Explore the art of catching catfish Stardew Valley with this comprehensive guide, packed with tips and tricks for success.
Why Fishing in Stardew Valley is So Engaging
Stardew Valley has captured the hearts of players since its launch in 2016, earning a reputation as one of the best simulation games around. This beloved title offers plenty of enchantment, thrilling monster encounters, and a wealth of customization options. What truly sets it apart, however, is its intricate farming mechanics and the depth of relationships you can build with the residents of Pelican Town. While players can mine for precious gems, cultivate crops, or even dedicate an entire day to fishing, the fishing experience has its unique charm.
Fishing allows you to discover a variety of treasures – from junk to valuable catches, including different types of fish. One notable species you can reel in is the catfish, essential for completing the River Fish Bundle at the Community Center. Even though catfish exist in the real world, there’s a lot to uncover about them in the context of Stardew Valley, from their habitat to their value within the game.
"Fishing is a way to connect with nature, and in Stardew Valley, it can be incredibly rewarding."
How to Fish for Catfish in Stardew Valley
Utilizing the Iridium Rod for Success
Catching catfish can present a challenge for many players. The fishing minigame in Stardew Valley can be tricky; keeping the bar on the fish symbol as it wiggles about can test your reflexes! But with some practice and the right gear, players can increase their chances of success when targeting catfish.
One key piece of equipment is the Iridium Rod, obtainable from Willy's Fishing Shop once you hit Fishing level 6. This rod opens up the opportunity to use various tackle, like the Trap Bobber, which can make your fishing escapades much smoother. Pair your rod with fishing buff foods to further enhance your fishing prowess!
Fishing Buff Food Recipes
Using special recipes can give you a boost while fishing. Here are some tasty dishes you might want to whip up:
| Recipe | Ingredients | Fishing Buff | Duration | Where to Get Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Taco | 1 Tuna, 1 Tortilla, 1 Red Cabbage, 1 Mayonnaise | +2 | 7 minutes | Linus Mail |
| Trout Soup | 1 Rainbow Trout, 1 Green Algae | +1 | 4 minutes 39 seconds | The Queen of Sauce (14 Fall, Year 1) |
| Dish O' The Sea | N/A | +3 | 5 minutes 35 seconds | Fishing Level 3 |
| Seafoam Pudding | 1 Flounder, 1 Midnight Carp, 1 Squid Ink | +4 | 3 minutes 30 seconds | Fishing Level 9 |
| Chowder | N/A | +1 | 16 minutes 47 seconds | Willy Mail |
| Fish Stew | 1 Crayfish, 1 Mussel, 1 Periwinkle, 1 Tomato | +3 | 16 minutes 47 seconds | Willy Mail |
| Escargot | N/A | +2 | 16 minutes 47 seconds | Willy Mail |
| Lobster Bisque | N/A | +3 | 16 minutes 47 seconds | Willy Mail, The Queen of Sauce (14 Winter, Year 2) |
| Maple Bar | 1 Maple Syrup, 1 Sugar, 1 Wheat Flour | +1 | 16 minutes 47 seconds | The Queen of Sauce (14 Summer, Year 2) |
| Shrimp Cocktail | 1 Tomato, 1 Shrimp, 1 Wild Horseradish | +1 | 10 minutes 2 seconds | The Queen of Sauce (28 Winter, Year 2) |
Timing and Location Matters
Catfish may not be the easiest fish to catch, but once you understand their patterns, you'll find them easier to reel in. Commonly, you'll spot them in rivers during rainy weather, particularly in areas like Pelican Town and Cindersap Forest.
In the Spring and Fall, head to Pelican Town’s river when it’s raining to start your catfish hunt. On a Standard Farm, the optimal fishing spot lies directly south of your farm, or you can venture into town. Players with Riverlands, Forest, or Hill-Top Farm layouts can also find catfish during these seasons and weather conditions.
The prime time for catching catfish is between 6 AM and 12 AM, giving you ample opportunity throughout the day.
Year-Round Options
Even in Winter, you can catch catfish using a Rain Totem. If you utilize Magic Bait, you can fish for catfish any time of the year without worrying about weather conditions or time.
Other spots include:
- The Secret Woods: A great year-round fishing location. When it rains, head to the pond in the southwest corner to find catfish alongside carp and woodskip.
- The Witch's Swamp: Another excellent option for catching catfish throughout the year, located north of the Railroad. Rain is required, but first, you need to complete the "Dark Talisman" and "Goblin Problem" quests to access this area.
Alternate Sources of Catfish
Catching catfish through fishing is just one way to obtain them. During Spring and Fall, you can find catfish in any garbage can. Additionally, you can buy them from the Traveling Cart for approximately $10 to $17. The Traveling Cart merchant has a random selection of 10 items at a time, which may include catfish. You can find the cart south of your farm near Cindersap Forest on Fridays and Sundays or during the Night Market and Desert Festival events.
| Traveling Cart Location | Days Open | Hours Open |
|---|---|---|
| Cindersap Forest | Fridays and Sundays | 6 AM to 8 PM |
| Night Market | Winter 15-17 | 5 PM to 2 AM |
| Desert Festival | Spring 15-17 | 12 PM to 2 AM |
Building a Fish Pond for Catfish
Once you’ve successfully caught some catfish, you can keep them in a Fish Pond on your farm. Purchase a Fish Pond from Robin at the Carpenter's Shop for approximately $85, and place it in a 5 by 5 plot of land. Afterward, stock your pond with catfish, which can reproduce every four in-game days.
Catfish can produce Roe, which is beneficial for energy restoration and can be sold for profit. As you complete certain quests, you can even expand the pond's capacity from 3 to 10 fish!
Selling and Using Catfish Wisely
Catching and selling catfish is not only a great way to boost your fishing skill but also a profitable venture. Catfish can come in different qualities – Normal, Silver, Gold, and Iridium – each with varying market values. A normal catfish starts at $2.50, while an Iridium catfish can fetch up to $5.
By choosing the Fisher Profession at level 5, you can increase the value of your fish by 25%, and the Angler skill at level 10 boosts it further to 50%. This means an Iridium catfish can sell for around $7.50 when both bonuses apply.
Catfish are also used in various recipes, including Maki Rolls, Quality Fertilizer, and Sashimi. Plus, you can donate a catfish to the Community Center for the River Fish Bundle, which rewards you with Deluxe Bait.
You can even gift catfish to Pelican Town residents, but keep in mind that some villagers, like Haley and Evelyn, absolutely dislike them!
Conclusion
Fishing for catfish in Stardew Valley is not only a delightful way to spend a rainy day but also an effective method to earn gold and contribute to the Community Center. Whether you're honing your fishing skills, breeding catfish in ponds, or gifting them to your favorites, there's a lot you can do with these slippery creatures. With your newfound catfish-catching skills, you're ready to dive into the adventure waiting for you in Pelican Town!
FAQs
- What time can I catch catfish in Stardew Valley? Catfish can be caught from 6 AM to 12 AM, especially when it's raining.
- Where is the best place to fish for catfish? The rivers in Pelican Town and Cindersap Forest are prime locations, particularly during rainy weather.
- Can I catch catfish in winter? Yes, using a Rain Totem or Magic Bait allows you to catch catfish anytime, even in winter.
- How can I raise catfish in my farm? You can build a Fish Pond and stock it with catfish, which will breed over time.
- What is the selling price of catfish? The base price for a normal catfish is $2.50, but it can rise significantly depending on its quality.
