Animal Crossing New Horizons Fish Guide: Catch Them All

Animal Crossing New Horizons Fish Guide is your comprehensive resource for mastering fishing in the game, offering detailed information on locations, times, and shadow sizes. At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we provide a one-stop solution to help you complete your Critterpedia and become a renowned angler in Animal Crossing. Explore our fishing tips and ACNH fishing strategies for a rewarding gameplay experience.

1. Mastering the Art of Fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a relaxing yet rewarding activity, essential for completing your Critterpedia and contributing to the museum. With 80 different fish species to catch, each with unique habitats and behaviors, becoming a fishing master requires patience, skill, and the right knowledge. This guide will equip you with all the necessary information to identify, locate, and reel in every fish in the game.

1.1. Understanding Fish Habitats and Locations

Fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons spawn in various locations, each with its own set of available species. Knowing where to cast your line is the first step to a successful fishing expedition.

• Rivers: These winding waterways are home to a variety of freshwater fish. Some fish, like the Bitterling and Pale Chub, are common and easy to catch, while others, like the Golden Trout and Stringfish, are rare and highly sought after.
• Ponds: Still and serene, ponds are another freshwater habitat with their own unique fish. Look for Carp, Koi, and various types of Goldfish here.
• River Mouths: The point where rivers meet the ocean is a special location that attracts migratory fish like Salmon and King Salmon during specific seasons.
• Clifftop Rivers: Elevated sections of rivers, accessible via ladders or inclines, harbor unique species like the Cherry Salmon and Char.
• The Sea: The vast ocean surrounding your island is teeming with a diverse array of saltwater fish, from common Sea Bass to rare and valuable Tuna and Blue Marlin.
• Piers: These structures extending into the sea are prime spots for catching larger, more elusive fish like Tuna, Blue Marlin, and Giant Trevally.

1.2. Identifying Fish Shadows: A Visual Guide

Since you can’t see the actual fish before you catch them, you’ll need to rely on the size of their shadows in the water. There are six different shadow sizes, each corresponding to a range of fish species.

A graphic illustrating different fish shadow sizes in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, labeled from smallest to largest.

• Smallest: These tiny shadows usually indicate common and less valuable fish like the Bitterling, Pale Chub, and Goldfish.
• Small: Slightly larger than the smallest shadows, these may represent fish like the Crucian Carp, Killifish, or Sea Horse.
• Medium: A common size, these shadows can be deceiving as they represent a wide range of fish, including the Dace, Yellow Perch, and Squid.
• Large: These larger shadows often indicate more valuable fish like the Carp, Red Snapper, or Olive Flounder.
• X-Large: These very large shadows are usually reserved for rare and impressive fish like the Snapping Turtle, Pike, or Giant Trevally.
• Largest: The biggest shadows of all indicate the most sought-after fish in the game, such as the King Salmon, Tuna, Blue Marlin, and Coelacanth.
• Largest (Fin): These shadows, which include a fin sticking out of the water, indicate sharks.
• Narrow: These shadows are long and slender. These shadows indicate Moray Eel or Ribbon Eel.

1.3. Time and Seasonality: When to Fish

Many fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are only available during specific times of the day and months of the year. The game’s real-time clock and calendar system affects fish availability, making it crucial to know when to fish for particular species. Fish availability changes at 4 a.m., 9 a.m., 4 p.m., and 9 p.m.

• Northern Hemisphere: Seasons align with the real world, with summer from June to August and winter from December to February.
• Southern Hemisphere: Seasons are reversed, with summer from December to February and winter from June to August.

2. Comprehensive Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fish List

This comprehensive list provides detailed information about every fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, including their location, shadow size, value, time of day, and availability by month for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

3. Essential Fishing Techniques for Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Mastering the mechanics of fishing is essential for landing those elusive catches. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you become a proficient angler:

3.1. Crafting and Equipping Your Fishing Rod

The first step to fishing is acquiring a fishing rod. You can craft a flimsy fishing rod early in the game using tree branches. As you progress, you can upgrade to sturdier rods that are less likely to break.

