How to Catch a Tiger Trout in Stardew Valley: A Comprehensive Guide
Catching every fish in Stardew Valley is a badge of honor, a testament to your angling prowess and dedication to mastering all aspects of farm life. Some fish, like the humble sardine, are easily caught, while others, like the elusive Tiger Trout, require more skill, planning, and a little bit of luck. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to successfully reeling in a Tiger Trout and adding it to your collection, or perhaps turning it into a delicious dish.
## What is a Tiger Trout?
The Tiger Trout is a relatively rare fish found only in the river during the Fall and Winter seasons. What makes it tricky to catch is not necessarily its difficulty level (which is moderate at 50), but its limited availability and the specific conditions required for it to appear. Its sell price ranges from 150g to 300g, depending on quality (regular, silver, gold) and your Fisher profession. It can be used in recipes like Maki Roll, Quality Fertilizer, and Sashimi, or gifted to villagers (though not all of them are fans!).
## When and Where to Find Tiger Trout
* **Season:** Fall and Winter
* **Location:** River (anywhere in the river)
* **Time:** 6 AM to 7 PM (daytime)
* **Weather:** It must be raining or snowing. The Tiger Trout will *not* appear on sunny days during its active seasons.
The location is straightforward: the river. This encompasses the river running through Pelican Town, as well as the stretch south of Marnie’s Ranch and the Cindersap Forest. The crucial factor is the season (Fall and Winter) and the weather: Rain in Fall or Snow in Winter is mandatory. You can’t catch a Tiger Trout on a sunny Fall or Winter day, no matter how much you fish.
## Preparing for the Hunt: Essential Tools and Skills
Before heading out to the river, make sure you’re properly equipped. The following items and skills will greatly improve your chances of success:
* **Fishing Rod:** Obviously! You’ll need at least the Bamboo Pole (given to you by Willy) to start, but upgrading to the Fiberglass Rod (available at Fishing level 2) or the Iridium Rod (available at Fishing level 6) is highly recommended. The Iridium Rod allows you to use bait and tackle, which are invaluable for catching rarer fish.
* **Bait:** Bait reduces the time it takes for fish to bite. This is particularly helpful when trying to catch a specific fish within a limited timeframe. You can craft Bait using Bug Meat (obtained from killing bugs in the Mines) or purchase it from Willy’s Fish Shop.
* **Tackle:** Tackle provides various bonuses that can make fishing easier. Some recommended tackle for catching Tiger Trout include:
* **Trap Bobber:** Increases the “catch bar” size, making it easier to keep the fish within the bar. This is especially useful for fish with erratic movements.
* **Cork Bobber:** Increases the size of the fishing bar slightly. A simple, generally helpful option.
* **Spinner/Dressed Spinner:** Slightly increases the bite rate.
* **Fishing Skill:** Your Fishing skill level directly impacts the size of your fishing bar and reduces the difficulty of catching fish. Leveling up your Fishing skill is essential for catching rarer fish. Ways to increase your Fishing skill include:
* **Fishing:** The more you fish, the faster you level up your skill.
* **Eating food that grants Fishing buffs:** Dishes like Trout Soup, Dish o’ The Sea, and Seafoam Pudding temporarily increase your Fishing skill, making it easier to catch fish and increasing the chance of catching higher quality fish.
* **Luck:** Daily luck also plays a role in fishing. On days when your luck is high (as indicated by the Fortune Teller on TV), you’ll have a better chance of catching rare fish and finding treasure chests. Eating foods that boost your luck (like Lucky Lunch or Pumpkin Soup) can further improve your chances.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Catching a Tiger Trout
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get down to the specifics of catching a Tiger Trout:
1. **Check the Weather:** The first thing you need to do each morning during Fall or Winter is check the weather forecast on TV. You’re looking for rain in Fall or snow in Winter. If it’s a sunny day, don’t bother fishing for Tiger Trout; you won’t find any.
2. **Gather Your Supplies:** If it’s raining or snowing, gather your fishing rod, bait, and tackle. Equip your fishing rod with the bait and tackle of your choice. If you have food that boosts your Fishing skill or luck, eat it before heading out.
3. **Head to the River:** Make your way to the river. Any location along the river will work, but some spots are generally considered better than others. Places with more open water and fewer obstacles are often preferred. The river area in Cindersap Forest (south of your farm) can be a good option.
4. **Cast Your Line:** Find a good spot near the riverbank and cast your line. Aim for areas with bubbling water, as these spots are more likely to contain fish. The further you cast, the better your chances of catching a higher quality fish. Remember that you want to be fishing during the daytime hours of 6 AM to 7 PM.
