Catching a sturgeon in Stardew Valley is no easy feat. However, with the right bait and some patience, you’ll be able to reel in this massive fish in no time. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about how to catch a sturgeon. We’ll cover everything from the best bait to use to the best fishing spots. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing rod and let’s get started!
Sturgeons are a rare and valuable fish in Stardew Valley. They can be sold for a high price at the Fish Shop, or they can be used in the Crab Pot to catch even more valuable fish. Sturgeons are only found in the ocean, and they can be caught at any time of day or night. However, they are most commonly caught during the summer. To catch a sturgeon, you will need to use bait. The best bait to use is Squid Ink, which can be purchased from Willy’s Fish Shop. You can also use other types of bait, such as Worms or Cheese, but Squid Ink will give you the best chance of catching a sturgeon.
Once you have your bait, you will need to find a good fishing spot. The best fishing spots for sturgeons are in the deep waters of the ocean. You can find these spots by looking for areas with dark blue water. Once you have found a good fishing spot, cast your line and wait for a bite. Sturgeons are not aggressive fish, so they may take some time to bite. Be patient, and eventually you will be rewarded with a giant sturgeon!
Prepare Your Tackle and Bait
Choosing the Right Rod and Reel
Sturgeons are notorious for their strength and size, so it’s essential to equip yourself with a sturdy rod and reel to handle their powerful runs. Here’s what to look for:
Casting Rod
- Fiberglass or Composite: These rods offer a blend of flexibility and strength, making them suitable for handling large fish like sturgeon.
- Length: A longer rod, such as a 9- or 10-foot casting rod, provides more leverage for casting heavy lures and handling large fish.
- Action: Moderate to heavy action rods can handle the sudden and powerful runs of sturgeon without breaking.
Reel
- Spinning or Baitcasting: Both types of reels can be used for sturgeon fishing, depending on your preference.
- Size: Choose a reel with a large line capacity and a strong drag system to accommodate the long runs and powerful fights of sturgeon.
- Gear Ratio: A reel with a high gear ratio will help you retrieve line quickly when a sturgeon makes a run.
Selecting the Best Bait
Sturgeons are bottom-dwelling fish that feed on a variety of worms, mussels, and small fish. Here are some of the most effective baits to use:
| Bait | Availability |
|---|---|
| Grubs | Bait Shop (Willy’s Fish Shop) |
| Earthworms | Dig them up in the soil around your farm |
| Salmon Eggs | Caught using a Crab Pot during Fall |
| Cheese | Cows Shed or Goat Cheese in the Mines |
Find the Right Fishing Spot
Sturgeons can be found in any of the three main rivers in Stardew Valley: the Cindersnap Forest River, the Pelican Town River, and the Mountain Lake. However, they are most commonly found in the Mountain Lake, which is located north of the town of Pelican Town. The Mountain Lake is also the only place where you can catch the legendary Glacierfish.
When fishing for sturgeon, it is important to be patient. They are not a very common fish, and it may take some time before you catch one. However, if you are persistent, you will eventually be rewarded with a delicious meal.
Best spots to fish for Sturgeon
The best spot to fish for sturgeon is in the Mountain Lake. This spot requires at least fishing level 6 to unlock. Use the following table for more information:
| Location | Time | Bait |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Lake | Summer and Winter | Wild Bait or Quality Fertilizer |
| Pelican Town River | Summer | Wild Bait |
| Cindersnap Forest River | Summer | Wild Bait |
Master the Fishing Mechanics
Catching sturgeon in Stardew Valley requires mastery of the game’s fishing mechanics. Understanding how the fishing bar moves, the impact of the rod’s quality, and the use of bait can significantly increase your chances of success.
Fishing Bar Mechanics
When you cast your line, a fishing bar will appear. The bar has a vertical axis representing the depth of the water and a horizontal axis showing the fish’s strength. As the fish struggles, the bar will move in different directions. Your goal is to keep the bar aligned with the fish’s movements and prevent it from reaching the end of the axis.