1. Gather Materials: Collect tree branches by shaking trees on your island.
2. Craft a Flimsy Fishing Rod: Visit a crafting table and use the tree branches to craft a flimsy fishing rod.
3. Upgrade Your Rod: Purchase recipes for better rods, such as the fishing rod or colorful fishing rod, from Nook’s Cranny.
4. Equip Your Rod: Open your inventory and select the fishing rod to equip it.

3.2. Finding a Fishing Spot

Once you have your rod, it’s time to find a suitable fishing spot. Look for areas where fish shadows are visible in the water. Approach the edge of the water slowly to avoid scaring the fish away.

1. Observe the Water: Walk along the shoreline or riverbanks and look for dark shadows in the water.
2. Approach Carefully: Press the “A” button to walk slowly and quietly towards the fish.
3. Cast Your Line: Stand a short distance from the fish and press “A” to cast your line. Aim to land the lure directly in front of the fish’s face.

3.3. The Art of the Hookset

The most crucial part of fishing is timing the hookset correctly. After you cast your line, the fish will approach the lure and nibble at it. Wait for the fish to bite down hard, indicated by a distinct “plunk” sound and the lure disappearing under the water.

1. Watch and Listen: Pay close attention to the fish and the sound of the lure.
2. React Quickly: As soon as you see the lure disappear and hear the “plunk” sound, press “A” immediately to set the hook.
3. Reel It In: If you time it correctly, you’ll successfully hook the fish and begin reeling it in.

3.4. Dealing with Missed Bites

Sometimes, fish will nibble at the lure without fully biting down. If you react too early, you’ll scare the fish away. If this happens, don’t worry. Simply recast your line and try again.

1. Stay Calm: If you miss a bite, don’t panic.
2. Recast Your Line: Press “A” to reel in your line and cast again.
3. Adjust Your Timing: Pay closer attention to the fish’s behavior and adjust your timing on the next attempt.

4. Advanced Fishing Tips and Tricks for Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can use these advanced tips and tricks to improve your fishing skills and catch even the rarest fish.

4.1. Using Fish Bait to Lure Fish

Crafting and using fish bait is an effective way to attract fish to your location. This is especially useful when hunting for specific species or fishing in areas with low fish density.

1. Find Manila Clams: Dig up small, dark spots on the beach to find Manila clams.
2. Craft Fish Bait: Use a crafting table to combine one Manila clam to create a bag of fish bait.
3. Use the Bait: Stand near the water and select the fish bait from your inventory. Your character will toss it into the water, attracting a fish.

4.2. The Sound On/Off Trick

Some players find it easier to time the hookset by playing with the sound on or off. Experiment with both methods to see which works best for you.

• Sound On: Rely on the distinct “plunk” sound to indicate when the fish has bitten down.
• Sound Off: Focus solely on the visual cues, watching for the lure to disappear completely under the water.

4.3. Island Hopping for New Species

Visiting mystery islands using Nook Miles Tickets can provide access to new fishing locations and species not found on your home island.

1. Purchase Nook Miles Tickets: Exchange Nook Miles for tickets at the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services.
2. Visit the Airport: Talk to Orville at the airport to travel to a random mystery island.
3. Explore and Fish: Explore the new island and fish in its rivers, ponds, and sea to discover new species.

4.4. Fishing During Rain

Certain fish, like the Coelacanth, only appear during rainy weather. Take advantage of rainy days to catch these rare and valuable species.

1. Check the Weather: Pay attention to the weather forecast on your island.
2. Fish During Rain: When it starts raining, head to the sea and cast your line.
3. Look for Large Shadows: The Coelacanth has a large shadow, so keep an eye out for it.

4.5. Take Advantage of Fishing Tournaments

Fishing Tournaments, hosted by C.J., are a great way to earn rewards and test your fishing skills.

