water and visible fish activity. For Lake Sturgeon, use a special lake lure, which can be purchased from bait shops. Channel Catfish, on the other hand, are more likely to bite if you use cheese or crayfish as bait.\n\nWhen fishing in these spots, pay attention to the game''s mechanics. Hold the left trigger to aim your cast, and use the right stick to adjust the distance and direction. Once your line is in the water, wait for a fish to bite. You''ll feel a vibration in your controller or see the line tighten. Quickly press the right stick down to set the hook, then reel in the fish by rotating the right stick while keeping tension on the line. Avoid reeling too fast, as this can cause the line to break.\n\nCommon challenges include losing fish due to improper reeling or using the wrong bait. To avoid this, always match your bait or lure to the type of fish you''re targeting. For example, Lake Sturgeon won''t bite on bread, so using a special lake lure is essential. Additionally, if you''re struggling to catch larger fish, try fishing during different times of day or in varying weather conditions, as these factors can influence fish behavior.\n\nFor new players, it''s helpful to practice fishing in less crowded areas before heading to Blackwater. This will allow you to get comfortable with the mechanics and build up your inventory of bait and lures. Experienced players can maximize their efficiency by using special lures and focusing on high-value fish like the Lake Sturgeon, which can be sold for a good profit at the butcher in Blackwater.\n\nIn summary, the best fishing spots near Blackwater are along the Upper Montana River and the shoreline of Flat Iron Lake. Use appropriate bait or lures, pay attention to the game''s mechanics, and adjust your strategy based on the type of fish you''re targeting. With practice and patience, you''ll become a skilled angler in no time.