Secrets to Finding All Legendary Fish in Stardew Valley
Catching a legendary fish in Stardew Valley is one of the most satisfying (and challenging) achievements in the game. These rare fish are unlike any others in Pelican Town’s waters; they’re powerful, slippery, and only appear under specific conditions. Whether you’re looking to complete your fishing collection or simply show off your skills, here are the secrets to finding and catching every legendary fish in Stardew Valley.
What Are Legendary Fish?
Legendary fish are one-of-a-kind catches that appear only once per save file. You can’t catch multiple copies of the same one, and they’re much harder to reel in compared to regular fish. Each legendary fish has unique requirements, including specific weather, seasons, locations, and minimum fishing levels.
These fish are marked by their golden icons when you hook them, and reeling them in feels like an intense mini-boss battle on your fishing rod.
How to Find and Catch Every Legendary Fish
1. The Crimsonfish
The Crimsonfish is one of the most iconic legendary fish, glowing red like a flicker of fire beneath the waves. It lurks deep beyond the eastern pier, waiting for skilled players to cast far into the water. You’ll need to control your fishing bar carefully, as the Crimsonfish moves in fast, jerky patterns that test your reflexes.
Specifically, you can find the Crimson fish at the far east end of the beach, which can be reached after repairing the small bridge for 300 wood or purchasing the second community upgrade. You can find this fish during the summer in any weather and you’d need fishing level 5 or higher.
Pro Tip: Use the Trap Bobber tackle to slow down the fish’s escape rate. Combine this with Dish o’ The Sea to temporarily raise your fishing level for a better chance of success.
2. The Mutant Carp
The Mutant Carp is a grotesque, green-scaled fish lurking in the murky depths of the Sewers. To reach it, you’ll need to donate 60 items to the Museum to obtain the Rusty Key that unlocks the Sewers. Unlike other legendary fish, the Mutant Carp can be caught at any time of year in the sewers.
Pro Tip: Use food buffs to boost your fishing skill before entering the Sewers. The limited space means you’ll want to maximize your chances of hooking it quickly.
3. The Angler
The Angler is a good first legendary fish to target, especially for beginner anglers. This small yellow-green fish stays close to the surface and doesn’t dart as wildly as others. You’ll find it swimming in the river above JojaMart; simply stand on the wooden plank near the bridge and cast into the deeper water.
The Angler fish is ready to catch during Fall in any weather and requires fishing level 3 or higher.
Pro Tip: Even though it’s one of the easier legendary fish, bring bait and upgraded gear to make the process smoother. Timing and rhythm is key.
4. The Glacierfish
Hidden beneath icy waters, the Glacierfish is a strikingly blue creature that moves unpredictably beneath the frozen lake’s surface. To find the Glacierfish, stand at the southernmost point of Arrowhead Island (the small island in the cindersap forest lake) and cast your line toward the dark, deep patch of water.
Another way to describe where it is, go into Cindersap Forest, southern river below Leah’s Cottage.
Pro Tip: Equip a Cork Bobber to increase your fishing bar size. The Glacierfish loves to dart erratically, so smooth, controlled movements are essential. Patience will reward you with one of the most beautiful catches in the game.
5. The Legend
The Legend lives up to its name as the hardest fish to catch in Stardew Valley. Found in the Mountain Lake during a spring rainstorm, this shimmering green giant tests every ounce of your fishing skill. You’ll need to stand beside the fallen log at the lake’s northern edge and cast toward the deep water.
Its movements are quick and erratic, switching between long, sweeping motions and sudden bursts. Even with perfect timing, it may take several attempts before you succeed. The Legend requires fishing level 10 to catch.
Pro Tip: Equip the Iridium Rod, Trap Bobber, and Deluxe Bait, and eat Seafoam Pudding or Dish o’ The Sea for a fishing level boost. Be patient, catching The Legend is one of the most satisfying moments in the entire game.
Bonus: The Legendary II Fish (Update 1.5)
If you’re playing Stardew Valley 1.5 or later, you’ll encounter new versions of the legendary fish, such as the Son of Crimsonfish, Ms. Angler, and Glacierfish Jr. These “Legendary II” fish offer a fun challenge for experienced players and can be caught without affecting your original legendary fish collection.
Essential Tips for Legendary Fishing Success
Maximize Your Fishing Level: The higher your skill, the easier it is to control your bar and land these rare catches.
Use the Best Gear: Always fish with the Iridium Rod, and don’t forget your tackle and bait.
Aquire the Lure: When you unlock the Calico Desert which has the Skull Cavern, you’re going to notice that you’ll be getting a lot of curiosity lure from mobs, this is significant in helping your success rate at catching these legendary fish. Be sure to collect as much as you can.
Eat Buff Food: Dishes like Seafoam Pudding, Dish o’ The Sea, and Fish Stew give significant fishing bonuses.
Stay Patient: Legendary fish are designed to be difficult. If you fail, regroup, rebuff, and try again.
Choose the Angler Profession: This profession increases fish value and helps maximize your profit from rare catches, and when you’re done you can always change your profession back.
Legendary fish are more than rare collectibles; they are a badge of honor for any Stardew Valley player and are required to catch if you want to 100% Stardew Valley.
Whether you’re filling your house with fishing trophies or simply love the thrill of the chase, mastering these legendary fish is one of the most rewarding adventures Stardew Valley has to offer. Grab your Iridium Rod, prep your bait, and dive into the hunt; the waters of Pelican Town are waiting.