Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fishing Guide: Catching Rare Fish

Updated On: February 14, 2024 by     Ciaran Connolly  

Having a bit of trouble hooking those pesky rare fish in ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’? You’re certainly not alone in this; we’ve been hunkered down beside you, rod in hand, facing this fishing conundrum.

But fear not! We’ve pooled our collective wisdom and come up with a handy array of tips to give your angling adventures a much-needed boost. So join us as we delve into the secrets of securing those highly-prized aquatic gems – that big catch could be just around the corner, after all!

Key Takeaways

• Rare fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, like the Golden Trout and Stringfish, can fetch a high price when sold, with some reaching up to 15,000 bells.
• Fishing at different times and locations is crucial; certain rare fish only appear during specific hours or seasons and in particular spots around the island.
• Using fish bait is key to attracting elusive species; it’s crafted from manila clams found on beaches which helps spawn fish shadows quickly.
• Seasonal changes mean new types of fish become available each month – stay updated on these changes to catch new additions to your collection.
• The size of a shadow in the water hints at which type of fish you might catch; learning these will make finding rare species easier.

An Overview of Fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, fishing is a popular activity that allows players to catch a variety of fish species. Unlike bug catching, fishing requires the use of a fishing rod, which can be obtained by purchasing it from the Nook’s Cranny shop or receiving it as a gift from other villagers.

Differences between fishing and bug catching

As we explore the charming world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, we find two peaceful activities at our fingertips: fishing and bug catching. Both pastimes require different tools – a fishing rod for the former and a net for the latter.

While you’ll be scouring rivers, lakes, and oceans to hook a variety of fish with silhouettes shadowing the water’s surface, bug catching has you chasing after fluttering insects that roam across your island paradise.

Each activity demands unique strategies; timing is key in flicking your wrist to catch fish just right, whereas stealth and precision are essential when sneaking up on bugs.

Fishing can lead us to some spectacular finds like rare species including the elusive Golden Trout or valuable Arowana with their hefty price tags. Meanwhile, bug hunting might not offer as hefty rewards but it brings its own excitement as you leap to capture butterflies or stalk quietly towards beetles.

Patience is vital in both quests – whether waiting for a bite on your line or anticipating an insect’s next movement. Let’s grab our gear now because there’s no time like the present to improve our techniques with rods and nets!

How to obtain and use fishing rods

To obtain a fishing rod, players need to find it at Nook’s Cranny for 2,500 bells or craft one using a DIY recipe. Once equipped, approach a body of water such as a river, lake, or ocean and press the ‘A’ button to cast the line. When a fish bites, press ‘A’ again to reel it in. It’s important to keep an eye out for the fish shadows in the water as different fish have different sized shadows. When aiming to catch rare fish, especially during specific timeframes, be patient and persistent. Pay attention to the type of bait used and strategically place it in the water near the area where you want to attract rare fish. Moreover, know that certain rare fish may only appear during certain months or under particular weather conditions.

Catching Rare Fish

When it comes to catching rare fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it’s all about understanding the rarity of certain species and using effective techniques to increase your chances.

Tips for using fish bait effectively can also help you reel in those elusive catches.

The rarity of certain fish

Some fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are harder to find than others. The rarity of certain species varies depending on specific timeframes and locations, making them more challenging to catch.

Understanding the timing and habitats for these rare fish is essential for success in the game. By learning about their availability and using fishing techniques effectively, players can increase their chances of encountering these elusive creatures.

Specific timeframes and locations play a crucial role in catching exotic fish. For instance, the Golden Trout only appears during specific times, while the Sturgeon can be spawned at river mouths before March ends with a particular technique.

Tips for increasing your chances of catching rare fish

Increasing your chances of catching rare fish involves using effective strategies and being aware of specific conditions. Here are some tips to help you catch those elusive species:

1. Time and Location Matter: Rare fish have specific timeframes and locations for spawning. Understanding these details is crucial for success.
2. Use Fish Bait Wisely: Utilise manila clams to craft fish bait, which can help attract rare fish to your chosen fishing spot.
3. Pay Attention to Shadow Sizes: Different species of rare fish have distinct shadow sizes. Knowing the size associated with each rare fish will increase your chances of a successful catch.
4. Be Patient: Rare fish might not appear immediately, so taking the time to wait at a location where they are known to spawn can eventually lead to a rewarding catch.
5. Experiment with Different Fishing Rods: Using various fishing rods can help you adapt to different fishing environments and increase your chances of catching rare species.

Using fish bait effectively

To use fish bait effectively in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, first locate manila clams along the beach by watching for spouts of water. Collect these clams to craft fish bait. Once you have your bait, head to any body of water where you want to attract rare fish.

Walk along the shore and press “A” where you want to place the bait. This will spawn a shadow in front of it, attracting a fish within seconds. The use of fish bait is especially useful when trying to catch elusive species like the Golden Trout or Stringfish.

Understanding how and when to use fish bait can significantly improve your chances of catching rare fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. By strategically using this tool, gamers can enhance their fishing experience and increase their collection of valuable and sought-after marine life.

The Most Expensive Fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The Most Expensive Fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are highly sought after by players for their rarity and high selling prices. From the elusive Golden Trout to the intimidating Great White Shark, these fish offer a lucrative opportunity for players to earn Bells in the game.

Golden Trout

The Golden Trout is a rare catch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It can be found in the highest elevated parts of your island, usually near cliff-top rivers. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot this beautiful fish.

