In Monster Hunter Wilds, the Gravid Bowfin is a rare fish that only appears under specific conditions. This Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin guide covers the best spots, bait choices, and timing to catch it fast. With these Monster Hunter Wilds fishing strategies and bait tips, you’ll learn how and where to reel in the Gravid Bowfin quickly. 

Understanding the Gravid Bowfin 

The Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin is one of the most elusive aquatic endemic lifeforms in the game, drawing the attention of collectors, biologists, and quest-focused players alike. Found across several lush and watery regions—including Windward Plains, Scarlet Forest, Oilwell Basin, Iceshard Cliffs, and Wyveria—the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin is only available under specific environmental conditions.

To encounter the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin, the region’s weather must be set to Plenty, which represents the lush season of Monster Hunter Wilds. This rare fish prefers to emerge during sunrise or sunset, meaning players must not only manage their weather conditions but also the in-game time. Tracking the correct time of day is essential if you’re hoping to catch the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin before it disappears again.

While the fish can be found in multiple zones, the most consistent location seems to be the Oasis pond in Area 13 of the Windward Plains. During the Plenty season at sunrise, many players report high chances of encountering the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin here. This spot offers still, clear water—a perfect habitat for the bowfin, which avoids strong currents and turbulent rivers.

Physically, the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin stands out with a robust body, larger than the more common Virid Bowfin. What truly distinguishes it is its armor-like scrap-metal head plating, believed to be scavenged from its environment. This plating helps the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin blend into murky waters, making it tougher to spot even in ideal conditions.

One crucial point: if you’re trying to complete Kanya’s “Fishing for Flavor” quest, make sure you’re using a fishing rod. The Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin will not count toward quest completion if you catch it with a capture net. This detail has caused many hunters to unintentionally fail the quest by assuming any method of capture would suffice.

Because of its size and rarity, the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin is often sought after by players hoping to complete collection quests or simply document all endemic life in the game. Whether you’re a casual angler or a completionist, hunting the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin can be one of the more satisfying challenges the game offers.

Notably, some players have also seen the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin in secluded rivers of Wyveria, but only during perfectly timed dawn conditions. These sightings suggest the fish may have alternative spawn points that remain less documented, encouraging exploration and experimentation.

Even the visual design of the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin adds to its appeal. The mix of natural fish anatomy with metallic scrap elements ties perfectly into the ecosystem themes of Monster Hunter Wilds, where life and decay often intertwine.

If you’re struggling to catch the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin, try this method: set your expedition to Windward Plains, wait until the forecast shows Plenty, then head to Area 13 and position yourself by the Oasis pond just before sunrise. Cast your rod and be patient—you may just reel in the elusive Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin.

Whether you’re after its visual uniqueness, completing a difficult quest, or aiming for full endemic life documentation, catching the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin is a rewarding experience that highlights the immersive depth of the game’s ecosystem.

🎣 Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin Spawn Guide

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Where to Find the Gravid Bowfin 

Map of Monster Hunter Wilds showing known Gravid Bowfin spawn zones (red areas, Scarlet Forest and Wyveria). You can find Gravid Bowfin in several locations across the map. Key hotspots include: 

• Windswept Plains (Area 13 Oasis) – The large Oasis in Area 13 is a top spot. Fish the pond here during Plenty, especially at dawn. 

• Scarlet Forest (Waterfall Pools) – The deep water pool under the waterfall between Areas 12 and 13 often spawns Gravid Bowfin. Try casting near the waterfall’s base. 

• Iceshard Cliffs (Area 1 “Icy Shore”) – In the Cliffs region, there’s a deep pool north of the Area 1 camp. Hunters have found Gravid Bowfin here during Plenty. 

• Ruins of Wyveria (Area 8 Gap in Rubble) – Head to the tunnel on the west side of Area 8 (the “Gap in Rubble” camp) and fish in the hidden pool there. This spot often yields multiple attempts – one guide reported finding several Gravid Bowfin the first time they tried Area 8. 

