Where To Get the Old Rod in Pokémon HGSS

Fishing on the pier on Route 32 in HeartGold

In HeartGold/SoulSilver, you can obtain the Old Rod from the fisherman inside of the Pokémon Center on Route 32. This is located directly south from Violet City, and the Pokémon Center here can only be accessed once you’ve beaten Falkner in the Violet City Gym.

When you talk to this fisherman NPC, he will offer you one of his fishing poles, which turns out to be the Old Rod.

In this guide we’ll show you exactly how to reach this NPC, and we’ll provide a list of water Pokémon that can be caught with your fancy new rod.

Finding the Old Rod (Step-by-Step)

You will need to earn your first gym badge by defeating Falkner in Violet City’s gym in order to be able to access Route 32. So make sure to do that first.

Falkner’s gym is close to the southern exit. / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Falkner’s gym is close to the southern exit.

Step 1: Take the southern exit from Violet City.

This leads to a small clearing featuring an apricorn tree. Continue south passing through the three-way intersection to reach Route 32.

The three-way intersection that leads into Route 32. / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The three-way intersection that leads into Route 32.

Step 2: You will come up to a large rock that splits the route. You can go either way around it to continue south.

The rock splits the route for a little while. / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The rock splits the route for a little while.

Step 3: Continue south, passing the large rock. You’ll be able to walk down some stairs through tall grass, or walk down some fishing docks.

Either way, keep walking south and you’ll eventually see a small clearing (pictured below).

The Pokémon Center where the fisherman can be found. / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The Pokémon Center where the fisherman can be found.

Step 4: Follow this path to find the Pokémon Center with the red roof. Go inside.

Step 5: There is a fisherman on the left hand side in the Pokécenter, standing in front of the counter.

Talk to him and he’ll ask if you would like one of his rods. Select ‘yes’ and the fisherman will give you the Old Rod.

The Fisherman offers the Old Rod to the player. / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The Fisherman offers the Old Rod to the player.

How To Use the Old Rod

You can now use the old Rod to access a new variety of Pokémon.

Step 1: The fishing rod can be accessed by facing a body of water and selecting the Old Rod from the Key Items pocket in your bag.

Step 2: Once the rod has been cast, wait until an “!” appears over your head and press ‘A’ as soon as possible to pull in the line. If your timing is right you will enter a battle with a wild water Pokémon.

Press “A” when the ‘!’ appears to pull in a Pokémon. / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Press “A” when the ‘!’ appears to pull in a Pokémon.

List of Old Rod Pokémon

The list below details the Pokémon that can be caught with the Old Rod, listed in order of location.

Note: Pokémon found by using the Old Rod will be at level 10, except in the Safari Zone where they range from levels 12 to 15.

Magikarp is the most common catch with the Old Rod. / Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Magikarp is the most common catch with the Old Rod.
Area Pokémon
New Bark Town
  • Magikarp
  • Tentacool
Cherrygrove City
  • Magikarp
  • Krabby
Route 32
  • Magikarp
  • Tentacool
Union Cave
  • Magikarp
  • Goldeen
  • Krabby
Route 34
  • Magikarp
  • Krabby
Olivine City
  • Magikarp
  • Krabby
Route 40
  • Magikarp
  • Krabby
Route 41
  • Magikarp
  • Tentacool
Cianwood City
  • Magikarp
  • Krabby
Route 47
  • Magikarp
  • Tentacool
Safari Zone
  • Magikarp (Meadow Area, Swamp Area, Marshland Area, Rocky Beach Area, Wetland Area)
  • Poliwag (Meadow Area, Marshland Area, Wetland Area)
  • Krabby (Rocky Beach Area)
  • Goldeen (Rocky Beach Area)
Whirl Islands
  • Magikarp
  • Krabby
Lake of Rage
  • Magikarp
Route 44
  • Magikarp
  • Poliwag
Dragon’s Den
  • Magikarp
Route 27
  • Magikarp
  • Tentacool
Route 26
  • Magikarp
  • Tentacool

Tip: The Old Rod is a solid tool early in your adventure through Johto. However, a greater variety of water Pokémon can be found by using either the Good Rod or the Super Rod.

Larkison

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Though typically a graphic designer by trade, Larkison has insisted on sticking his nose into every aspect of the video game industry ever since he held his first gamepad. He has virtually saved the world, rescued the princess and become a Pokémon Master. (All far more times than he’d be willing to count!) He Illustrates, animates, codes, streams, slices, dices and blends – and is fuelled entirely by caffeine.

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