How to Get Walleye in Stardew Valley?
The key to catching Walleye in Stardew Valley lies in knowing when and where to fish: they are most readily caught during the fall and winter seasons, specifically when it is raining, in the river, lake, or mountain lake areas after noon.
Understanding the Walleye: A Guide to Catching This Elusive Fish
The Walleye is a coveted fish in Stardew Valley, not just for its relatively high selling price, but also for its use in specific recipes and its contribution to completing fishing-related bundles. Understanding its habits, preferred conditions, and how it interacts with the game’s fishing mechanics is crucial for success. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting your Stardew Valley adventure, knowing how to consistently land Walleye will significantly benefit your gameplay.
Identifying Optimal Fishing Conditions
Several factors influence the spawn rate of Walleye, making it essential to target the right conditions. The most critical factors are:
- Season: Walleye are primarily found in the fall and winter.
- Weather: They only appear when it is raining. Sunny days are a guaranteed waste of time.
- Time of Day: They only spawn after noon (12:00 PM) and before 2:00 AM.
- Location: The river (in town and forest), the lake (near Marnie’s ranch), and the mountain lake are all viable locations.
Essential Fishing Gear and Skills
While technically you can catch a Walleye with the basic Bamboo Pole, upgrading your equipment and leveling your fishing skill makes the process significantly easier and more efficient. Consider these upgrades:
Fishing Rod: Upgrading to the Fiberglass Rod (Level 2 Fishing) and then the Iridium Rod (Level 6 Fishing) allows the use of bait and tackle, increasing bite rate and catch quality.
Bait: Using bait, such as wild bait, or bait you buy in Willie’s shop will increase the chances you’ll get a bite.
Tackle: Tackle such as the Trap Bobber or Cork Bobber can help land those tough fish.
- Trap Bobber: Makes fish escape more slowly when not reeling.
- Cork Bobber: Increases the fishing bar size.
Fishing Skill: Leveling your fishing skill increases your fishing bar size, making it easier to control. Consuming food items like Dish O’ The Sea or Seafoam Pudding can provide temporary fishing skill boosts.
Targeting Walleye Locations
While Walleye can be found in multiple locations, some spots are more productive than others. Experimentation is key, but here are a few suggestions:
- The River (Town): Fish near the bridge for a higher chance of catching Walleye.
- The River (Cindersap Forest): The deeper sections of the river, particularly near the southern end, can be productive.
- The Lake (Near Marnie’s Ranch): Cast far from the shore for better results.
- The Mountain Lake: Fish near the docks.
Understanding the Fishing Minigame
Mastering the fishing minigame is crucial for landing any fish, especially the relatively elusive Walleye. Remember these tips:
- Smooth Movements: Avoid erratic movements. Focus on keeping the fishing bar steady behind the fish.
- Predictable Patterns: Many fish exhibit predictable movement patterns. Learn to anticipate these patterns to stay ahead.
- Bite Indicators: Pay attention to the exclamation mark that appears when a fish bites. React quickly!
Utilizing Buffs and Resources
Several items can provide temporary buffs that significantly increase your fishing ability:
- Dish O’ The Sea: A popular choice, providing +3 Fishing skill.
- Seafoam Pudding: An even stronger option, granting +4 Fishing skill.
- Fishing Tackle: Tackle such as the trap bobber slows down the fish, making it much easier to catch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Fishing in the Wrong Season: Remember, Walleye are primarily found in fall and winter.
- Fishing on Sunny Days: Walleye only appear when it is raining.
- Fishing Too Early in the Day: Walleye only spawn after 12:00 PM.
- Using Low-Quality Equipment: Upgrading your fishing rod and using bait significantly improves your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions about Walleye
What is the best bait to use for Walleye?
While any bait will help increase your chances of getting a bite, the specific type of bait doesn’t appear to significantly influence the type of fish you catch. Focus on using whatever bait is readily available and cost-effective for you.
Can I catch Walleye in the Secret Woods pond?
No, Walleye cannot be caught in the Secret Woods pond. This location features a unique set of fish species not found elsewhere.
Do my friendship levels with other villagers affect my chances of catching Walleye?
No, friendship levels do not directly influence your fishing success. Fishing is primarily governed by the game’s mechanics, your skill level, and the equipment you use.
Is there a specific time of day within the afternoon/night that is better for catching Walleye?
While there is no definitive evidence suggesting a specific optimal time within the afternoon/night, some players report better success rates later in the evening. However, this might be anecdotal, and the critical factors remain season, weather, time of day (after noon), and location.
Can I use a fishing net to catch Walleye?
No, fishing nets are not used to catch Walleye or any other fish in Stardew Valley. Fishing is done exclusively with fishing rods.
Does the quality of my cast influence my chance of catching a Walleye?
Yes, the distance of your cast affects what fish you can catch, so try to cast as far as you can to improve your chances of hooking a rarer fish such as a Walleye.
Are Walleye used in any recipes?
*Yes, Walleye are used in the *Tom Kha Soup recipe*, which is a popular dish to cook.
Can I find Walleye in the Garbage Cans?
Yes, it is possible to find Walleye in Garbage Cans, though this is not a reliable method for acquiring them. The likelihood is extremely low, and it’s far more efficient to fish for them.
Do I need to complete the Community Center Fishing Bundle to catch Walleye?
No, completing the Fishing Bundle is not a prerequisite for catching Walleye. You can catch them as soon as you have a fishing rod and the appropriate conditions are met.
What is the selling price of a Walleye?
The base selling price of a Walleye is 105g. This price can be increased by having the Fisher (level 5 fishing, +25% sell price) or Angler (level 10 fishing, +50% sell price) profession.
Can I raise Walleye in a fish pond?
Yes, you can raise Walleye in a fish pond. This allows you to harvest roe and potentially receive other items from the pond over time. It requires one Walleye to be placed in the pond initially.
Does the location within the river matter when fishing for Walleye?
Yes, location within the river can affect your chances. Aim for spots that are deeper or have structures nearby such as bridges and rocks. Experiment to find areas with higher bite rates.