Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fishing Guide: Catch ‘Em All

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons fishing guide is your comprehensive resource for angling success in this beloved game, offering tips, tricks, and strategies for reeling in every species. At CONDUCT.EDU.VN, we’ll help you become a master angler by understanding fish locations, times, and shadow sizes, and discovering valuable fishing secrets. Learn about fish identification, seasonal availability, and fishing techniques to enhance your gameplay.

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

To begin your fishing adventure, understanding the fundamentals is key. You’ll need a fishing rod, which can be crafted or purchased. Find a body of water, equip your rod, and cast your line towards a fish shadow. Watch closely for the fish to nibble, then strike at the right moment to reel it in. Practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you miss a few at first.

• Obtaining a Fishing Rod: You can craft a flimsy fishing rod using tree branches or purchase one from Nook’s Cranny.
• Locating Fishing Spots: Fish can be found in the ocean, rivers, ponds, and at the river mouth. Look for shadows in the water.
• Casting Your Line: Press the “A” button to cast your line in front of a fish shadow.
• Reeling in a Fish: Wait for the fish to bite multiple times, then press “A” to reel it in.

2. Understanding Fish Shadows and Sizes

Fish shadows are crucial for identifying potential catches. Each fish has a unique shadow size, ranging from the smallest (like the Bitterling) to the largest (like the Tuna). Use this visual cue to target specific fish or avoid unwanted ones.

• Smallest Shadows: Often indicate common fish like the Pale Chub or Killifish.
• Small Shadows: May include fish such as the Crucian Carp or Guppy.
• Medium Shadows: Could be Dace, Yellow Perch, or Tilapia.
• Large Shadows: Often represent Carp, Koi, or Red Snapper.
• X-Large Shadows: Typically indicate Snapping Turtle, Pike, or Giant Trevally.
• Largest Shadows: Usually signify Sturgeon, Tuna, or King Salmon.
• Shadows with Fins: Denote sharks and the Ocean Sunfish.

Animal Crossing fish shadow sizes showing the variation from smallest to largest

3. Detailed Fish Compendium: Locations, Times, and Values

Knowing where and when to fish is essential for completing your Critterpedia. Here’s a comprehensive list of fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, their locations, shadow sizes, sell values, and active times.

