The Ultimate Fishing Guide For Stardew Valley

Shahzaib Manzoor
(Last Updated On: June 12, 2023)

Back in February 2016, ConcernedApe released Stardew Valley. It was an indie farming simulator that was released only for Windows, however, it proved very popular and this is why the game was soon released on every major gaming platform including Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, iOS & Android devices as well as macOS and Linux.

In Stardew Valley, players control a young man who inherits a farm in Pelican Town from his grandfather. After overwhelming himself working in a dead-end job, the young man moves to Pelican Town to restore his grandfather’s farm.

Photo: ConcernedApe

The expansive gameplay of Stardew Valley set it apart from other farming simulators in the market. Moreover, there’s a social aspect to take care of by interacting with NPCs.

Players have to do a lot more than just grow and harvest crops. Farming, Fishing, Foraging, Mining, and Combat are the 5 main skills of Stardew Valley. 

This article focuses on one of the most difficult but highly important mini-games of Stardew Valley- Fishing!

Fishing in Stardew Valley

Although it’s a Farming simulator, fishing is a huge part of Stardew Valley.

Photo: ConcernedApe

Once you master fishing, you’ll never have to worry about money again, and you’ll learn how well the developers have interconnected the different aspects of Stardew Valley.
For example, you may find a Treasure Chest while fishing. 

If you successfully reel in the fish, you’ll also get the Treasure Chest and the reward within. The Treasure Chest can be a complete bust or have some rare Stardew Valley items.

In other words, there’s so much to fishing in Stardew Valley, which is why it’s one of the toughest skills to master. However, it’s not exactly rocket science. 

All you need is a bit of practice and the know-how of when and where to fish, and my guide will help you every step of the way.

So, let’s start with the basics.

How To Fish in Stardew Valley?

Fishing becomes available in Stardew Valley on your 2nd day in the game. You’ll get a letter from Willy, asking you to meet him at the beach. He’ll also give you your first fishing rod.

Photo: ConcernedApe

Welcome to the fishing business!

Since you’re on the beach, it’s a good idea to check out your fishing gear right there and then.

  • Equip the rod to throw a line into the water. When throwing, a meter will appear on the screen. Time your release to throw the line to a desired distance.
  • Once a fish bites, you’ll hear a distinct sound and see an exclamation mark over your character’s head. Quickly press the ‘Use Tool’ button to hook the fish.

After the fish gets hooked, the third and final stage of catching a fish begins. 

Photo: ConcernedApe
  • Keep tapping your screen (or pressing the relevant button depending on the device you’re playing on) to keep the little fish icon within the green bar until the right side meter fills up.

It’s that easy when you talk about it, but as a long-time Stardew Valley player who struggles with this, let me tell you it’s anything but easy.

That green bar is overly sensitive. A slightly longer tap and you’ll lose the fish. 

Moreover, each time your fishing skills level up, the fill-up meter gets longer and longer, making it more difficult to keep hold of your catch.

Photo: ConcernedApe

The only thing you can do is practice as much as possible. There’s no workaround to this- no shortcuts or cheat codes that will put the fish straight into your inventory.

Here are a few tips that can make it slightly easier-

  • Practice by catching easier fish at the start. (Read on to find out which fish are easier to catch).
  • Use a Training Rod at the start. It has an easier-to-control and bigger green bar.
  • Throw the fishing line as far as possible to avoid garbage and increase the chances of catching high-quality fish.

Lastly, don’t give up too easily.

Now that you know the basics, let’s meet your potential prey.

Types of Fish in Stardew Valley

Fishing in Stardew Valley is hard, and it’s not just because of the game mechanics. There are plenty of factors at play that make fishing so hard. 

Catching a fish depends on time, season, the bait you use, the gear you use, and the pond/lake/ocean you choose to fish at.

So, if you are after a specific fish, everything has to be done perfectly. And that’s only possible when you know exactly what you’re doing. 

Photo: @stardewvalleyfan

Following is a table that will tell you everything you need to know about the 80+ catchable fish in Stardew Valley.

All Stardew Valley fish are classified into 5 main types in the game, so I’ll list them accordingly to avoid any confusion.

