Obtaining Walleye
Stardew Valley Walleye is a freshwater fish that players can catch and use for various purposes, including completing quests, contributing to bundles, cooking recipes, or selling for profit. This fish has a distinct light brown color with a white belly and ranges from 10 to 41 inches in size. While not the hardest fish to reel in, it has specific seasonal, time, and weather restrictions that make it somewhat challenging to find.
Stardew Valley Walleye can only be caught during the Fall and Winter when it is raining, between 12 PM and 2 AM, in locations such as the river, the mountain lake, and the Cindersap Forest pond. Since Winter typically lacks rain, players can use a Rain Totem to force rainy weather and improve their chances of catching one outside of Fall. Another way to obtain Walleye is by checking the Traveling Cart, where it may occasionally be available for purchase at a higher price.
Walleye is an important fish in Stardew Valley, as it is required for the Night Fishing Bundle in the Fish Tank at the Community Center. Completing this bundle helps unlock the Glittering Boulder removal, allowing players to pan for ore in the water. In addition to its role in bundles, Stardew Valley Walleye can be used in cooking recipes such as Maki Roll and Sashimi, both of which restore energy and health, making them useful food items for mining and farming. It can also be placed in a Fish Pond, where it produces Roe, which can be further processed into Aged Roe to increase its value.
Despite its seasonal restrictions, there are strategies to obtain Walleye efficiently. Players should take advantage of rainy days in Fall, use a Rain Totem in Winter if needed, and check the Traveling Cart for possible availability. Those focusing on fishing should also ensure they have a good Fishing Rod and bait to increase their chances of catching one quickly. Since it can be sold for a decent price, with higher-quality Walleyes bringing in more gold, it can be a useful fish for players looking to make extra money. Whether used for bundles, cooking, or profit, Stardew Valley Walleye is a valuable fish that players should aim to catch when the right conditions are met.
Locations
Walleye can be found in several locations throughout Stardew Valley, including the river, the mountain lake, and the Cindersap Forest pond. Players with the Riverland Farm or Forest Farm can also catch Walleye in their own farm pond. Among these locations, the pond in Cindersap Forest offers the highest chance of catching Walleye, with a 32% probability per cast. To reach Cindersap Forest, head south from the farm, where the pond is located to the west. The Cindersap Forest river, which also contains Walleye, can be accessed by heading further south.
The Mountain Lake is another viable location for catching Walleye. To get there, travel north from the farm, then head east, or go north through Pelican Town and continue east past the Carpenter’s Shop. The river, another location where Walleye can be found, flows from Cindersap Forest along the southern edge of Pelican Town before reaching the ocean. Walleye can only be caught during Fall and Winter on rainy days between 12 PM and 2 AM. Since Winter does not naturally have rain, players will need to use a Rain Totem to create the right conditions.
Due to its weather and time restrictions, planning ahead is crucial for those looking to catch Walleye efficiently. Bringing bait and using a higher-tier Fishing Rod can increase catch rates and make the process faster. Checking the Traveling Cart for potential purchases is another way to obtain Walleye, especially for players who miss the limited seasonal window. Whether for completing the Night Fishing Bundle, cooking recipes like Maki Roll and Sashimi, or raising in a Fish Pond to produce Roe, Walleye is a useful fish that players should aim to catch when the opportunity arises.
Time and Weather
Walleye can only be caught between 12 PM and 2 AM, making time an important factor when trying to reel in this fish. In addition to the time restriction, Walleye is a seasonal fish that appears only in the Fall when it is raining. Since Winter does not naturally have rain, players who want to catch Walleye during this season must use a Rain Totem to create the necessary weather conditions.
Rain Totems can be crafted using one Truffle Oil, five Pine Tar, and one Hardwood, making them an essential tool for anglers who need specific weather-dependent fish. For players who do not have access to a Rain Totem, checking the Traveling Cart on Fridays and Sundays may provide an alternative way to obtain Walleye, though its availability is random, and the price varies.
For players who want to catch Walleye outside of its usual seasons, Magic Bait offers a highly effective alternative. Magic Bait allows players to fish without any seasonal, weather, or time restrictions, making it possible to catch Walleye in Spring, Summer, or any time of day in any season. This can be particularly useful for those who missed their opportunity to catch Walleye during the Fall or who are trying to complete the Night Fishing Bundle at the Community Center.
Magic Bait can be purchased from Qi’s Walnut Room on Ginger Island for 5 Qi Gems per piece, while the recipe to craft additional Magic Bait is available for 20 Qi Gems. Once unlocked, players can craft Magic Bait using one Radioactive Ore and three Bug Meat per bait. While this method completely removes the usual restrictions for catching Walleye, Qi Gems are a late-game currency obtained through special challenges, making this option unavailable to players in the early stages of the game.
