How to fish in Stardew Valley: Seasonal & legendary fish, rod guide, more

Meg Bethany Koepp
How to fish in Stardew Valley: seasonal & legendary fish, rod guide, more

Catching fish is one of the quickest ways to make money in Stardew Valley. Fishing is a crucial skill you need to learn if you want your farm to thrive in the game

Activities like mining and fishing are extremely important in Stardew Valley, especially if you’ve taken the Community Center route and need to complete the bundles.

Catching fish is one of the most popular features in the life-simulation title as it’s highly addicting and also makes a good chunk of cash fairly swiftly. Here’s everything you need to know, from how to throw a line to the rarest water-dwelling creatures in the game.

Contents

How to fish in Stardew Valley

stardew valley 1.6 crop

First thing’s first: to fish in Stardew Valley, you’re going to need a rod. Head to the beach and then speak to Willy on the pier. He’ll tell you that it’s important to him to carry on the skill into the next generation and gift you the Bamboo Pole.

To start fishing, you need to equip the rod, stand by a body of water and press the Use Tool button (square on PlayStation, X on Xbox, Y on Nintendo Switch, left mouse button on PC).

How to cast your line

When first throwing the line out, a meter will show up by your character’s hand: this determines how far it’ll go across the water, with red being close and green further away. In most cases, you’ll want it to go as far as possible.

Once a fish has bitten, an alert sound will play and “HIT!” appears on-screen. Quickly press the Use Tool button again to hook it and initiate the catching mini-game.

Fishing mini-game

When throwing your line, you’ll notice a moving green bar with a fish inside appear in the middle of the screen. The aim is to keep the fish inside the green section at all times until the progress bar fills up and it’s caught. If it swims out of the area, the bar decreases and if it drains completely, you lose.

To move the bar, you can either tap the Use Tool button or hold it: tapping keeps it in place while holding raises it upwards quickly. Different types of fish have different movement patterns, so stay on your toes. The mini-game can take a few tries to get used to – don’t get discouraged!

stardew valley fishing
Different fish show up in varied locations.

How to get a perfect catch

To get a perfect catch when fishing in Stardew Valley, you need to make sure the fish doesn’t leave the green bar at all when reeling it in. If it goes outside the box for even a split second, it’s impossible to achieve one.

If successful, you’ll get a higher quality fish as well as increased experience points towards your Fishing Level, so it’s worth trying to get the best catch, especially when you’re at a lower level.

Types of fishing rod in Stardew Valley

There are four types of rods in the game, each with its own improvements. All of them can be bought from Willy’s Fish Shop, though you’ll need to reach a certain Fishing Level to use the better ones. You can also buy a Crab Pot that catches shells and crustaceans overnight.

Type of fishing rod Improvements Fishing Level requirement
Training Rod.png

Training Rod

Easier to use than other rods None, but only catches common fish
Bamboo Pole.png

Bamboo Pole

None None
Fiberglass Rod.png

Fiberglass Rod

Can use bait Fishing Level 2
Iridium Rod.png

Iridium Rod

Can use bait and tackle Fishing Level 6
Crab Pot.png

Crab Pot

None Fishing Level 3

Types of bait

Bait is used in Stardew Valley to catch the highest-quality fish. The Fiberglass and Iridium poles can both hold bait, which is used to attract fish quickly. Some baits have additional benefits, too.

Type of bait Additional benefit Price Recipe
Bait.png

Bait

 Causes fish to bite faster and reduces the delay before a bite by 50%. 5g Can be crafted at Level 2: 1x Bug Meat
Magnet.png

Magnet

Increases the chances of finding treasure by 15%. Does not affect the bite rate for fish. 1,000g Can be crafted at Level 9: 1x Iron Bar
Wild Bait.png

Wild Bait

Craftable bait that enables the user to catch two fish at once.

N/A

10x Fiber, 5x Slime, 5x Bug Meat
Magic Bait.png

Magic Bait

Magic-enhanced bait enables players to catch fish from any season no matter the weather condition or water type. 5 Gems 1x Radioactive Ore, 3x Bug Meat

Deluxe Bait

Increases the size of the fishing bar and causes the fish to bite faster. 100g x5 Bug Meat
x2 Moss

Types of tackle

Like bait, the tackle is attached to the Iridium Rod. It also makes fish easier to catch, and each type has its own additional benefit. They last for 20 uses before breaking.