Critter #	Fish	Location	Shadow Size	Value	Time	Month (Northern Hemisphere)	Month (Southern Hemisphere)
1	Bitterling	River	Smallest	900	All day	November-March	May-September
2	Pale Chub	River	Smallest	160	9 AM – 4 PM	Year-round	Year-round
3	Crucian Carp	River	Small	160	All day	Year-round	Year-round
4	Dace	River	Medium	240	4 PM – 9 AM	Year-round	Year-round
5	Carp	Pond	Large	300	All day	Year-round	Year-round
6	Koi	Pond	Large	4,000	4 PM – 9 AM	Year-round	Year-round
7	Goldfish	Pond	Smallest	1,300	All day	Year-round	Year-round
8	Pop-eyed Goldfish	Pond	Smallest	1,300	9 AM – 4 PM	Year-round	Year-round
9	Ranchu Goldfish	Pond	Small	4,500	9 AM – 4 PM	Year-round	Year-round
10	Killifish	Pond	Smallest	300	All day	April-August	October-February
11	Crawfish	Pond	Small	200	All day	April-September	October-March
12	Soft-shelled Turtle	River	Large	3,750	4 PM – 9 AM	August-September	February-March
13	Snapping Turtle	River	X-Large	5,000	9 PM – 4 AM	April-October	October-April
14	Tadpole	Pond	Smallest	100	All day	March-July	September-January
15	Frog	Pond	Small	120	All day	May-August	November-February
16	Freshwater Goby	River	Small	400	4 PM – 9 AM	Year-round	Year-round
17	Loach	River	Small	400	All day	March-May	September-November
18	Catfish	Pond	Large	800	4 PM – 9 AM	May-October	November-April
19	Giant Snakehead	Pond	X-Large	5,500	9 AM – 4 PM	June-August	December-February
20	Bluegill	River	Small	180	9 AM – 4 PM	Year-round	Year-round
21	Yellow Perch	River	Medium	300	All day	October-March	April-September
22	Black Bass	River	Large	400	All day	Year-round	Year-round
23	Tilapia	River	Medium	800	All day	June-October	December-April
24	Pike	River	X-Large	1,800	All day	September-December	March-June
25	Pond Smelt	River	Small	400	All day	December-February	June-August
26	Sweetfish	River	Medium	900	All day	July-September	January-March
27	Cherry Salmon	River (Clifftop)	Medium	1,000	4 PM – 9 AM	March-June, September-November	March-May, September-December
28	Char	River (Clifftop)	Medium	3,800	4 PM – 9 AM	March-June, September-November	March-May, September-December
29	Golden Trout	River (Clifftop)	Medium	15,000	4 PM – 9 AM	March-May, September-November	March-May, September-November
30	Stringfish	River (Clifftop)	X-Large	15,000	4 PM – 9 AM	December-March	June-September
31	Salmon	River (Mouth)	Large	700	All day	September	March
32	King Salmon	River (Mouth)	Largest	1,800	All day	September	March
33	Mitten Crab	River	Small	2,000	4 PM – 9 AM	September-November	March-May
34	Guppy	River	Smallest	1,300	9 AM – 4 PM	April-November	October-May
35	Nibble Fish	River	Smallest	1,500	9 AM – 4 PM	May-September	November-March
36	Angelfish	River	Small	3,000	4 PM – 9 AM	May-October	November-April
37	Betta	River	Small	2,500	9 AM – 4 PM	May-October	November-April
38	Neon Tetra	River	Smallest	500	9 AM – 4 PM	April-November	October-May
39	Rainbowfish	River	Smallest	800	9 AM – 4 PM	May-October	November-April
40	Piranha	River	Small	2,500	9 AM-4 PM, 9 PM-4 AM	June-September	December-March
41	Arowana	River	Large	10,000	4 PM – 9 AM	June-September	December-March
42	Dorado	River	X-Large	15,000	4 AM – 9 PM	June-September	December-March
43	Gar	Pond	Largest	6,000	4 PM – 9 AM	June-September	December-March
44	Arapaima	River	Largest	10,000	4 PM – 9 AM	June-September	December-March
45	Saddled Bichir	River	Large	4,000	9 PM – 4 AM	June-September	December-March
46	Sturgeon	River (Mouth)	Largest	10,000	All day	September-March	March-September
47	Sea Butterfly	Sea	Smallest	1,000	All day	December-March	June-September
48	Sea Horse	Sea	Smallest	1,100	All day	April-November	October-May
49	Clown Fish	Sea	Smallest	650	All day	April-September	October-March
50	Surgeonfish	Sea	Small	1,000	All day	April-September	October-March
51	Butterfly Fish	Sea	Small	1,000	All day	April-September	October-March
52	Napoleonfish	Sea	Largest	10,000	4 AM – 9 PM	July-August	January-February
53	Zebra Turkeyfish	Sea	Medium	500	All day	April-November	October-May
54	Blowfish	Sea	Medium	5,000	9 PM – 4 AM	November-February	May-August
55	Puffer Fish	Sea	Medium	250	All day	July-September	January-March
56	Anchovy	Sea	Small	200	4 AM – 9 PM	Year-round	Year-round
57	Horse Mackerel	Sea	Small	150	All day	Year-round	Year-round
58	Barred Knifejaw	Sea	Medium	5,000	All day	March-November	September-May
59	Sea Bass	Sea	X-Large	400	All day	Year-round	Year-round
60	Red Snapper	Sea	Large	3,000	All day	Year-round	Year-round
61	Dab	Sea	Medium	300	All day	October-April	April-October
62	Olive Flounder	Sea	Large	800	All day	Year-round	Year-round
63	Squid	Sea	Medium	500	All day	December-August	June-February
64	Moray Eel	Sea	Narrow	2,000	All day	August-October	February-April
65	Ribbon Eel	Sea	Narrow	600	All day	June-October	December-April
66	Tuna	Pier	Largest	7,000	All day	November-April	May-October
67	Blue Marlin	Pier	Largest	10,000	All day	July-Sept, Nov-April	Jan-March, May-November
68	Giant Trevally	Pier	X-Large	4,500	All day	May-October	November-April
69	Mahi-mahi	Pier	X-Large	6,000	All day	May-October	November-April
70	Ocean Sunfish	Sea	Largest (Fin)	4,000	4 AM – 9 PM	July-September	January-March
71	Ray	Sea	X-Large	3,000	4 AM – 9 PM	August-November	February-May
72	Saw Shark	Sea	Largest (Fin)	12,000	4 PM – 9 AM	June-September	December-March
73	Hammerhead Shark	Sea	Largest (Fin)	8,000	4 PM – 9 AM	June-September	December-March
74	Great White Shark	Sea	Largest (Fin)	15,000	4 PM – 9 AM	June-September	December-March
75	Whale Shark	Sea	Largest (Fin)	13,000	All day	June-September	December-March
76	Suckerfish	Sea	Large (Fin)	1,500	All day	June-September	December-March
77	Football Fish	Sea	Large	2,500	4 PM – 9 AM	November-March	May-September
78	Oarfish	Sea	Largest	9,000	All day	December-May	June-November
79	Barreleye	Sea	Small	15,000	9 PM – 4 AM	Year-round	Year-round
80	Coelacanth	Sea (Rainy)	Largest	15,000	All day	Year-round	Year-round