For those without access to Magic Bait, it is crucial to plan ahead to catch Walleye efficiently. Players should take advantage of every rainy Fall day to fish in the river, the mountain lake, or the Cindersap Forest pond. Upgrading to a better Fishing Rod and using Bait or Tackle can help make fishing more efficient by reducing the time between bites.
Once caught, Walleye can be used in several ways. It is required for the Night Fishing Bundle in the Community Center, and completing this bundle contributes to removing the Glittering Boulder, unlocking the ability to pan for ore. Walleye can also be used in cooking recipes such as Maki Roll and Sashimi, which restore health and energy. Additionally, players can place Walleye in a Fish Pond, where it will reproduce and generate Roe, which can be processed into Aged Roe to increase its value.
Since Walleye can be difficult to find due to its seasonal and weather-based restrictions, players should prepare in advance by keeping an eye on the weather forecast on TV or crafting Rain Totems to increase their chances of catching one. Those aiming to complete the Community Center should prioritize fishing on rainy Fall days to ensure they obtain Walleye before the season ends. Whether used for bundles, cooking, or selling for profit, Walleye is an important fish in Stardew Valley that requires careful planning and strategy to catch efficiently.
Other ways to obtain Walleye
If fishing isn’t your preferred method, there are several alternative ways to obtain Walleye in Stardew Valley. One option is searching garbage cans around Pelican Town during Fall and Winter, as Walleye can sometimes be found inside. However, this method is based on luck, and players should be cautious when rummaging through garbage during the day, as being caught by villagers lowers friendship. Checking garbage cans early in the morning or in secluded areas can help avoid being seen.
Another reliable way to acquire Walleye is through the Traveling Cart, which appears in Cindersap Forest on Fridays and Sundays until 8 PM. The Traveling Merchant may occasionally have Walleye in stock, with prices ranging from 315 to 1,000 gold. While the price can be high, purchasing Walleye from the cart can be useful for players who miss the fishing season or need it quickly for the Night Fishing Bundle at the Community Center. Since the Traveling Cart’s inventory is random, checking regularly increases the chances of finding Walleye for sale.
An additional way to obtain Walleye is through a pet cat, which has a small chance of gifting one to the player when maximum friendship is reached. While this method is unpredictable and not guaranteed, it provides an extra opportunity to receive Walleye without actively searching for it. Keeping a strong bond with the pet by interacting with it daily increases the chances of receiving gifts.
These alternative methods can be useful for players who struggle with fishing or prefer to focus on other activities. Whether found in garbage cans, purchased from the Traveling Cart, or received as a gift from a pet, Walleye remains an important fish for completing bundles, cooking recipes, or stocking a Fish Pond for Roe production. Since its availability outside of fishing is limited and unpredictable, players who need Walleye should take advantage of any opportunity to acquire it when it appears.
Fishing for Walleye
Walleye has a smooth behavior during the fishing mini-game, meaning it follows a steady movement pattern rather than making sudden jumps, making it easier to catch compared to more challenging fish. While not particularly difficult to reel in, maximizing the chances of catching Walleye efficiently requires the right fishing equipment. The Iridium Fishing Rod is the best choice, as it allows players to use both bait and tackle, improving their overall fishing experience.
Bait is essential for reducing the time it takes for a fish to bite, allowing for faster fishing sessions. Regular bait decreases the delay before a bite by 50%, while wild bait is even more effective, reducing the delay by 62.5% and occasionally granting players the ability to catch two fish at once. This makes wild bait a valuable option for players who want to catch multiple Walleye quickly.
Choosing the right tackle can further improve fishing efficiency, especially when trying to catch Walleye within its limited window from 12 PM to 2 AM. A spinner or dressed spinner is highly recommended, as both types of tackle reduce the maximum delay before a fish bites. The dressed spinner is the better option, cutting the wait time by 7.5 seconds, which can make a significant difference when trying to catch multiple fish in a single night.
Additionally, the trap bobber is useful for slowing down the rate at which fish escape, making it easier to keep Walleye within the catch zone during the fishing mini-game. This is particularly helpful for players who struggle with fishing or are using a lower-level Fishing Rod.
Since Walleye is only available during Fall on rainy days or in Winter with the use of a Rain Totem, being prepared with the best fishing gear ensures a higher success rate when attempting to catch it. Players who plan to fish for Walleye should also consider boosting their Fishing skill through food buffs, such as Dish o’ The Sea or Trout Soup, as a higher skill level improves the fishing bar size, making it easier to keep the fish contained. Taking advantage of all these tools and strategies ensures a smoother experience when fishing for Walleye, making it easier to collect for the Night Fishing Bundle, cooking, or stocking in a Fish Pond for Roe production.
