In Stardew Valley, Fishing is more than just an enjoyable pastime. It rewards players with valuable resources and opportunities to explore the game world deeply. Fish serve as cooking ingredients and can even be sold to make quick money. The game features different varieties of fish, each with its own unique characteristics.
The availability of fish can change with the seasons and even vary depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and the location of the fishing spot. With numerous locations for fishing in Stardew Valley, players have plenty of chances to cast their lines and discover the treasures beneath the waters.
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Updated on April 29, 2024, by Anastasia Maillot: Fishing has remained mostly the same with the 1.6 update for Stardew Valley. However, finding the right fish and the best spots hasn't always been the easiest, as there are many factors to consider—time, season, and even weather. Some fish are also locked behind a specific fishing skill level. Players looking to maximize their time spent fishing in the game and collecting all the fish they need either for the Community Center or for their own enjoyment will find all the answers they need within this comprehensive fishing location guide.
Other/General Areas Ideal For Fishing
Bubbles, Frenzies, Bobber Placement
While Stardew Valley has many locations that are great for fishing, there are other mechanics that affect how good these typical fishing spots are.
Bubble Pools
Areas where the water is bubbling are perfect fishing spots and appear randomly in-game. When players throw the bobber into the pool, their chance of catching fish is quadrupled.
Fish Frenzies
A message will appear on the right corner of the player's screen when a fish frenzy is happening, along with its location (it can be one of four areas: the Forest, the Mountain, the Town, or the Beach). Frenzies are marked by pools of bubbles, with a specific type of fish jumping in and out of the water (for example, Rainbow Trout). The chance to catch that specific fish is increased for that spot.
Bobber Placement
Outside of frenzies and bubble pools, players should always try to throw the bobber as far away as possible from the land tile they are standing on. This increases one's chance of getting better-quality fish.
Pelican Town
The River Running Through Town Is Filled With Bounty
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The River flowing through Pelican Town is an optimal place for new farmers to catch river fish. During Fall, players have the opportunity to catch The Angler, one of the five Legendary Fish at the north end of the river. Additionally, they can reel in a Legendary Fish II - Ms. Angler in the same spot. Players need to reach Fishing Level 3 before they can reel in these legendary fish.
Cindersap Forest
The Forest By Marnie's Farm Has A River, A Pond, And The Secret Woods Pond
The Cindersap Forest is the only map featuring different bodies of water, each home to a different variety of fish. These water bodies are: a river and a pond
River
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The River is the primary fishing location in Cindersap Forest. Being an extension of the river in Pelican Town, it typically contains the same river fish – with a few exceptions. Chub and Dorado are two kinds of fish that are not found in the town’s river but are common in the forest river. During Winter, players can catch the Glacierfish, another Legendary Fish. They also have the opportunity to catch a Glacierfish Jr. – one of the Legendary Fish II. However, to reel in these fish, players must reach Fishing Level 6.
Pond
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A large pond is available for fishing at the northwest corner of the Cindersap Forest. It has a limited selection of fish as compared to the river. Depending on the season, players can find Carp, Catfish, Midnight Carp, Perch, Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye in the pond.
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Secret Woods
- Available All Season: Carp, Woodskip, and Catfish (Rain).
The Secret Woods are located northwest of the Cindersap Forest. A small pond, hidden in the western area is home to a unique fish called The Woodskip. Players can also catch Carp and Catfish here.
The Beach
Located South Of Pelican Town, With Two Piers Ideal For Fishing
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The Beach is a valuable spot for fishing since it serves as one of the few sources for saltwater fish. Players who go fishing at the east end of the Beach can catch one of the five Legendary Fish - the Crimsonfish and another Legendary Fish II - the Son of the Crimsonfish. These fish can be caught once players reach Fishing Level 5.
The Mountain
Up North From Pelican Town, East Of Robin's And Demetrius' Home
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There is a large lake in the middle of the Mountain map. It is one of the best spots to practice fishing early in the game. Players can find many types of fish in The Mountain Lake, namely the Carp, the Legend (one of five Legendary Fish), and the Legend II (one of five Legendary Fish II). However, the Legendary Fishes can only be caught when players reach Fishing Level 10.
The Desert
Unlock The Bus To Access Two Exotic Fish
- Available All Year: Sandfish and Scorpion Carp
The Calico Desert contains a pond in the northwest section. It is a prime location for players to catch two unique fish – The Sandfish and The Scorpion Carp. These can be caught during all seasons in the Desert.
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Players can also try their hand at fishing in the small pond located at the southern edge, provided their Fishing Level is sufficiently high. It's worth noting that this pond primarily contains low-quality fish.
The Mines
Holds Several Exclusive Fish Types
- Floor 20: Ghostfish, Stonefish (All year)
- Floor 60: Ghostfish, Ice Pip (All year)
- Floor 100: Volcano Caldera (All year)
While the Mines may not seem like an ideal fishing spot, certain levels of the Mines are home to unique fish. At Level 20, players can find Ghostfish and Stonefish. Progressing to Level 60 introduces the Ice Pip and Ghostfish. On reaching Level 100, players can catch the Lava Eel.
The Sewers
The Go-To Area For Mutant Carp, Once The Key Is Earned
- Available All Year: Mutant Carp, Carp
Once players have unlocked The Sewers, they’ll find that it’s one of the best spots for fishing in Stardew Valley. The Sewers are home to the Mutant Carp, a Legendary Fish, and the Radioactive Carp, a Legendary Fish II. Players can also catch Carp, Green Algae, and White Algae in the Sewers. The only other item that can be caught in the Sewers is Trash.
Witch’s Swamp
A Perfect Spot For Void Salmon, Once Players Begin The Wizard's Quest Line
- Available All Year: Void Salmon, Catfish (Rain)
The dark and mysterious Witch’s Swamp is home to the unique Void Salmon. Players can also catch Catfish, Green Algae, White Algae, and even Void Mayonnaise here.
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Ginger Island
Help Willy Repair The Boat To Access The Island's Exotic Fish
Ginger Island is divided into the following areas, each containing exotic varieties of fish.
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Island North | Blue Discus, Tilapia, and Midnight Carp. |
Island South and Southeast | Flounder, Lionfish, Pufferfish, Tuna, and Super Cucumber. |
Island West | Ocean Fish: Flounder, Lionfish, Pufferfish, Tuna, and Super Cucumber.Freshwater Fish: Blue Discus, Tilapia, and Midnight Carp. |
Pirate Cove | Flounder, Pufferfish, Stingray, Super Cucumber and Tuna |
Pufferfish can only be caught on Sunny days.
Caldera – The Forge
The 10th Floor Of The Ginger Island Volcano
Located on Floor 10 of the Volcano Dungeon, the Forge is used to upgrade weapons and tools. Additionally, it is also the only floor of the Volcano Dungeon where players can fish. The Forge is one of two spots where players can catch Lava Eels.