stardew what fish to keep

Stardew Valley: Best Fish to Keep & Why

By Joseph RodriguezDecember 11, 2025

In the enchanting world of Stardew Valley, fishing is a beloved pastime that yields a variety of rewards, from unique items to valuable gold. But with over 100 fish species to catch, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to keep. This guide will help you determine the best fish to keep in Stardew Valley, focusing on their value, rarity, and usefulness.

First, let's understand why you might want to keep certain fish. Some fish are worth more gold than others, making them valuable for selling. Others are required for quests or crafting recipes. Additionally, some fish are only available during specific seasons or in certain locations, making them rare and sought after by collectors.

Most Valuable Fish to Keep

The gold value of a fish is an essential factor to consider when deciding which ones to keep. Here are some of the most valuable fish in Stardew Valley:

the stardew valley fish pond is an excellent place to learn how to use it

a fish pond with different types of fish and their locations in it, including the water

1. **Mutant Carp**: This fish is worth a whopping 2,500g, making it the most valuable fish in the game. However, it's also the rarest, with a 0.1% chance of appearing in the Sewers or the Mountain Lake.

Other High-Value Fish

While not as valuable as the Mutant Carp, these fish are still worth keeping for their high gold value:

the river fish map is shown in this image

a poster with different types of fish and sea creatures on it's sides, including the

1. **Legend**: Worth 1,500g, the Legend fish can be caught in the Mountain Lake during Spring and Summer.

2. **Avalanche**: Worth 1,200g, this fish can be caught in the Mountain Lake during Winter.

Fish Worth Keeping for Other Reasons

Some fish may not be worth as much gold, but they're still valuable for other reasons:

an image of some different types of fish

Printable Digital File Stardew Valley Tracker Fishing Collection Order - Etsy

the different types of fish that can be found in this video game, and what they are

the stardew valley fishing secrets poster is shown in black and white with an image of

1. **Crayfish**: While only worth 100g each, Crayfish are required for several quests and recipes. They can be caught in the Sewers and the Mountain Lake.

2. **Shad**: Worth 250g, Shad are needed for the 'A Grubby Little Hands' quest. They can be caught in the Ocean during Spring.

Rare and Seasonal Fish

Some fish are only available during specific seasons or in certain locations, making them rare and sought after by collectors. Here are some examples:

Tuna: Catching, Fish Pond Farming, and More

a poster with the words fish to save for fields of misria in it's center

a board game with lots of different items and numbers on the board, including fish

Stardew Valley Fish Ponds Guide – How to Build & Profit Tips

the different types of animals that are in each language and their respective body color scheme

the best fish pond game is shown in this screenshoter's screen shot

Steam Community :: Guide :: Fishing Guide [Outdated/Not Being Updated]

1. **Piranha**: Worth 1,000g, Piranhas can only be caught in the Ocean during Summer.

2. **Octopus**: Worth 600g, Octopuses can only be caught in the Ocean during Fall.

Fish Available Only in Certain Locations

These fish can only be caught in specific locations, making them rare and valuable:

1. **Slimy Catfish**: Worth 400g, this fish can only be caught in the Sewers.

2. **Drumfish**: Worth 300g, Drumfish can only be caught in the Mountain Lake.

In conclusion, deciding which fish to keep in Stardew Valley depends on your goals. If you're after gold, focus on catching high-value fish like the Mutant Carp and Legend. If you're a collector, prioritize rare and seasonal fish. And if you're working on quests or recipes, don't forget to keep fish like Crayfish and Shad. Happy fishing!