Fishing Pole Fish

Fish NamePrice (Varied by Quality & Profession)LocationSeasonTime & Weather
Pufferfish200g – 600gOcean & Ginger Island OceanSummer + All Seasons on Ginger Island12 pm – 4 pm on a Sunny day
Anchovy30g – 90gOceanSpring & FallAll Day & Night
Tuna100g – 300gOcean & Ginger Island OceanSummer & Winter + All Seasons on Ginger Island6 am – 7 pm
Sardine40g – 120gOceanSpring, Fall, & Winter6 am – 7 pm
Bream45g – 135gTown/Forest RiverAll Seasons6 pm – 2 am
Largemouth Bass100g – 300gMountain LakeAll Seasons6 am – 7 pm
Smallmouth Bass50g – 150gTown River & Forest PondSpring & FallAll Day & Night
Rainbow Trout65g – 195gTown/Forest River & Mountain LakeSummer6 am – 7 pm on a Sunny day
Salmon75g – 225gTown/Forest RiverFall6 am – 7 pm
Walleye105g – 315gTown/Forest River, Forest Pond, & Mountain LakeFall & Winter (Requires Rain Totem)12 pm – 12 am on a Rainy day
Perch55g – 165gTown/Forest River, Forest Pond, & Mountain LakeWinterAll Day & Night
Carp30g – 90gMountain Lake, Secret Woods Pond, & The Sewers All SeasonsAll Day & Night
Catfish200g – 600gTown/Forest River, Secret Woods Pond, & Witch’s SwampSpring & Fall (Spring & Summer in Secret Woods Pond)6am – 12am on a Rainy day
Pike100g – 300gTown/Forest River & Forest PondSummer & WinterAll Day & Night
Sunfish30g – 90gTown/Forest RiverSpring & Summer6 am – 7 pm on a Sunny OR Windy day
Red Mullet75g – 225gOceanSummer & Winter6 am – 7 pm
Herring30g – 90gOceanSpring & WinterAll Day & Night
Eel85g – 255gOceanSpring & Fall4 pm – 2 am on a Rainy day
Octopus150g – 450gOceanSummer6 am – 1 pm
Red Snapper50g – 150gOceanSummer, Fall, & Winter (Requires Rain Totem)6 am – 7 pm on a Rainy day
Squid80g – 240gOceanWinter6 pm – 2 am
Sea Cucumber75g – 225gOceanFall & Winter6 am – 7 pm
Super Cucumber250g – 750gOcean & Ginger Island OceanSummer & Fall (All Seasons on Ginger Island)6 pm – 2 am
Ghostfish45g – 135g20F & 60F MinesAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Stonefish300g – 900g20F MinesAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Ice Pip500g – 1,500g60F MinesAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Lava Eel700g – 2,100g100F Mines, Volcano, & CalderaAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Sandfish75g – 225gThe DesertAll Seasons6 am – 8 pm
Scorpion Carp150g – 450gThe Desert (catchable after reaching Fishing Level 4)All Seasons6 am- 8 pm
Flounder100g – 300gOcean & Ginger Island OceanSpring & Summer + (All Seasons on Ginger Island)6 am – 8 pm
Midnight Carp150g – 450gMountain Lake, Cindersap Forest Pond, & Ginger Island Pond/RiverFall & Winter + (All Seasons on Ginger Island)10 pm – 2 am
Sturgeon200g – 600gMountain LakeSummer & Winter6 am – 7 pm
Tiger Trout150g – 450gTown/Forest RiverFall & Winter6 am – 7 pm
Bullhead75g – 225gMountain LakeAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Tilapia75g – 225gOcean & Ginger Island RiversSummer & Fall + (All Seasons on Ginger Island)6 am – 2 pm
Chub50g – 150gForest River & Mountain LakeAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Dorado100g – 300gForest RiverSummer6 am – 7 pm
Albacore75g – 225gOceanFall & Winter6 am – 11 am & 6 pm – 2 am
Shad60g – 180gTown/Forest RiverSpring, Summer, & Fall9 am – 2 am on a Rainy Day
Lingcod120g – 360gTown/Forest River & Mountain LakeWinterAll Day & Night
Halibut80g – 240gOceanSpring, Summer, & Winter6 am – 11 am & 7 pm – 2 am
Woodskip75g – 225gForest Farm & Secret Woods PondAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Void Salmon150g – 450gWitch’s SwampAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Slimejack100g – 300gMutant Bug LairAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Stingray180g – 540gGinger Island Pirate CoveAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Lionfish100g – 300gGinger Island OceanAll SeasonsAll Day & Night
Blue Discus120g – 360gGinger Island Pond & RiversAll SeasonsAll Day & Night

Crab Pot Fish

10 marine creatures in Stardew Valley can only be caught using a Crab Pot. Once you float a Crab Pot in any body of water, you can harvest any of the following creatures. 

