Is there a good place to shiny hunt for a Magikarp in heart gold?

Question

It’s been my dream to have a shiny Magikarp to walk with in heart gold, and I finally realized that if I want it, I’m going to have to do it myself. But my question is is there anyplace in Johto or Kanto where you can find Magikarp only or have a very high chance of encountering them by just using surf? Thanks

Comments

There are a few places where Magikarp is the only Pokemon you can encounter by surfing. They're listed here: https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Magikarp_(Pok%C3%A9mon)

Answer 1

Unless you have access to a game from another region of the world that would give you access to Masuda Method, the best way to hunt Magikarp would be in one of its guaranteed surfing spots.

Magikarp is a guaranteed surfing encounter in all of these spots:

• Route 43
• Route 45
• Dark Cave
• Blackthorn City
• Fuchsia City

If I were to pick from those, Route 45 would probably be the best choice, as it has a long, straight river that is easy to navigate. You could also go to the Dragon's Den, where there's 90% Magikarp and 10% Dratini, which imo would be a pretty good hunt.

Keep in mind this is 1/8192 odds, so this may take a very long time. Good luck!