Type of tackle Additional benefit Price Recipe
Spinner.png

Spinner

Reduces delay before a fish bite Purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 500G 2x Iron Bar
Dressed Spinner.png

Dressed Spinner

Further reduces delay before a fish bite Purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 1,000G 2x Iron Bar, 1x Cloth
Trap Bobber.png

Trap Bobber

Fish escape slower when not reeling Purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 500G 1x Copper Bar, 10x Sap
Cork Bobber.png

Cork Bobber

Increases the size of the fishing bar Purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 750G 10x Wood, 5x Hardwood, 10x Slime
Lead Bobber.png

Lead Bobber

Stops the fishing bar from bouncing when it hits the bottom Purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 200G N/A
Treasure Hunter.png

Treasure Hunter

Increases treasure chance and stops fish escaping when there’s treasure Purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 750G 2x Gold Bar
Barbed Hook.png

Barbed Hook

Makes the fishing bar stick to the fish Purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop for 1,000G 1x Copper Bar, 1x Iron Bar, 1x Gold Bar
Curiosity Lure.png

Curiosity Lure

Increases rare fish chance Random drop in the Quarry Mine, Skull Cavern, Volcano Dungeon N/A
Quality Bobber.png

Quality Bobber

Increases fish quality

N/A

1x Copper Bar, 20x Sap, 5x Solar Essence

Where to fish in Stardew Valley

You can fish in 14 locations in Stardew Valley. Some creatures only show up in certain places so it’s important to know where each fishing spot is if you’re wanting to complete your Collections menu.

Fishing location Best fishing spot
stardew valley fishing spot

Pelican Town

Anywhere along the river that runs in the south part of town
stardew valley fishing spot

Beach

On the pier
stardew valley fishing spot

Cindersap Forest

The pond in the middle of the forest
stardew valley fishing spot

Mountain

The lake outside of the Mines
stardew valley fishing spot

The Mines

Floors 20, 60, 100
stardew valley fishing spot

Secret Woods

In the pond
stardew valley fishing spot

The Desert

In the oasis
stardew valley fishing spot

Sewer

Anywhere in the green water
stardew valley fishing spot

Mutant Bug Lair

Anywhere in the purple water
stardew valley fishing spot

Witch’s Swamp

Anywhere in the water
stardew valley fishing spot

Ginger Island North

North of the docks at Ginger Island South
stardew valley fishing spot

Ginger Island South & Southeast

Anywhere in the water
stardew valley fishing spot

Ginger Island West

In both the ocean and the river
stardew valley fishing spot

Pirate Cove

At the dock

Fishing Skill in Stardew Valley

The Fishing Skill tree has 10 levels, each with its own rewards and unlocks. It is increased by using a fishing rod or the Crab Pot, and raises your Proficiency, bobber height, and fish size, and decreases bite delay.

Levels & rewards

Fishing Skill Level Reward
Level 1  

Casting distance increased

 

Level 2 Bait Crafting recipe

Fiberglass Rod, Bait available at Willy’s Fish Shop

Level 3 Crab Pot Crafting recipe

Dish O’ The Sea Cooking recipe

Crab Pot available at Willy’s Fish Shop

Level 4 Recycling Machine Crafting recipe

Casting distance increased

Level 5 Pick a Profession:

Fisher – Fish are worth 25% more money

Trapper – Costs less materials to craft Crab Pots

Level 6 Spinner, Trap Bobber Crafting recipes

Lead Bobber, Trap Bobber, Spinner, Iridium Rod available at Willy’s Fish Shop

Level 7 Cork Bobber, Treasure Hunter Crafting recipes

Cork Bobber, Treasure Hunter available at Willy’s Fish Shop

Level 8 Dressed Spinner, Barb Hook, Worm Bin Crafting recipes

Barb Hook, Dressed Spinner available at Willy’s Fish Shop

Casting distance increased

Level 9 Magnet Crafting recipe

Seafoam Pudding Cooking recipe

Magnet available at Willy’s Fish Shop

Level 10 Pick a Perk:

If chose Fisher at Level 5 – Fish are worth 50% more OR double chance to find treasure

If chose Trapper at Level 5 – No trash from Crab Pots OR Crab Pots don’t need Bait

All fish & locations in Stardew Valley

There are almost 100 fish in the game, all with various locations, times, seasons, and weather conditions. Some even require you to be a certain Fishing Level before they start spawning.

Fish Location Time Weather Season
Anchovy.png

Anchovy

Ocean Any time Any weather Spring, Fall
Catfish.png

Catfish

Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest, Secret Woods, Witch’s Swamp 6AM – 12AM Rain Spring, Fall, Summer
Eel.png

Eel

Ocean 4PM – 2AM Rain Spring, Fall
Flounder.png

Flounder

Ocean, Ginger Island ocean 6AM – 8PM Any weather Spring
Halibut.png

Halibut

Ocean

6AM – 11AM 

7PM – 2AM

Any weather Spring, Winter, Summer
Herring.png

Herring

Ocean Any time Any weather Spring, Winter
Sardine.png

Sardine

Ocean 6AM – 7PM Any weather Spring, Winter, Fall
Shad.png

Shad

Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest 9AM – 2AM Rain Spring, Summer, Fall
Smallmouth Bass.png

Smallmouth Bass

Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest Any time Any weather Spring, Fall
Sunfish.png

Sunfish

Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest 6AM – 7PM Sunny, Windy Spring, Summer  
Octopus.png

Octopus

Ocean 6AM – 1PM Any weather Summer  
Pike.png

Pike

Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest Any time Any weather Summer, Winter
Pufferfish.png

Pufferfish


Ocean, Ginger Island ocean 12PM – 4PM Sunny Summer  
Rainbow Trout.png

Rainbow Trout


Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest, Mountain 6AM – 7PM Sunny Summer  
Red Mullet.png