5. **Wait for a Bite:** Be patient and wait for a fish to bite. The amount of time it takes for a fish to bite can vary depending on your Fishing skill, the bait you’re using, and your luck.
6. **Reel It In:** Once a fish bites, a mini-game will begin. The goal is to keep the fish icon within the green fishing bar. Use the mouse or the controller buttons to move the fishing bar up and down. If you can keep the fish within the bar for the duration of the mini-game, you’ll successfully catch it.
7. **Identify Your Catch:** After successfully reeling in the fish, you’ll see its name. If it’s a Tiger Trout, congratulations! If it’s not, don’t give up. Keep casting your line and trying again.
8. **Repeat:** Continue fishing throughout the day, or until the rain/snow stops, or until you’ve caught all the Tiger Trout you need. Remember that the Tiger Trout is relatively rare, so you may need to fish for several hours before catching one.
## Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Chances
* **Use Fishing Buffs:** Food that boosts your Fishing skill can significantly improve your chances of catching a Tiger Trout. Trout Soup, Dish o’ The Sea, and Seafoam Pudding are all excellent options.
* **Maximize Your Luck:** Fish on days when your luck is high, and eat foods that boost your luck, such as Lucky Lunch or Pumpkin Soup. The higher your luck, the better your chances of catching rare fish and finding treasure chests.
* **Upgrade Your Fishing Rod:** The Iridium Rod allows you to use bait and tackle, which are invaluable for catching rarer fish. Upgrade your fishing rod as soon as you can.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** The more you fish, the better you’ll become at the mini-game. Practice your fishing skills to improve your chances of successfully reeling in the Tiger Trout.
* **Location, Location, Location:** While Tiger Trout can be found anywhere in the river, some spots may be better than others. Experiment with different locations to find the spots that work best for you. Look for areas with bubbling water, as these spots are more likely to contain fish.
* **Patience is Key:** The Tiger Trout is a relatively rare fish, so you may need to fish for several hours before catching one. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch one right away. Keep casting your line and trying again.
* **Check the Traveling Cart:** While not a reliable method, the Traveling Cart that appears in the Cindersap Forest on Fridays and Sundays sometimes sells fish. Check the cart each week to see if the Tiger Trout is available. If it is, you can purchase it without having to fish for it, but it comes at a higher price.
* **Use a Tracker Mod (PC Only):** If you’re playing on PC, consider using a mod that tracks the location of fish. These mods can show you where fish are currently located, making it easier to find the Tiger Trout.
* **Pay Attention to the Fish’s Behavior:** Each fish has a unique movement pattern during the mini-game. Pay attention to the Tiger Trout’s behavior and adjust your fishing bar accordingly. The Tiger Trout tends to have somewhat erratic movements, so be prepared for sudden changes in direction.
## What to do with Your Tiger Trout
Once you’ve successfully caught a Tiger Trout, you have several options:
* **Sell it:** You can sell the Tiger Trout for a decent price, especially if it’s of high quality. This is a good option if you need to make some quick money.
* **Use it in Recipes:** The Tiger Trout can be used in several recipes, including Maki Roll, Quality Fertilizer, and Sashimi. Cooking these recipes can provide various benefits, such as increased energy or health.
* **Gift it to Villagers:** Some villagers like receiving fish as gifts. However, be careful, as not all villagers like the Tiger Trout. Check the Stardew Valley Wiki for a list of villagers who like or love fish as gifts.
* **Donate it to the Museum:** If you haven’t already, donate one Tiger Trout to the Museum. This will contribute to your museum collection and earn you rewards.
* **Use it for Quality Fertilizer:** Tiger Trout can be used to create Quality Fertilizer. This is a useful way to increase the quality of your crops.
## Gifting Preferences
Knowing who likes or dislikes the Tiger Trout can save you friendship points. Here’s a quick rundown:
* **Love:** No one loves Tiger Trout.
* **Like:** Demetrius, Elliott, Jas, Jodi, Kent, Krobus, Leo, Linus, Penny, Pierre, Robin, Sam, Sebastian, Vincent, Willy.
* **Neutral:** Abigail, Alex, Caroline, Clint, Evelyn, George, Gus, Haley, Lewis, Marnie, Maru.
* **Dislike:** Harvey, Leah, Pam, Sandy, Shane.
## Conclusion
Catching a Tiger Trout in Stardew Valley requires patience, preparation, and a bit of luck. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll significantly increase your chances of successfully reeling in this elusive fish. Remember to check the weather forecast, gather your supplies, head to the river, and be patient. With a little practice, you’ll be adding the Tiger Trout to your collection in no time. Happy fishing!