4. Fishing Tips and Tricks for Animal Crossing

• Use Fish Bait: Craft fish bait from Manila Clams to spawn fish instantly, saving time and increasing your chances of catching rare species.
• Listen Carefully: The sound of the fish biting is crucial. Pay attention to the distinct “plink” sound to know when to reel in.
• Weather Conditions: Some fish, like the Coelacanth, only appear during rainy weather, so take advantage of these conditions.
• Island Tours: Visiting mystery islands can offer different fish and environments not available on your home island.
• Pier Fishing: The pier is a prime location for catching valuable fish like Tuna and Blue Marlin.

5. Seasonal Fishing: Adapting to the Time of Year

Fish availability changes with the seasons. Knowing which fish are in season can significantly improve your chances of catching them. Pay attention to the in-game calendar and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.

• Spring: Look for Tadpoles and Killifish in ponds.
• Summer: Target Giant Snakehead and Dorado in rivers.
• Autumn: Fish for Salmon and Mitten Crabs in rivers.
• Winter: Try to catch Pond Smelt and Stringfish in rivers.

6. Fishing Locations: Rivers, Ponds, Sea, and Pier

Each location offers different fish species, so diversify your fishing spots to catch them all. Rivers, ponds, the sea, and the pier each have unique catches.

• Rivers: Home to fish like the Bitterling, Dace, and Cherry Salmon.
• Ponds: Habitats for Carp, Koi, and Goldfish.
• Sea: Where you’ll find Sea Bass, Red Snapper, and Squid.
• Pier: The go-to spot for Tuna, Blue Marlin, and Giant Trevally.

7. Catching Rare Fish: Strategies for Success

Rare fish can be challenging to catch, but with the right strategies, you can add them to your Critterpedia. Use fish bait, fish during specific times, and focus on the right locations.

• Golden Trout: Found in clifftop rivers during specific months and times.
• Stringfish: Available in clifftop rivers during winter months.
• Coelacanth: Only appears in the sea during rainy weather.
• Barreleye: Found in the sea at night, year-round.

8. The Critterpedia: Your Ultimate Fishing Log

The Critterpedia is your in-game guide to all things fishing. It tracks which fish you’ve caught, their locations, times, and whether you’ve donated them to the museum. Use it to stay organized and complete your collection.

• Tracking Your Catches: See which fish you’ve caught and which you still need.
• Donation Status: Check if you’ve donated a fish to Blathers at the museum.
• Location and Time Information: Quickly reference where and when to find specific fish.

9. Maximizing Your Profits: Selling Your Catches

Fishing can be a lucrative activity in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Knowing which fish are worth the most and when to sell them can boost your Bells.

• High-Value Fish: Focus on catching Tuna, Blue Marlin, Golden Trout, and Stringfish.
• CJ the Beaver: Sell your fish to CJ when he visits your island for higher prices.
• Nook’s Cranny: Sell fish at Nook’s Cranny if CJ isn’t available.

10. Community and Resources: Sharing Fishing Tips

Join online communities and forums to exchange fishing tips and tricks with other players. Sharing information can help you discover new strategies and improve your fishing skills.

• Animal Crossing Forums: Participate in discussions and ask for advice.
• Social Media Groups: Share your catches and learn from others.
• Online Guides: Consult websites like CONDUCT.EDU.VN for detailed fishing guides and resources.

11. Exploring Mystery Islands for Unique Catches

Mystery island tours offer a chance to encounter unique fish species not found on your home island. These tours can be accessed using Nook Miles Tickets.

• Bamboo Island: May have different fish species than your home island.
• River Islands: Can be a great place to catch river-specific fish.
• Pond Islands: Offer a chance to find pond-exclusive fish.