Red Mullet


Ocean 6AM – 7PM Any weather Summer, Winter
Red Snapper.png

Red Snapper


Ocean 6AM – 7PM Rain Summer, Winter, Fall
Sturgeon.png

Sturgeon


Mountain 6AM – 7PM Any weather Summer, Winter
Super Cucumber.png

Super Cucumber


Ocean, Ginger Island ocean 6PM – 2AM Any weather Summer, Fall
Tilapia.png

Tilapia


Ocean, Ginger Island river 6AM – 2PM Any weather Summer, Fall
Tuna.png

Tuna


Ocean, Ginger Island ocean 6AM – 7PM Any weather Summer, Winter
Albacore.png

Albacore


Ocean

6AM – 11AM,

6PM – 2AM

Any weather Fall, Winter
Midnight Carp.png

Midnight Carp


Mountain, Cindersap Forest, Ginger Island pond & river

10PM – 2AM

Any weather Fall, Winter
Salmon.png

Salmon


Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest

6AM – 7PM

Rain Fall
Sea Cucumber.png

Sea Cucumber


Ocean

6AM – 7PM

Any weather Fall, Winter
Tiger Trout.png

Tiger Trout


Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest

6AM – 7PM

Any weather Fall, Winter
Walleye.png

Walleye


Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest, Mountain

12PM – 2AM

Rain Fall, Winter
Lingcod.png

Lingcod


Pelican Town, Cedarsap Forest, Mountain

Any time

Any weather Winter
Perch.png

Perch


Pelican Town, Cedarsap Forest, Mountain

Any time

Any weather Winter
Squid.png

Squid


Ocean

6PM – 2AM

Any weather Winter
Blue Discus.png

Blue Discus

Ginger Island ponds & river

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Bream.png

Bream

Pelican Town, Cindersap Forest

6PM – 2AM

Any weather Year-round
Bullhead.png

Bullhead


Mountain

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Carp.png

Carp


Mountain, Secret Woods, Sewers

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Chub.png

Chub


Cindersap Forest, Mountain

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Ghostfish.png

Ghostfish


Mines – Floor 20, 60

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Ice Pip.png

Ice Pip


Mines – Floor 60

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Largemouth Bass.png

Largemouth Bass


Mountain

6AM – 7PM

Any weather Year-round
Lava Eel.png

Lava Eel


Mines – Floor 100

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Lionfish.png

Lionfish


Ginger Island ocean

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Sandfish.png

Sandfish


Desert

6AM – 8PM

Any weather Year-round
Scorpion Carp.png

Scorpion Carp


Desert (Fishing Level 4 required)

6AM – 8PM

Any weather Year-round
Slimejack.png

Slimejack


Mutant Bug Lair

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Stingray.png

Stingray


Pirate Cove

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Stonefish.png

Stonefish


Mines – Floor 20

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Void Salmon.png

Void Salmon


Witch’s Swamp

Any time

Any weather Year-round
Woodskip.png

Woodskip


Forest Farm, Secret Woods

Any time

Any weather Year-round

All legendary fish in Stardew Valley

There are five Legendary fish, meaning you can only catch them once per save file. It’s up to you what you do with them, whether you want to keep them as trophies or display them, but they all sell for a lot of money if you’re in need of cash.

Fish Location Weather Season
Angler.png

Angler

Pelican Town – On the wooden bridge north of JojaMart (Fishing Level 3 required) Any weather Fall
Crimsonfish.png

Crimsonfish

Beach – East Pier (Fishing Level 5 required) Any weather Summer
Glacierfish.png

Glacierfish

Cindersap Forest – In the south, on the island shaped like an arrowhead (Fishing Level 6 required) Any weather Winter
Legend.png

Legend

Mountain Lake (Fishing Level 10 required) Any weather Rain

Mutant Carp.png

Mutant Carp

Sewers Any weather All seasons

Crab Pot fish

While the Crab Pot isn’t necessarily a fishing rod, you can catch certain types of sea creatures with it. Once you’re at Fishing Level 3, you can put them into any body of water and leave them overnight to see what you get. Ocean and freshwater have different fish so make sure you put a Pot in both.

Clam.png

Clam

Cockle.png

Cockle

Crab.png

Crab

Crayfish.png

Crayfish (Freshwater)

Lobster.png

Lobster

Mussel.png

Mussel

Oyster.png

Oyster

Periwinkle.png

Periwinkle (Freshwater)

Shrimp.png

Shrimp

Snail.png

Snail (Freshwater)

Night Market fish

These three fish can only be caught at the Night Market event on Winter 15–17. You’ll go on a submarine ride and have the chance to go fishing. If you miss the opportunity, you’ll have to wait a whole year so make sure you remember!

Blobfish.png

Blobfish

Midnight Squid.png

Midnight Squid

Spook Fish.png

Spookfish‏‏‎

So, there you have it, that’s all you need to know about fishing in Stardew Valley. Check out our other Stardew Valley guides and content:

How to use bait | Best games like Stardew Valley | How to catch Catfish in Stardew Valley | How to get garlic in Stardew Valley | How to get Iridium Ore in Stardew Valley