The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Guide | How to Get Golden Scale

Here’s a guide on how to get the Golden Scale in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Game Guide by Ragib Rawnak on Nov 15, 2026

The Golden Scale is a helpful equipment upgrade in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that lets Link dive much deeper underwater than before.

While you pick up the Silver Scale as Young Link during your search for Princess Ruto, the Golden Scale is completely exclusive to Adult Link. Getting your hands on this item lets you reach deep underwater switches and claim hidden Pieces of Heart across Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Reaching the Fishing Pond as Adult Link

Reaching the Fishing Pond as Adult Link

To claim the Golden Scale, you need to visit the Fishing Pond located on the eastern edge of Lake Hylia. When you first arrive south of Hyrule Field as Adult Link, you will notice that the entire lake has dried up, leaving the Fishing Pond entrance out of reach on a high ledge.

You have three ways to get up to the entrance depending on your progress in the game. If you planted a Magic Bean in the Soft Soil beside the Lakeside Laboratory as a kid, you can ride the grown leaf platform across the canyon.

If you skipped planting the seed, walk up to the bridge in front of the laboratory, play your Scarecrow's Song to summon Pierre, and pull yourself up to the ledge using your Hookshot or Longshot.

Otherwise, you can simply wait until you defeat Morpha and clear the Water Temple, which refills Lake Hylia and lets you swim directly to the door in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Catch 60 cm Fish for the Golden Scale

Once you walk inside the Fishing Pond, speak to the Fishing-Pond Man behind the counter. He will mention that he has a special prize waiting if you manage to reel in a big enough catch. Pay him 30 Rupees to rent a fishing rod, which gives you unlimited casts until you decide to leave.

To earn the Golden Scale, you must catch a fish that measures at least 60 centimeters (or roughly 24 inches in the original version). Walk out toward the water and aim your casts near the center of the pond, right around the submerged logs, where the largest fish like to hide.

When a heavy fish bites your lure, it will fight back much harder and pull away for longer stretches than smaller fish. Be patient, hold down the reel button, and tilt your control stick in the exact direction the fish is swimming to wear it down without snapping your line.

If you pull up a catch that measures under 60 cm, throw it back into the water and cast your line again in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Once you finally land a fish that hits the 60 cm mark, keep it in your hands, walk back over to the Fishing-Pond Man, and choose the "I'm done" dialogue option. He will weigh and measure your prize catch, hand over the Golden Scale, and let you dive up to eight meters deep.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Catch 60 cm Fish for the Golden Scale

FAQ

Q. Can you get the Golden Scale as Young Link?

A. No, you cannot get the Golden Scale as Young Link. Even if you catch the biggest fish in the pond as a child, the Fishing-Pond Man will only reward you with a Piece of Heart instead of the diving upgrade.

Q. Where do you use the Golden Scale in Ocarina of Time?

A. The main use for the Golden Scale is inside the Lakeside Laboratory at Lake Hylia. Dive all the way to the bottom of the deep indoor tank with the Golden Scale equipped, touch the bottom floor, and speak to the Lake Scientist afterward to claim a Piece of Heart.

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