In practice, the Scarlet Forest waterfall and the Plains Oasis are easiest to reach, so check those first. If you’re unlucky there, try the Wyveria spot at Area 8: it tends to spawn multiple fish on a single visit. (The Aquatic Life menu also lists Oilwell Basin as a habitat, but few players have found Gravid Bowfin there.) 

Optimal Conditions: Time and Weather 

The single most important condition for encountering the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin is the Plenty weather. Only during the Plenty season will the fish spawn, making this environmental setting a non-negotiable requirement. Once you reach High Rank (Chapter 4), you gain the ability to manually switch the season by resting at your tent—set it to Plenty before heading out to fish for the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin.

Time of day plays an equally critical role. The Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin only surfaces around dawn or dusk, so timing your expedition is essential. Many hunters report their best luck at sunrise, especially at the Windswept Plains Oasis. According to community tips, the fish often appears there each morning, giving players a reliable spawn point for the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin.

To maximize your chances, rest at your camp between attempts. The Plenty weather stays active even after resting, which means you can return to the same fishing spot repeatedly. This tactic increases the likelihood of the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin respawning. For example, if you fish at the Oasis and come up empty, simply head back to camp, rest, and return.

Patience is key. The Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin doesn’t always appear on the first try, but with each cycle, your odds improve. This approach—setting the right season, targeting the right time, and resetting via rest—is the most effective way to catch the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin without wasting resources or time.

Whether you’re completing a quest or tracking endemic life, understanding how to trigger the appearance of the Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin makes all the difference in your hunting journey.

Best Bait and Tools 

The Gravid Bowfin only responds to Emerald Jitterbait. Kanya gives you this lure at the start of the fishing quest chain, and no other bait will entice the Bowfin. Key bait tips: 

• Use Emerald Jitterbait: Equip this lure before fishing. The Gravid Bowfin has a strong preference for Emerald Jitterbait. Other baits will not attract it. 

• Rod Only (No Net): Remember, Kanya only accepts a rod-caught fish for this quest. You can use the capture net for other fish, but it won’t complete the quest for the Gravid Bowfin. 

Make sure the lure is set in your item bar and equipped before casting. If you have any other lure selected, switch to the Emerald Jitterbait. Also, if smaller fish are swarming the area, feel free to net them out of the way first – clearing out small fish can help you spot the orange Gravid Bowfin more easily. 

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Casting and Reeling Technique 

In-game screenshot: The hunter uses Emerald Jitterbait to fish for the Gravid Bowfin. Cast beyond the fish and reel slowly (moving the stick up/down) to lure it in. Catching the Gravid Bowfin is a test of finesse. Follow these steps: 

• Cast Past the Fish: When you see a Gravid Bowfin in the water, aim your cast a little beyond its position rather than directly on top of it. This mimics a fleeing prey and catches its attention. 

• Reel Slowly: As soon as the lure hits the water, begin reeling slowly. Move the left thumbstick up and down in a slow rhythm. The goal is to keep the lure wriggling on the surface. 

• Add Jerks: Don’t reel at full speed. Pause occasionally and add a slight jerk or twitch by pressing the stick down, then resume the slow reel. These brief jerks make the lure appear alive. 

• Be Patient: The Gravid Bowfin often ignores the lure at first. It may swim toward it, then turn away. If it doesn’t bite immediately, repeat the cast and wiggle. According to guides, the bowfin can take a while to notice the bait, so persistence is key. Keep casting and jiggling until it finally goes for the bite. 

• Avoid Drag Reeling: Reeling should not be done with the fishing rod’s drag mechanic. Instead, use the normal reel buttons or stick movement. One player tip is to make circular motions with the joystick to simulate a natural catch – avoid simply dragging the lure in too fast. 

If there are many smaller fish around the bowfin, catch or move them aside first. Other fish may “steal” bait, so clear them out to give the Gravid Bowfin a clean chance. When the bowfin finally bites, reel steadily to bring it in and complete the catch. 