Rod Quality and Fishing Level
The quality of your fishing rod influences the effectiveness of your casts and the strength of the line. Higher-quality rods allow for more precise casting and more resilience when fighting strong fish like sturgeons. Additionally, your fishing level affects your casting distance and the speed at which you can reel in fish.
Bait and Fishing Buffs
Using different types of bait can attract specific species of fish. Sturgeon prefers Wild Bait, so using it will increase your chances of encountering them. Furthermore, consuming certain foods before fishing, such as Seafoam Pudding or Dish o’ the Sea, can temporarily enhance your fishing skills and increase your chances of success.
Use Quality Bait
Quality Bait increases your chances of catching a sturgeon significantly. The best bait to use is the Iridium Quality Bait, which can be crafted using one Squid Ink and one Flounder. Squid Ink can be obtained by catching and recycling Squid, which are found in the ocean during the summer. Flounder can be obtained by fishing in the ocean during the fall.
If you don’t have access to Iridium Quality Bait, you can also use Gold Quality Bait or Quality Bait. These baits can be crafted using one Squid Ink and one Sardine or one Roe, respectively. Sardines can be obtained by fishing in the ocean during the summer, while Roe can be obtained by recycling fish eggs.
| Bait | Crafting Materials | Where to Obtain Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Iridium Quality Bait | 1 Squid Ink, 1 Flounder | Squid Ink from Squid (ocean, summer); Flounder from ocean (fall) |
| Gold Quality Bait | 1 Squid Ink, 1 Sardine | Squid Ink from Squid (ocean, summer); Sardines from ocean (summer) |
| Quality Bait | 1 Squid Ink, 1 Roe | Squid Ink from Squid (ocean, summer); Roe from recycling fish eggs |
Be Patient and Persistent
Sturgeon, the behemoths of the deep, can be a daunting catch in Stardew Valley. Their elusive nature and formidable strength may test your patience and determination. However, with a clear strategy and unwavering persistence, you can reel in these majestic creatures. Here’s a detailed guide to help you conquer the challenge of sturgeon fishing:
Choose the Right Season and Location
Sturgeon swim in the Stardrop Saloon pond during the winter and can be found in all river locations throughout the summer, except for the Secret Woods and Desert.
Use the Best Bait
Sturgeon prefer Corn or Caviar as bait. Corn can be purchased from Pierre’s General Store, while Caviar must be crafted from processed Stardrop Saloon Fish at the Cask. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using Bane Bait, which increases the chance of catching a corrupted Sturgeon variant.
Be Prepared for a Fight
Sturgeon are notoriously difficult to land. Equip yourself with an iridium fishing rod and attach a Tackle with high durability to increase your chances of success. Patience is key; allow the fish to exhaust itself before attempting to reel it in.
Use Quality Enhancements
To improve your catch rate, equip the Fisherman and Angler perk, which increase the chances of catching rare and difficult-to-land fish. Additionally, cast your line during a rainy day to take advantage of the increased fish bite rate.
Upgrade Your Fishing Skills
Before you set out to catch a sturgeon, it’s important to make sure your fishing skills are up to par. The higher your fishing level, the easier it will be to reel in this powerful fish. There are several ways to upgrade your fishing skills:
- Practice: The more you fish, the better you will become at it. So head to the river or ocean and start casting your line.
- Read books: There are several books that can help you improve your fishing skills. You can find these books at the library in Pelican Town.
- Watch TV: The Fishing Channel on TV can provide you with tips and tricks for improving your fishing skills.
- Eat food: Certain foods can give you temporary boosts to your fishing skills. For example, eating Crab Cakes will increase your fishing level by +3 for 3 minutes.
- Use tackle: There are a variety of tackle items that can help you improve your fishing skills. For example, using Barbed Hooks will increase your chances of catching fish.