12. Understanding Weather Patterns and Their Impact on Fishing

Weather plays a significant role in fishing. Rainy days, in particular, can bring rare catches like the Coelacanth.

• Rainy Days: Increase the chances of catching certain fish.
• Sunny Days: May be better for catching other species.
• Snowy Days: Can affect the types of fish available.

13. Time Traveling and Fishing: Pros and Cons

Time traveling can allow you to access different seasons and times of day, potentially speeding up your fishing progress. However, it can also impact your game experience.

• Pros: Catch fish out of season, access specific time-sensitive fish.
• Cons: May disrupt the natural flow of the game, potential for unforeseen consequences.

14. Using Amiibo and Special Events to Enhance Your Fishing Experience

Amiibo cards and special events can offer unique fishing-related items and opportunities.

• Fishing Tourney: Participate in the Fishing Tourney to earn prizes and catch lots of fish.
• Amiibo Items: Some Amiibo cards may unlock fishing-related items or events.

15. Ethical Fishing Practices in Animal Crossing

While Animal Crossing is a game, practicing ethical fishing can enhance your enjoyment and respect for the virtual environment.

• Avoid Overfishing: Don’t deplete fish populations in one area.
• Respect the Environment: Keep your island clean and preserve its natural beauty.

16. Common Fishing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Reeling in Too Early: Wait for the fish to bite multiple times.
• Casting Too Far: Make sure your line lands in front of the fish shadow.
• Using the Wrong Bait: Ensure you’re using the appropriate bait for the fish you’re targeting.

17. Fishing Gear: Rod Upgrades and Customization

Upgrading your fishing rod can improve its durability and performance.

• Golden Rod: The most durable fishing rod in the game.
• Customization: Customize your fishing rod to match your personal style.

18. Advanced Fishing Techniques for Pro Anglers

• Perfect Casts: Aim for the center of the fish shadow to increase your chances of a catch.
• Sound Cues: Pay close attention to the subtle sound differences when a fish bites.

19. Understanding Fish Behavior: Aggressive vs. Timid

Some fish are more aggressive and will bite quickly, while others are more timid and require more patience.

• Aggressive Fish: Bite quickly and require fast reflexes.
• Timid Fish: Take their time and require more patience.

20. The Psychology of Fishing: Patience and Persistence

Fishing in Animal Crossing requires patience and persistence. Don’t give up if you don’t catch a rare fish right away. Keep trying, and you’ll eventually succeed.

21. Documenting Your Fishing Adventures: Creating a Journal

Keep a fishing journal to track your catches, locations, times, and strategies. This can help you identify patterns and improve your fishing skills.

22. Sharing Your Fishing Knowledge: Teaching Others

Share your fishing knowledge with friends and other players. Helping others can enhance your own understanding and appreciation for the game.

23. The Role of Fishing in Island Development

Fishing can contribute to your island’s economy and overall development. Sell your catches to earn Bells and invest in your island.

24. The Impact of Fishing on the Game’s Economy

Fishing can influence the game’s economy by affecting the prices of fish and other items.

25. Fishing as a Form of Relaxation and Stress Relief

Fishing in Animal Crossing can be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity. Take some time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the game.

26. The Art of Fishing: Finding Beauty in the Game

Appreciate the beauty of the game’s graphics and sound design while fishing. Take in the scenery and enjoy the immersive experience.

27. The Future of Fishing in Animal Crossing: Potential Updates

Stay tuned for potential updates to the game that may introduce new fish species, fishing mechanics, and other features.

28. The Enduring Appeal of Fishing in Animal Crossing

Fishing in Animal Crossing has a timeless appeal that continues to attract players of all ages. Its combination of strategy, relaxation, and reward makes it a beloved activity in the game.

29. Advanced Techniques for River Fishing

Mastering river fishing requires understanding the unique behaviors of river-dwelling fish.

• Clifftop Rivers: Specifically target these areas for rare species like the Golden Trout and Stringfish.
• River Mouth: A great spot for Salmon and King Salmon during their respective seasons.
• Bait Placement: Position your bait strategically in the river’s current for optimal results.

30. Deep Dive into Sea Fishing Strategies

Sea fishing offers a diverse range of catches, from common Sea Bass to elusive sharks.

• Fin Shadows: Always be on the lookout for fin shadows, indicating the presence of valuable sharks.
• Pier Fishing: As mentioned, the pier is crucial for Tuna, Blue Marlin, and other high-value species.
• Night Fishing: Certain sea creatures, like the Barreleye, are only available at night.