1. Participate in Tournaments: Check the bulletin board for upcoming tournament dates.
2. Catch Fish: Catch as many fish as possible within the time limit.
3. Earn Points and Rewards: Exchange your accumulated points for unique fishing-themed prizes.

5. The Importance of Fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Fishing is more than just a pastime in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It is an integral part of the game, offering numerous benefits and contributing to your island’s overall development.

5.1. Completing the Critterpedia

One of the primary goals for many players is to complete their Critterpedia. Fishing allows you to add new species to your encyclopedia, providing information about their habitat, behavior, and value.

5.2. Donating to the Museum

Blathers, the museum curator, is always eager to receive new fish specimens for the museum’s exhibits. Donating your catches helps to expand the museum and create a more enriching experience for visitors.

5.3. Earning Bells

Selling fish is a reliable way to earn bells, the in-game currency. Some fish, like the Golden Trout and Stringfish, can fetch high prices, allowing you to quickly accumulate wealth.

5.4. Crafting and Cooking

Some fish are used as ingredients in various crafting recipes and cooking dishes. Experiment with different combinations to create unique items and meals.

5.5. Island Evaluation

Catching fish and donating them to the museum can improve your island’s overall evaluation, leading to rewards like the golden watering can and the ability to terraform your island.

6. Ethical Fishing Practices in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

While Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a virtual world, it’s still important to consider ethical practices and responsible resource management.

6.1. Sustainable Fishing

Avoid overfishing in specific areas, which can deplete the local fish population. Rotate your fishing spots and allow fish populations to replenish naturally.

6.2. Respecting Wildlife

While you can catch and sell fish, remember that they are part of the island’s ecosystem. Treat them with respect and avoid unnecessary harm.

6.3. Supporting Conservation

Consider donating a portion of your earnings from fishing to conservation efforts in the real world. Many organizations are dedicated to protecting marine life and preserving aquatic habitats.

7. Animal Crossing New Horizons Fish Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:

1. How do I get a fishing rod?
You can craft a flimsy fishing rod using tree branches or purchase a fishing rod from Nook’s Cranny.

2. How do I know when to reel in my line?
Wait for the fish to bite down hard, indicated by a distinct “plunk” sound and the lure disappearing under the water.

3. What is fish bait and how do I use it?
Fish bait attracts fish to your location. You can craft it using Manila clams found on the beach.

4. Can I catch fish during rain?
Yes, some fish, like the Coelacanth, only appear during rainy weather.

5. What is the rarest fish in the game?
The Golden Trout and Stringfish are among the rarest fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

6. How do I complete my Critterpedia?
Catch one of each fish species in the game and donate them to the museum.

7. What are Fishing Tournaments?
Fishing Tournaments are events hosted by C.J. where you can earn points and rewards for catching fish.

8. How do I improve my fishing skills?
Practice your timing, use fish bait, and explore different fishing locations.

9. Is there a difference between fishing in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
Yes, the availability of fish varies depending on the hemisphere and the time of year.

10. Can I use fish for crafting recipes?
Yes, some fish are used as ingredients in various crafting recipes and cooking dishes.

8. Conduct.edu.vn: Your Go-To Resource for Animal Crossing: New Horizons

At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges players face in navigating the vast world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Our comprehensive guides, including this detailed fishing guide, are designed to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information, helping you to master the game and enjoy a fulfilling virtual island life.

We strive to create a user-friendly platform where you can easily access the information you need, whether it’s identifying fish species, understanding fishing techniques, or discovering ethical gaming practices. Our team of experienced gamers and researchers is dedicated to providing you with the most reliable and trustworthy content.

Don’t let the vastness of Animal Crossing: New Horizons overwhelm you. Let CONDUCT.EDU.VN be your trusted companion, guiding you every step of the way. Visit our website at CONDUCT.EDU.VN or contact us at 100 Ethics Plaza, Guideline City, CA 90210, United States, or via Whatsapp at +1 (707) 555-1234, to discover a wealth of information and resources that will enhance your gaming experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice fisher, conduct.edu.vn is here to help you become a true master of the virtual seas.