Introduction
Fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) is more than just a relaxing pastime—it's a core gameplay mechanic and a true test of patience, skill, and a bit of luck. With over 80 unique fish to catch, completing your Critterpedia and filling Blathers’ museum is a rewarding challenge for any player. This comprehensive guide combines expert strategies, seasonal tips, and advanced techniques to help you catch every fish in the game and earn the coveted Golden Fishing Rod.
Understanding Fish Spawning Mechanics
Before you start, it’s important to understand how fish spawn in ACNH:
- Location: Fish appear in rivers, ponds, clifftop rivers, river mouths, and the sea (including the pier).
- Time: Each fish has specific months and hours when it is available.
- Weather: Some rare fish only appear during rain or snow.
- Shadow Size: Fish have different shadow sizes, which can help you identify them before catching.
For a detailed breakdown, check out the Animal Crossing Wiki: Fish.
Essential Fishing Tools and Techniques
Getting Started
- Fishing Rods: Start with a Flimsy Fishing Rod (DIY from Tom Nook, 5 tree branches), upgrade to a regular Fishing Rod (after buying Pretty Good Tools Recipes), and aim for the Golden Fishing Rod (after catching every fish).
- Bait: Craft fish bait from Manila Clams found on the beach. Bait is crucial for targeting rare or location-specific fish.
- Patience: Perhaps the most important tool—expect to catch a lot of Sea Bass!
Reading Fish Shadows
Fish appear as shadows in the water, and their size hints at the species:
| Shadow Size | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tiny | Tadpole, Bitterling |
| Small | Killifish, Goldfish |
| Medium | Black Bass, Koi |
| Large | Sea Bass, Red Snapper |
| Very Large | Oarfish, Tuna |
| Finned | Shark species |
| Long/Thin | Ribbon Eel, Moray Eel |
Pro Tip: Close your eyes and listen for the "plop" sound when a fish bites for better reaction time.
Fish Locations and Shadow Sizes
Here's a quick reference for where to find different fish and their shadow sizes:
| Location | Example Fish | Shadow Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| River | Char, Cherry Salmon | Tiny to Large |
| Pond | Koi, Goldfish | Small to Large |
| Clifftop River | Golden Trout | Medium |
| River Mouth | Sturgeon | Very Large |
| Sea | Sea Bass, Coelacanth | All sizes |
| Pier | Blue Marlin, Tuna | Large, Very Large |
Seasonal Fish Availability
Fish availability changes with the seasons and your island's hemisphere. Some fish are only available for a few months each year, and certain species are exclusive to either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. For a month-by-month checklist, visit ACNH Fish by Month.
Rare and Seasonal Fish: Tips and Tricks
Some fish are notoriously difficult to catch due to their rarity or specific requirements. Here are strategies for the trickiest catches:
| Fish | Location | Shadow Size | Months (NH) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coelacanth | Sea (Raining) | Very Large | All Year | All Day | Only appears when it's raining or snowing. |
| Stringfish | River (Clifftop) | Very Large | Dec–Mar | 4 PM–9 AM | Needs to be on an elevated river part. |
| Golden Trout | River (Clifftop) | Medium | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | 4 PM–9 AM | Use bait on clifftop rivers. |
| Mahi-Mahi | Pier | Very Large | May–Oct | All Day | Only off the wooden pier. Bait is key. |
| Giant Trevally | Pier | Very Large | May–Oct | All Day | Pier-exclusive. Use lots of bait. |
| Barreleye | Sea | Tiny | All Year | 9 PM–4 AM | Very small shadow, easy to miss. |
| Great White Shark | Sea | Finned | Jun–Sep | 4 PM–9 AM | Look for the fin! |
| Dorado | River | Very Large | Jun–Sep | 4 AM–9 PM | Big river fish, can be elusive. |
| Arapaima | River | Huge | Jun–Sep | 4 PM–9 AM | One of the largest river fish. |
General Tips for Rare Fish:
- Sound On: Listen for the "plunk" of a bite.
- Bait, Bait, Bait: Essential for location-specific rare fish.
- Island Tours: Use Nook Miles Tickets to visit mystery islands for different weather, time, or unique spawn rates.
Efficient Fishing Strategies
- Craft Fish Bait: Dig up manila clams and craft bait to spawn fish instantly.
- Isolate Spawn Points: Block off other water sources to force fish to spawn where you want.
- Check Shadow Sizes: Learn to recognize shadow sizes to target specific fish.
- Use Time Travel (Optional): Adjust your system clock to catch out-of-season fish.
- Visit Friends: Visit islands in the opposite hemisphere to catch out-of-season fish.
Completing Your Collection
- Donate First: Always donate your first catch of each species to Blathers.
- Use the Critterpedia: Track which fish you've caught and which you still need.
- Plan Seasonally: Focus on seasonal fish before they disappear.
- Create a Fishing Calendar: Track when rare fish will appear.
- Participate in Fishing Tournaments: Held quarterly by C.J. for trophies and unique rewards.
For more on how many islands you can have in ACNH, check out How many islands can you have in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Tools and Communities
- In-Game Critterpedia: Your primary checklist for fish availability.
- Online Guides: Nookipedia, Thonky Fish List, and IGN’s ACNH Fish List.
- Companion Apps: Many fan-made apps help track your collection and show active creatures.
- Online Communities: Forums like Reddit’s r/AnimalCrossing and Discord servers are great for sharing tips and celebrating catches.
The Rewards
- A Full Museum: Blathers will be overjoyed, and your aquarium will be a stunning spectacle.
- Golden Fishing Rod: Receive the DIY recipe after catching every fish.
- Bells: Many rare fish sell for a handsome sum at Nook's Cranny or to C.J.
- Collectibles: C.J. crafts detailed fish models for your home.
- Bragging Rights: Completing your Critterpedia is a true accomplishment!
Related Guides
If you enjoy collecting and unlocking everything in your favorite games, check out these comprehensive guides:
- A complete guide to unlocking all achievements in Stardew Valley
- Complete guide to obtaining all mounts in Final Fantasy XIV
- How to unlock all characters in Genshin Impact: A complete guide
- How to unlock every car in Forza Horizon 5: A complete guide
- Total number of achievements in Hollow Knight
- Complete guide to unlocking all trophies in God of War: Ragnarok
- A complete guide to unlocking all endings in Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- A complete guide to finding all secret stars in Super Mario 64
- How to unlock all weapons in Resident Evil 4 Remake: A complete guide
Conclusion
Catching every fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a fun and rewarding journey. With patience, strategy, and a little luck, you’ll fill your museum, earn the Golden Fishing Rod, and enjoy the satisfaction of a complete Critterpedia. Happy fishing, and may your next cast bring you that elusive rare catch!