First NamePrice (Varied by Quality & Profession)Location
Lobster120g – 180gOcean
Clam50g – 100gOcean
Crayfish75g – 112gFreshwater
Crab100g – 150gOcean
Cockle50g – 150gOcean
Mussel30g – 90gOcean
Shrimp60g – 90gOcean
Snail65g – 97gFreshwater
Periwinkle20g – 30gFreshwater
Oyster40g – 120gOcean
Photo: Stardew | Guide

Time, Season, or weather does not affect your Crab Pot catch. However, occasionally, a Crab Pot might get-

  • Trash
  • Broken Glasses
  • Broker CD
  • Driftwood
  • Soggy Newspaper

But the good thing about harvesting a Crab Pot is that it still gives 5 Fishing XP regardless of what it catches.

Night Market Fish

While the Night Market is open for business (5 pm – 2 am), players can catch 3 unique fish while taking a submarine ride. Remember, the Night Market is a Winter festival that starts on Day 15 and finishes on Day 17. This is what it looks like.

Photo: Stardew Valley Wiki

And these are the fish that players can catch during the submarine ride:

Fish NamePrice (Varied by Quality & Profession)Location
Midnight Squid100g – 300gNight Market OR The Beach (with Magic Bait)
Spook Fish220g – 660gNight Market OR The Beach (with Magic Bait)
Blobfish500g – 1,500gNight Market OR The Beach (with Magic Bait)
Photo: Macko – YouTube

Other than this exclusive Night Market catch, there’s a chance of catching Sea Cucumbers, Super Cucumbers, Seaweed, and even an Octopus.

If you use a Curiosity Lure, there’s a 0.9% (0.4% if not using the Curiosity Lure) chance of reeling in a Pearl.

Photo: Reddit

Legendary Fish

There are 5 fish in Stardew Valley that can only be caught once per file save

Found in specific locations and during certain Seasons only, reeling in a Legendary Fish is 10x more difficult than any ordinary fish.

Photo: Stardew Valley Forums

Now, you can either dig up Artifact Spots and hope to find the ‘Secrets of the Legendary Fish’ or use this table below to learn everything and catch them all.

Fish NamePrice (Varied by Quality & Profession)LocationSeasonTime & WeatherFishing Level
Crimsonfish1,500g – 4,500gThe Beach (East Pier)SummerAll Day & NightFishing Level 5 required
Angler900g – 2,700gWooden Plank Bridge (North of JojaMart)FallAll Day & NightFishing Level 3 required
Legend5,000g – 15,000gThe Mountain LakeSpringAll Day & Night with RainFishing Level 10 required
Glacierfish1,00g – 3,000gSouthend of Arrowhead Island (Cindersap Forest)WinterAll Day & NightFishing Level 6 required
Mutant Carp1,000g – 3,000gThe SewersAll SeasonsAll Day & NightNo requirements

Pro Tip: Using an Iridium Rod and a Trap Bobber can increase your chances of catching a Legendary Fish.

Photo: IGN

There are 5 more Legendary Fish in Stardew Valley that become available during Qi’s Extended Family Quest.
Find out more about them in the next section.

Legendary Fish II

While on Mr. Qi’s Extended Family Quest, you can’t catch the OG Legendary Fish. However, you can catch their duplicates.

These altered versions of Legendary Fish have different names- Legend becomes Legend II, Angler becomes Ms. Angler, and Crimsonfish becomes Son of Crimsonfish.

However, their location and prices are the same. 

Here’s everything to know about Legendary Fish II.