- Fish in the right location: Some locations are better for fishing than others. For example, the mountain lake is a great place to catch sturgeon. Consult a fish location guide to find the best spots for your target fish.
| Food | Fishing Boost |
|---|---|
| Lobster Bisque | +3 |
| Crab Cakes | +3 |
| Maki Roll | +2 |
| Sashimi | +2 |
| Fried Calamari | +1 |
Know the Sturgeon’s Habits
Catching sturgeons in Stardew Valley requires a deep understanding of their behavior and preferences. Here’s a detailed dive into their habits to enhance your fishing success:
Location:
Sturgeons are exclusive to the mountain lake, where they can be found year-round. They are less common in other seasons but can be caught throughout the year.
Time:
Sturgeons are most active early in the morning (6 AM – 12 PM) and late in the evening (6 PM – 12 AM). Fishing during these time frames increases your chances of encountering them.
Bait:
Sturgeons have a strong preference for Caviar. Using Caviar as bait significantly improves your chances of catching them.
Tackle:
Sturgeons are large fish that require a sturdy fishing rod and line. A Fiberglass or Iridium Rod is recommended, paired with a strong line like the Trap Bobber or Cork Bobber.
Skill Level:
Your Fishing Skill Level plays a crucial role in catching sturgeons. A higher skill level increases the size and quality of the sturgeons you catch, making them more valuable.
Weather:
Sturgeons are not affected by weather conditions, unlike many other fish in Stardew Valley. Regardless of the weather, you have equal chances of catching sturgeons.
Additional Tips:
- Using Quality Rods and Tackle further enhances your chances of catching large sturgeons.
- The Fish Finder perk from the Fisher profession can help locate sturgeons more efficiently.
- Eating a dish that boosts your fishing skill, like the Trout Soup, can provide a temporary advantage.
| Bait | Boost |
|---|---|
| Caviar | +100% |
| Dish of the Sea | +3 |
| Carp | 0 |
| Bread | 0 |
Utilize Fishing Buffs
A variety of in-game bonuses can greatly enhance your chances of successfully reeling in a sturgeon. These buffs include:
Food Buffs
Consuming certain foods prior to fishing can provide temporary fishing skill boosts. Look for dishes that specifically mention “fishing” or “fish” in their descriptions, like Dish o’ the Sea or Crab Cakes.
Baits
Attaching bait to your fishing line can increase your chances of catching fish, including sturgeon. Different baits have different effects, so experiment with various options to find what works best.
Tackle
Upgrading your fishing rod and equipping tackle can significantly improve your fishing capabilities. Invest in high-quality tackle, such as the Iridium Rod with Cork Bobber and Barbed Hook, to maximize your chances of landing a sturgeon.
Bobbers
Bobbers can help you control the depth of your line, which can be crucial for targeting sturgeon. Choose the right bobber based on the depth of the water you’re fishing in.
Fishing Spots
Sturgeon are more likely to be found in certain fishing spots. Look for them in the ocean during the summer and winter, or in the mountain lake during the spring and fall.
Time of Day
Sturgeon tend to be most active during certain times of day. Experiment with fishing at different hours to find when they are most likely to bite.
Weather
The weather can also affect fishing success. Sturgeon are more likely to be caught during rainy or snowy weather.
Skills
Improving your fishing skill will give you access to more advanced fishing techniques and make it easier to catch sturgeon.
Utilize Fishing Ponds
1. Building a Pond
To start catching sturgeon on a regular basis, building a fishing pond is a great investment. In the Fish Shop, Robin sells them for 5,000 gold. Once placed, a pond takes two in-game days to finish construction.
2. Selecting Fish Types
After the pond is built, you must select the fish you want to raise. Sturgeon is the only pond fish that produces Caviar. Once released into the pond, the fish will take 3-5 days to mature.
3. Growth and Population
Each pond has a maximum population capacity. For sturgeon, the maximum is 10. If overpopulated, the fish will not grow or reproduce. It’s essential to prevent overcrowding by harvesting fish regularly.
