How to Catch Stardew Valley Catfish: A Guide to This Mysterious Fish

The Stardew Valley Catfish is one of the hardest fish to find, but by now if you have been out fishing a couple strains it should not take too long and even beginners can catch one or two! Well, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! This guide covers everything you need to know to catch catfish, including where and when to find them and how to prepare. We’ll also share expert tips and tricks to increase your chances of landing a catfish. Get ready for a successful fishing experience!

What is the Stardew Valley Catfish?

Finding Catfish is one of the hardest endeavors in Stardew Valley. A freshwater fish that is popular not only because of the challenge to catch one but also fetches a modest price. The price of a catfish varies with quality:

• 200g at its base value
• 250g (Silver)
• 300g (Gold)
• 400g (Iridium)

This makes it a good find, especially when you are saving for something big like the upcoming farm upgrade and or just want to earn some more money.

Where to Find the Stardew Valley Catfish?

Finding the catfish is half the battle. This fish is not always available, and it exists only in certain water. Read on for everything you need to know about where and when you can catch it.

Location

• The River (Pelican Town or Cindersap Forest)
• The Secret Woods Pond
• Witch’s Swamp (after completing the quest to get access)

These are the main areas where catfish reproduce. If you are wanting the fish tank bundle for the community center or just to collect all of them, these areas will be your best bet.

Season

The best time you want to search for catfish is probably during the Spring, Autumn and Fall. Yet, there is one exception to the rule when you can and that is winter time catfish which we will cover soon.

Time of Day

You can find catfish most times of the day, but they are largely a morning and night animal between 6:00 AM — 12:00 AM. Have your rod handy, as you are bound to hook up on other types of fish during this time.

Weather Conditions

The Stardew Valley Catfish emerges only during wet weather. Therefore, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If it is forecasted to rain the next day, get ready for your fishing time!

Special Note for Winter

Catfish are uncommon during winter, but easily accessible if you’re using your Rain Totem or it’s Winter and you visit the Night Market where rain is a guaranteed event. Basically, that means you can still fish for the elusive species even during one of our most frigid months.

Getting Ready to go Catfish Fishing: The Tools and Tackle

Stardew Valley Catfish may be a tough fish to reel in, but it certainly takes more than luck when you want to catch one. You will need to arm yourself with the correct equipment and tools if you want any hope of them happening.

Fishing Rod

The rod you are using is the first thing so make sure to select it carefully. You can actually catch catfish with the basic rod, although it is much easier if you have a Fiberglass Rod or Iridium Rod. These rods are great because you can actually use bait and tackle, which is a major leg up for you.

• Fiberglass Rod can be purchased from Willy for 1,800g and is available at Fishing Level 2.
• Iridium Rod is available at Fishing Level 6 from Willy’s shop for 7,500g.

Bait

Having Bait on your rod will make the fish bite more quickly. Well, it is cheap and easy to build. For standard bait, you’ll need:

• 1 Bug Meat (available in the Mines)

Using bait makes it easier to reel in a fish, which can come very handy if you are trying to catch the Stardew Valley catfish.

Tackle

Using tackle will greatly enhance your catfish catching opportunities. Well, these are some useful options for this fish species:

• Trap Bobber: A splendid tackle that slows down the escape chance of fish, making it easier to catch some slippery old catfish. Craft using 1 copper bar, and 10 sap or purchase it from Willy’s shop for 500g.
• Cork Bobber: This tackle increases the size of your fishing bar, making it easier to keep the fish in check. It is created using 10 wood, 5 hardwood and 10 slime.

Tips On How To Catch The Catfish

Image : Source.

So, now you know where to find catfish and what bait is working best, here are some tips for success.

• Practice Makes Perfect

In Stardew Valley, each type of fish can only be caught at certain times. Practicing will make it easier for you to keep the fish in that green area. Begin with the small fish to get a feel for how things work before you hit up the catfish.

• Level Up Your Fishing Skill

The green bar gets bigger as you level up your fishing ability, which helps when trying to reel in difficult fish. Every level gives you significant improvements, so if you’re struggling to catch catfish, consider focusing on increasing your fishing skill first.

• Use Buff Food

For increased success when fishing for catfish add some of these:

• Dish O’ The Sea (+3 Fishing): Made with Sardines & Hash browns.
• Fish Stew (+3 Fishing): Made from clam, medium fish and periwinkle.

Each dish will work particularly well for catches, such as the Stardew Valley catfish.

• Maximize Your Energy

Fishing is tiring. Bring in some Field Snacks, Salmonberries or bring cooked food with you to keep your energy levels high. Being stuck out in the middle of a very large fishing spot with no energy to continue is infuriating; prepare for this by bringing snacks.

Community Center and Quests

If you’re trying to complete the Community Center fish bundles, then catching a Stardew Valley catfish is also kind of important. The catfish is one of the River Fish Bundle, which when turned in will grant you a reward to aid your farming progress.

There is also an in-game quest that uses catfish other than the Community Center. From time to time, villagers may request a catfish through the Help Wanted board. Since these requests tend to be quite a nice reward, it certainly does not hurt to have some stored catfish in your chest.

Conclusion

The Stardew Valley Catfish is a particular challenge to catch, but as long as you come prepared and bring the right tools with you, you will finally be able to check this elusive fish off your list. Just remember to fish in the proper places, times of year and during periods of precipitation. Remember to upgrade your fishing skill, equip bait and tackle items and a food that will keep you from dropping dead of exhaustion.

You can be landing some catfish of your own soon, too. Aside from the Community Center bundles, or gold to line your pockets with this is a worthwhile prize in its own right.

If you’re after more tips on how to play Stardew Valley like a Pro or want to know in detail about characters such as Stardew Valley Penny, Stardew Valley Haley etc, check out VGamerz for more articles containing guides and tricks!