Fish NamePrice (Varied by Quality & Profession)LocationSeasonDay & TimeFishing Level
Son of Crimsonfish1,500g – 4,500gThe Beach (East Pier)All SeasonsAll Day & NightFishing Level 5 required
Ms. Angler900g – 2,700gWooden Plank Bridge (North of JojaMart)All SeasonsAll Day & NightFishing Level 3 required
Legend II5,000g – 15,000gThe Mountain LakeAll SeasonsAll Day & NightFishing Level 10 required
Glacierfish Jr.1,00g – 3,000gSouthend of Arrowhead Island (Cindersap Forest)All SeasonsAll Day & NightFishing Level 6 required
Radioactive Carp1,000g – 3,000gThe SewersAll SeasonsAll Day & NightNo requirements

Their difficulty level is still the same. That means the pro tip I shared above will work for Legendary Fish II as well. 

It did for me at least.

Photo: Reddit

Apart from the fish, Stardew Valley has 3 more catchable items that add to the players’ Fishing XP. 

  1. White Algae.
  2. Green Algae.
  3. Seaweed.

These are random items that you might catch at any location during any season. 

None of these items are rare or valuable, but if you’re going for 100% completion, you’ll need these.

Fishing Gear in Stardew Valley – Rods, Bait, & Tackle!

Using the right tools of the trade is important.

That’s why every Stardew Valley player should know about the fishing gear available in Stardew Valley. Use the right rods, baits, and tackle; and fishing gets relatively easier.

I say relatively because it still doesn’t guarantee a Perfect Catch. However, using better tools certainly helps.

Let’s start with the most important one- the Fishing Rod.

Fishing Rods

There are 4 Fishing Rods available in Stardew Valley. 

As I mentioned earlier, players get their first fishing rod (a Bamboo Pole) on the 2nd day from Willy. 

Photo: ConcernedApe

After that, every rod becomes available as the player’s Fishing Level increases.

Here’s an overview of all 4 Fishing Rods.

NamePriceWhere to BuyFishing Level RequirementAdvantages
Bamboo Pole500gWilly’s Fish Shop. (Willy Gifts to the player on the 2nd day.)No Requirement.No apparent advantage.
Training Rod25gWilly’s Fish ShopNo Requirement.Bigger green bar.
Fiberglass Rod1,800gWilly’s Fish ShopFishing Level 2Allows using Bait.
Iridium Rod7,500gWilly’s Fish ShopFishing Level 6Allows using Bait & Tackle.
Photo: ConcernedApe

After reaching Fishing Level 2, players unlock the Fiberglass, and with that comes the ability to use Bait.

Bait

Although not necessary, using Bait has its advantages. For example, using Bait with a Fishing Rod reduces the time taken by fish to bite. 

Here’s a breakdown of all the baits and what they can do.

NamePriceAdvantage
Bait5gFish bites 50% faster. Lower chance of catching Trash.
Wild BaitCan’t be bought. (Crafted using Fiber, Slime, & Bug Meat)Fish bites 62.5% faster. 25% chance of catching 2 fish simultaneously,
Magic Bait5 Qi Gems for 20 Magic BaitCatch any type of fish in any season at any location.
Magnet1,000g15% higher chance of a Treasure Chest.
Photo: ConcernedApe

Tackle

Because it requires an Iridium Rod, Tackle can only be used after reaching Fishing Level 6.

Post that, you’ll unlock different Tackles as you reach higher Fishing Levels.

There are a total of 9 Tackles in Stardew Valley.

NamePriceAdvantage
Spinner500gFish bites 3.75 seconds faster.
Dressed Spinner1,000gFish bites 7.5 seconds faster.
Trap Bobber500gThe right bar falls down 33% slower.
Cork Bobber750gIncreases the size of the green bar.
Lead Bobber200gReduces the green bar bounce.
Treasure Hunter750g5% higher chance of Treasure Chest.
Barbed Hook1,000gAutomates the green bar.
Curiosity LineCan’t be bought.
Obtained in Quarry Mine, Skull Cavern, or Volcano Dungeon boxes or barrels.
Dropped by Mummies in Skull Cavern.
Best at catching rare fish.
Quality BobberCan’t be bought.
Crafted with Copper Bar, Sap, & Solar Essence with a recipe from Willy.
Levels up the fish quality by 1.
Photo: ConcernedApe

Conclusion

And that concludes my cheatsheet/guide to fishing in Stardew Valley. 

I hope this helps you make some money and get that completion rate up.

Feel free to leave comments below about what more you’d like to know about Stardew Valley.

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