4. Feeding the Fish
Fish do not need to be fed, but doing so will increase their growth rate and produce higher-quality roe.
5. Prefabricated Fish Ponds
You can buy prefabricated fish ponds from the Fish Shop. These ponds come with 10 fish already inside. However, prefabricated sturgeon ponds are not available, so you will need to purchase a regular pond and stock it manually.
6. Harvesting Fish
Fish can be harvested from a pond once they mature. Sturgeon take 3-5 days to mature and will produce Roe every day after that. You can manually collect the roe or leave it in the pond to age into Caviar, which takes 4-6 days.
7. Pond Upgrades
There are three pond upgrades available: a Quality Bobber, a Trap Bobber, and a Spinner. The Quality Bobber increases the quality of fish caught, the Trap Bobber improves the chances of catching multiple fish, and the Spinner speeds up growth and reproduction rates.
8. Minigame Changes
Fish caught from a pond do not trigger the fishing minigame. Instead, a simple animation plays, and the fish is automatically caught.
9. Advanced Pond Management
Here are some additional tips for advanced pond management:
| Tip |
|---|
| Avoid mixing fish species in a single pond, as this can slow down growth and reduce quality. |
| Use a Trap Bobber to catch multiple fish at once, increasing overall output. |
| Harvest fish regularly to prevent overcrowding and promote faster growth. |
| Consider using Crab Pots in addition to ponds to increase caviar production. |
| Place ponds near the Fish Shop for easy access and quick selling of products. |
Tips for Advanced Sturgeon Fishing
1. Focus on Specific Fishing Holes
Sturgeon are primarily found in the Mountain Lake during the spring and fall.
2. Use Quality Tackle
Sturgeon are powerful fish. Equip an Iridium Rod or better and use Truffle Oil to increase your chances of a successful catch.
3. Learn Sturgeon Behavior
Sturgeon prefer deep waters and tend to bite near the bottom. Cast your line farther out to reach them.
4. Patience is Key
Sturgeon are notoriously slow-biting fish. Be prepared to spend extended periods of time fishing before you catch one.
5. Level Up Fishing Skills
Higher fishing levels increase your chances of successfully hooking and reeling in sturgeon.
6. Use Crab Pots
Crab pots can be baited with Roe to attract sturgeon. Place crab pots in deep waters for optimal results.
7. Utilize the Fish Finder
The Fish Finder indicates when sturgeon are present in the fishing hole. This can help you target your efforts during peak catching times.
8. Prepare for the Catch
Ensure you have足够inventory space to accommodate the large size of sturgeon. Consider using a Chest to store your catches while fishing.
9. Sell Sturgeon for Profit
Sturgeon can be sold for a substantial amount of gold. Find the best selling price by comparing offers from various merchants.
10. Advanced Techniques
Sturgeon can be caught using Advanced Fishing Techniques. These include:
- Using Bobbers or Weighted Lines
- Casting your line at an angle
- Utilizing bait and tackle specifically designed for sturgeon fishing
How To Catch A Sturgeon In Stardew Valley
Sturgeons are a type of fish that can be caught in Stardew Valley. They are a valuable fish to catch, as they can be sold for a good price. Sturgeons can be found in the ocean during the summer and fall. They are most commonly found in the mountain lake, but they can also be found in the ocean near the beach.
To catch a sturgeon, you will need to use a fishing rod with bait. The best bait to use for sturgeons is a crab pot. You can also use a worm or a piece of algae. Once you have your bait, cast your line into the water and wait for a sturgeon to bite.
What is the best bait for catching sturgeon?
The best bait for catching sturgeon is a crab pot.
What is the best time to catch sturgeon?
The best time to catch sturgeon is during the summer and fall.
Where is the best place to catch sturgeon?
The best place to catch sturgeon is in the mountain lake.