Uses for Walleye
Walleye has several uses in Stardew Valley, making it a valuable fish to catch. One of its primary uses is in the Night Fishing Bundle, located in the Fish Tank at the Community Center. Completing this bundle rewards players with a Small Glow Ring, which provides a faint light around the player in dark areas. If playing with remixed bundles, a gold or iridium-quality Walleye is required for the Quality Fish Bundle in the Fish Tank. Completing the Quality Fish Bundle grants one serving of Dish o’ The Sea, which temporarily boosts the player’s Fishing skill by +3, making it easier to catch fish.
Although Walleye is not specifically required for any unique cooking or crafting recipes, it can be used in recipes that accept any type of fish.
This includes Maki Rolls, which restore health and energy,
Sashimi, which is a simple dish that can be gifted to most villagers,
and Quality Fertilizer, which improves soil quality for growing crops.
These recipes make Walleye useful beyond just fishing and bundle completion.
Walleye can also be used in tailoring. When placed in the spool of a Sewing Machine, it produces a Fishing Vest, though this item cannot be dyed. However, Walleye can still be used as a yellow dye at Emily and Haley’s house, allowing players to customize other clothing items.
In addition to its uses in crafting and tailoring, Walleye can occasionally be requested in Fall or Winter through the Help Wanted board outside Pierre’s General Store. Fulfilling this request rewards players with 315 gold and 150 friendship points with the villager who posted the request, making it a useful way to earn money and improve relationships.
Another way to make use of Walleye is by placing it in a Fish Pond. Walleye will reproduce every three days and has a 90% chance of producing one Roe per day. The Roe can be processed in a Preserves Jar to create Aged Roe, increasing its value. However, Walleye does not provide any additional drops regardless of the pond’s population size.
When it comes to gifting, Walleye is not particularly well-received by most villagers. Demetrius, Elliott, Leo, Linus, Pam, Sebastian, and Willy are neutral toward receiving Walleye as a gift, meaning it won’t significantly increase or decrease friendship. However, all other villagers either dislike or hate it, making it a poor choice for gifting unless there are no better options available.
Overall, Walleye is an important fish for completing bundles, crafting useful items, and stocking Fish Ponds for a steady supply of Roe. While it may not be the best choice for gifting, it remains a valuable catch for players looking to progress in Stardew Valley.
Prices
The base selling price of Walleye in Stardew Valley is 105 gold, with its value increasing based on quality. A silver-quality Walleye sells for 131 gold, while a gold-quality Walleye sells for 157 gold. The most profitable version, iridium-quality Walleye, sells for 210 gold. However, players who select certain fishing professions can significantly boost the selling price of Walleye.
The Fisher profession increases the value of all fish by 25%, raising the base price to 131 gold, silver-quality to 163 gold, gold-quality to 196 gold, and iridium-quality to 262 gold. For even greater profits, players who choose the Angler profession will see a 50% increase in fish prices, making base-quality Walleye worth 157 gold, silver-quality 196 gold, gold-quality 235 gold, and iridium-quality 315 gold.
Although Walleye is not the most valuable fish in Stardew Valley, it still serves as a reliable source of income, especially for players who take advantage of seasonal availability and fishing bonuses. Walleye is primarily caught during the fall on rainy days, but players can also use a Rain Totem in winter to increase the chances of finding it.
Using Magic Bait allows Walleye to be caught in any season, removing the usual weather and time restrictions. To maximize earnings, players should aim to catch Walleye with an Iridium Fishing Rod, using bait and tackle such as the Dressed Spinner or Trap Bobber to improve efficiency. A higher Fishing skill also increases the likelihood of catching higher-quality fish, further boosting profits.
Another way to generate income from Walleye is by placing it in a Fish Pond, which provides a steady supply of Roe. Walleye reproduce every three days in the pond and have a 90% chance of producing Roe daily. While Walleye do not provide any additional drops at higher pond population levels, the Roe they produce can be processed in a Preserves Jar to create Aged Roe, which sells for a higher price. This makes Fish Ponds a useful passive income source for players looking to make money from Walleye without actively fishing.
Players should also consider other ways to make use of Walleye before selling it. Walleye is required for the Night Fishing Bundle in the Community Center, which rewards players with a Small Glow Ring. In remixed bundles, a high-quality Walleye may be needed for the Quality Fish Bundle, which grants Dish o’ The Sea, a food item that boosts Fishing skill. Additionally, Walleye can be used in several recipes, including Maki Rolls, Sashimi, and Quality Fertilizer, all of which provide benefits beyond simple profit.
While Walleye may not be the highest-selling fish, it remains valuable for multiple aspects of the game, from bundle completion and cooking to passive income through Fish Ponds. By utilizing fishing skill bonuses, selecting the right professions, and processing Walleye into Aged Roe, players can maximize their earnings and make the most out of this seasonal fish.