Quick Tips and Tricks 

• Check Kanya’s Camp First: After starting the quest, look at the fishing pond right at the Scarlet Forest base camp (where Kanya waits). A Gravid Bowfin may spawn there immediately. If you’re lucky, you won’t even need to travel far. 

• Use Camping to Reset: If a bowfin doesn’t appear, set up a pop-up camp near your chosen spot and rest. This resets the Plenty season and time of day without costing time, giving the fish another chance to spawn. 

• Catch Other Fish: Use your net to capture smaller fish in the area. Clearing out schools of fish makes it easier to see the orange Gravid Bowfin. The Bowfin tends to lurk near the bottom or behind cover, so a clear view helps. 

• Wiggle, Don’t Thrash: Remember to keep the lure moving. The Bowfin only attacks a moving bait. If you stop reeling, it may ignore the lure. A steady, gentle jiggle is far more effective than frantic reeling. 

• Monitor the Clock: Dawn and dusk windows are short. Plan your fishing around those times. If you’re in Plenty weather at sunrise or sunset, move quickly to cast in prime spots (like Areas 13 or 12). 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How do I catch the Gravid Bowfin quickly?
A: First, set the in-game weather to Plenty and fish at dawn or dusk. Head to known spawning pools (Scarlet Forest waterfall or Plains Oasis) with Emerald Jitterbait equipped. Cast the bait past the fish and reel slowly (move stick up/down and add jerks). Be patient – the bowfin often ignores the bait until you’ve jigged it several times. If it doesn’t appear, rest at camp to respawn and try again. 

Q: What bait should I use for the Gravid Bowfin?
A: Only Emerald Jitterbait will work on the Gravid Bowfin. Kanya provides this bait for you. Swap to it in your item bar before fishing. Other lures won’t attract the bowfin. 

Q: Where are the best spots to fish for the Gravid Bowfin?
A: The most reliable spots include the Oasis in Area 13 (Windswept Plains) and the waterfall pool between Areas 12–13 (Scarlet Forest). The deep pools at Iceshard Cliffs (Area 1) and the Ruins of Wyveria (Area 8) are also good candidates. These are all “wetland” areas with still water. If one spot fails, move to another, resting to maintain Plenty weather. 

Q: What time of day does the Gravid Bowfin appear?
A: It spawns around dawn or dusk during the Plenty season. In other words, fish right at sunrise or sunset for the best chance. Midday or midnight under Plenty still won’t work; dawn/dusk is key. 

Q: How do I reel in the Gravid Bowfin without spooking it?
A: Cast just a few meters past the fish and start reeling very slowly. Move the stick or press the reel button in gentle pulses. Avoid jerking the line or dragging too fast, which scares it. Keep the lure wiggling (pause and twitch it) until the fish finally bites. If the Gravid Bowfin swims away, let it settle again and recast – constant movement wins in the end. 

Q: What reward do I get for catching the Gravid Bowfin?
A: Completing Kanya’s “Fishing for Flavor” quest (which requires the rod-caught Gravid Bowfin) rewards you with 3 Jeweled Mullet Roe and 5 Honey. These are valuable cooking ingredients. Catching the bowfin also nets Guild Points and experience for your hunter. 

Conclusion 

Catching the Gravid Bowfin fast in Monster Hunter Wilds comes down to preparation: head to the right spot at dawn/dusk during Plenty, use the Emerald Jitterbait, and fish patiently. Clear other fish, rest to reset spawns, and follow the casting steps above. With persistence, you’ll reel in this rare fish and complete the Fishing for Flavor quest. Enjoy these Monster Hunter Wilds fishing tips – and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow hunters! Have your own Gravid Bowfin fishing tips or success stories? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. Happy fishing! 

🎣 Monster Hunter Wilds Gravid Bowfin Spawn Guide

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