Stardew Valley fish guide

This comprehensive resource explores aquatic life mechanics in the farming simulation game. Discover details about various watery creatures, crafting fish habitats, restoring community facilities through collection tasks, and career specialization options.

Aquatic Harvesting Techniques

The fishing system utilizes a polarizing activity involving timing and precision. Players must align moving indicators using different rod types ranging from beginner to advanced variants. Premium equipment enables bait/lure combinations for improved efficiency, with rare catches distinguished by visual markers.

Five distinct movement patterns affect capture difficulty:

Variable – Erratic motions
Steady – Smooth vertical transitions
Downward – Rapid sinking behavior
Upward – Quick ascension tendencies
Erratic – Unpredictable directional changes

Coastal Species Catalog

Tuna	100 – 200g	6 am – 7 pm in summer and winter
Super cucumber	250 – 500g	6 pm-2 am in summer and fall
Squid	80 – 160g	6 pm – 2 am in winter
Sea jelly	125g	All seasons
Sea cucumber	75 – 160g	6 am-7 pm in fall and winter
Sardine	40 – 80g	6 am-7 pm, summer and winter
Red snapper	50 – 100g	6 am-7 pm in warmer months and winter, rainy days
Red mullet	75 -150g	Daytime in summer and winter
Pufferfish	200 – 400g	12 pm-4 pm in summer, sunny conditions
Octopus	150 – 300g	6 am-1 pm in summer
Halibut	80 – 160g	Dawn/evening in spring, summer, winter
Eel	85 – 170g	Evenings in spring/fall during rain
Herring	30 – 60g	Always available in spring/winter
Albacore	75 – 150g	Early mornings/nights in fall/winter
Anchovy	30 – 60g	Year-round availability (spring/fall)

Special Capabilities

Unique specimens with crown markers appear once per save file and require exceptional skill to capture. Temporary variants emerge during specific story missions.

Container Catches

Snail	65g	Freshwater
Periwinkle	20g	Freshwater
Crayfish	75g	Freshwater
Shrimp	60g	Ocean
Oyster	40 – 80g	Ocean
Mussel	30 – 60g	Ocean
Lobster	120g	Ocean
Cockle	50 – 100g	Ocean
Crab	100g	Ocean
Clam	50 – 100g	Ocean

Secondary Resources

White algae	25g	Underground areas
Green algae	15g	Most water sources
Seaweed	20 – 40g	Shoreline regions

Water Habitat Construction

This structure from Robin’s shop (5,000g + materials) houses aquatic life. Each pond supports single species reproduction, generating spawn and special items. Initial capacities vary, with exotics like blobfish allowing only one occupant. Direct harvesting bypasses minigames but guarantees standard quality.

Community Restoration Projects

Specialty Collection	Pufferfish, Ghostfish, Sandfish, Woodskip	Five Dish o’ the Sea
Coastal Container Bundle	Five from marine/freshwater list	Three containers
Nocturnal Collection	Walleye, Bream, Eel	Minor illuminator
Saltwater Selection	Sardine, Tuna, Red snapper, Tilapia	Five coastal teleporters
Lake Selection	Large Carp variants	Enhanced lure
River Selection	Four freshwater species	30 bait units