Utilise fish bait effectively at these locations and during these times to maximise your chances of catching it. Selling a Golden Trout will fetch you 15,000 bells, making it one of the most lucrative catches in the game.

Stringfish

Moving from the elusive Golden Trout to another challenging catch, the Stringfish is a rare fish that appears in specific locations and times. Found in high-altitude river clifftops, this prized fish can be particularly difficult to track down.

It’s essential to keep an eye out for its large shadow moving through the waters during the nighttime or early morning hours. Using fish bait near cliffside rivers at these specific times can increase your chances of luring out this valuable aquatic gem.

Keep an eye on your line for any movement, as reeling in a Stringfish will not only bring satisfaction but also add significant value to your collection or funds.

Understanding the habits and habitat of the Stringfish is crucial for success in catching this rare specimen. By focusing on where and when it appears, along with employing effective fishing techniques and utilising bait strategically, you can significantly enhance your chances of adding this sought-after creature to your inventory.

Dorado

The Dorado is one of the most sought-after fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons due to its high selling price and rarity. This golden fish can be found in your river, but it’s not a common sight.

The shadow size for the Dorado is quite large, making it easier to identify when approaching your fishing spot. Using fish bait strategically can help increase your chances of encountering this elusive fish species in the game.

Understanding the specific timeframes and locations for catching rare fish like the Dorado is crucial for maximising success during gameplay. Keep an eye out for its distinctive shadow along the river, especially during certain months and times of day, to maximise your opportunity to reel in this valuable catch.

Great White Shark

Catching the Dorado can be quite a lucrative endeavour, but if you’re seeking an even more exhilarating challenge with a substantial payday, set your sights on the awe-inspiring Great White Shark.

With its imposing presence and elusive nature, this apex predator commands attention. Found in the sea from 4 PM to 9 AM year-round, catching this behemoth of the deep will reward you with a handsome sum of 15,000 bells.

Using fish bait strategically near the pier or simply trying your luck along the coast during its active hours may increase your chances of encountering this prized catch.

Barreleye

The Barreleye is a rare fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, known for its transparent head and large, tubular eyes. It can be found swimming around at the ocean’s depths from 9 PM to 4 AM.

This elusive catch fetches a significant price when sold or donated to the museum. To increase your chances of encountering this unique fish, consider using fish bait near the pier as this area typically has an increased spawn rate for rare ocean creatures.

Understanding the specific location and time frame for finding the Barreleye is crucial in successfully adding it to your collection. Keep an eye out during nighttime hours and have patience while fishing in these waters as it may take some time before you spot this extraordinary sea creature.

New Fish to Catch in April

As the season changes in April, there are new fish to catch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Keep an eye out for the upcoming fish that will be available this month and make sure to add them to your collection.

Changes in fish availability by season

Fish availability in Animal Crossing: New Horizons changes with each season, offering players the excitement of new species to catch. As spring turns into summer, vibrant fish like the Blue Marlin can be reeled in at pier locations or alongside the coast.

Transitioning from summer to autumn brings an array of autumnal fish such as the Char and Golden Trout, which are found upriver. During winter, players can anticipate seasonal changes that will reflect a shift in available fish species.

Understanding these seasonal variations is crucial for players looking to maximise their fishing experience and expand their critterpedia collection. For instance, knowing when specific rare fish appear allows for strategic planning and increased chances of catching them.

Upcoming fish to catch in April

As we transition from changes in fish availability by season, let’s look ahead at the upcoming fish to catch in April. These are some of the rare species you can expect to find next month:

1. Cherry Salmon: Keep an eye out for this fish as it becomes available in rivers next month. It sells for a good price and is a valuable addition to your collection.
2. Char: This elusive fish will also start appearing in rivers in April. Look for its shadow to capture it and add it to your inventory.
3. Golden Trout: Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this rare fish as it continues to appear during specific times next month. Remember, it’s a valuable catch for your collection.
4. Giant Snakehead: Found in ponds, the Giant Snakehead is another species you should be on the lookout for in April. Keep an eye out for its large shadow.
5. Tadpole: In April, watch out for tadpoles appearing in ponds around your island. They’re relatively common but still worth catching and selling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, catching rare fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires patience and strategy. Understanding the timings, locations, and using bait effectively can significantly increase your chances of finding these precious creatures.

With the right knowledge and techniques, you can maximise your earnings and complete your fish collection in the game.

FAQs

1. How do I catch rare fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

To catch rare fish, use the proper bait at their specific locations during the times they’re available. Check your Animal Crossing fish guide for details on rarity and shadow sizes.

2. Where can I find tips for catching rare species in Animal Crossing?

You can look up fishing tips in an Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fishing Guide or consult the Animal Crossing fish encyclopaedia to learn about different rare fish habitats and how to catch them.

3. When are rare fishes available for catching in the game?

Rare fish availability varies; some appear only during certain months or times of day. Refer to your Animal Crossing fishing guide to know when you can find each type of rare fish.

4. Is there a tournament focused on fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

Yes, there is an exciting fishing tournament event where players compete by catching various types of fish from their island’s waters using their trusty Animal Crossing fishing rod.

5. What determines the prices of caught fishes in Animal Crossing?

Fish prices are determined by rarity and size—the rarer the species, like those listed on your Animal Crossing fish list, and bigger shadows often mean higher prices at Nook’s Cranny!