31. Pond Fishing: Unlocking the Secrets of Still Waters

Ponds may seem simple, but they hold unique fish species that require specific techniques.

• Small Shadows: Be patient and precise when targeting small shadows, as they often represent valuable goldfish variants.
• Seasonal Ponds: Remember that pond inhabitants change with the seasons, so adjust your strategy accordingly.

32. Tackle the Fishing Tourney Like a Pro

The Fishing Tourney is a recurring event that offers a fun and competitive way to hone your skills.

• Prepare Bait: Stock up on fish bait beforehand to maximize your catches during the tourney.
• Know Your Locations: Familiarize yourself with the best fishing spots on your island.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Practice your reeling technique to avoid losing valuable fish.

33. Understanding Fish Migration Patterns

Fish migration patterns influence their availability in different locations and times.

• Seasonal Migrations: Many fish migrate seasonally, affecting their presence in rivers, ponds, and the sea.
• Daily Patterns: Some fish are more active during specific times of day.

34. Utilizing External Tools and Resources for Better Fishing

Various external tools and resources can aid your fishing endeavors.

• Online Trackers: Use online fish trackers to stay updated on fish availability and locations.
• Community Forums: Engage with the Animal Crossing community to exchange tips and information.

35. The Joy of Completing the Critterpedia

Completing the Critterpedia is a major accomplishment in Animal Crossing.

• Sense of Achievement: Experience the satisfaction of catching every fish in the game.
• In-Game Rewards: Unlock potential in-game rewards for completing your Critterpedia.

36. Connecting Fishing to Real-World Conservation Efforts

Animal Crossing’s fishing mechanics can subtly educate players about real-world conservation issues.

• Sustainable Fishing: Encourage responsible fishing practices within the game.
• Environmental Awareness: Promote awareness of environmental issues affecting fish populations.

37. The Social Aspect of Fishing: Playing with Friends

Fishing with friends can enhance the social aspect of Animal Crossing.

• Cooperative Fishing: Team up to catch rare fish and share tips.
• Friendly Competition: Compete to see who can catch the biggest or rarest fish.

38. Analyzing the Economic Value of Fishing in the Game

Fishing plays a significant role in the game’s economy.

• Bell Income: Earn Bells by selling fish to Nook’s Cranny or CJ.
• Island Upgrades: Use your fishing profits to fund island upgrades and expansions.

39. How Fishing Relates to Real-Life Techniques

Many of the fishing techniques used in Animal Crossing have real-life counterparts.

• Casting Techniques: Learn basic casting techniques to improve your accuracy.
• Reeling Strategies: Practice reeling techniques to avoid losing fish.

40. The Zen of Fishing: Finding Peace in Virtual Angling

Fishing in Animal Crossing provides a sense of peace and relaxation.

• Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and enjoy the simple act of fishing.
• Stress Relief: Use fishing as a way to unwind and de-stress.

By mastering these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fishing pro in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

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FAQ Section

Q1: How do I get a fishing rod in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

You can craft a flimsy fishing rod using tree branches or purchase one from Nook’s Cranny.

Q2: What are fish shadows and why are they important?

Fish shadows indicate the size of the fish in the water. Knowing the shadow size helps you identify which fish you might catch.

Q3: How do I use fish bait?

Craft fish bait from Manila Clams and use it near a body of water to spawn a fish instantly.

Q4: What is the best time to fish in Animal Crossing?

Some fish are only available during specific times of the day, so check the Critterpedia or a fishing guide for details.

Q5: Where can I find rare fish like the Golden Trout?

Golden Trout are found in clifftop rivers during specific months and times.

Q6: What should I do with the fish I catch?

You can donate them to the museum, sell them at Nook’s Cranny, or sell them to CJ for a higher price.

Q7: How do seasons affect fishing in Animal Crossing?

Different fish are available during different seasons, so adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.

Q8: What is the Critterpedia and how do I use it?

The Critterpedia is your in-game guide to all things fishing. It tracks which fish you’ve caught, their locations, and times.

Q9: Can I fish with friends in Animal Crossing?

Yes, you can fish with friends to catch rare fish and share tips.

Q10: How does time traveling affect fishing in Animal Crossing?

Time traveling allows you to access different seasons and times of day, potentially speeding up your fishing progress. However, it can disrupt the natural flow of the game.