How to Catch Walleye in Stardew Valley: Essential Tips for Rainy Nights

Learning how to catch walleye in Stardew Valley takes a bit of timing and patience. It’s not a rare fish, but it only bites when the weather, season, and time line up just right. Walleye shows up on rainy fall nights and can be found in rivers, lakes, and the Cindersap Forest pond (if you’re prepared). 

You’ll need the right bait, a decent fishing rod, and a little luck with the weather report. This guide walks you through everything: where to find walleye, when to fish for it, and what to do with it once you’ve got one hooked.

How to Catch Walleye in Stardew Valley: Conditions and Locations

Walleye is a freshwater fish with very specific preferences. If you ignore those preferences, you could spend entire days casting into empty water. Knowing the right season, weather, time, and place makes a huge difference.

Prime Locations for Walleye

Walleye only spawns in freshwater. Cast your line into the river running through Pelican Town and Cindersap Forest, the Cindersap Forest pond, Mountain Lake, or the ponds on the Riverland and Forest farm layouts. Avoid the ocean and beach docks; saltwater never yields walleye.

When and How Weather Matters

Walleye bites only between noon and 2 a.m. on rainy days. Fall is its season, though Rain Totems make winter rain possible. You have plenty of time to hook one, but other conditions make it a bit finicky. 

Magic Bait and Farm Ponds

Two exceptions can simplify your walleye hunt. Magic Bait lets fish ignore time and weather, so walleye will bite on any day if you attach it to a fiberglass or iridium rod; use it sparingly because it’s pricey. On Riverland or Forest farm layouts, your ponds count as walleye habitats, which allows you to fish at home during rainy fall afternoons or rainy winter days with a Rain Totem.

If you enjoy farming life sims beyond walleye fishing, our best farming games on Switch guide highlights more cozy titles for your next adventure.

Essential Gear and Techniques for How to Catch Walleye in Stardew Valley

Once you know when and where to fish, proper equipment makes landing walleye straightforward. Upgrading your rod, choosing the right bait and tackle, and improving your fishing skills can turn a frustrating experience into a relaxing routine.

• Upgrade Your Fishing Rod: Early in the game Willy gives you a Bamboo Pole, which works but slows your progress. Upgrade to a Fiberglass Rod at level 2 so you can attach bait, then upgrade again to an Iridium Rod at level 6 for tackle support. Upgrades make fishing much easier.
• Choose the Right Bait and Tackle: Bait shortens the wait for a bite. Regular bait is inexpensive and works fine, while wild bait can occasionally hook two fish at once. Tackle affects the catch bar: the Trap Bobber slows the rate at which the bar shrinks when the fish isn’t within it, and the Cork Bobber enlarges the bar. Use the Trap Bobber to make the minigame easier or switch to the Cork Bobber once you’re comfortable and want higher‑quality fish.
• Master the Fishing Minigame: Walleye moves smoothly, so it’s easier to follow than darting fish. In the minigame, tap the button gently to keep the green bar aligned with the fish sprite; perfect catches award extra experience and improve quality.
• Prepare for Your Trip: Check the weather in the morning and finish your chores before noon on rainy fall days. Bring a snack for energy and keep some inventory space free for your catch.

Alternative Ways to Obtain Walleye in Stardew Valley

Sometimes the RNG gods refuse to send rain, or you simply don’t feel like standing by a river all night. Luckily, there are other ways to obtain walleye that don’t involve casting a line. These options are handy when the standard method isn’t working.

• Forage and Gifts: There’s a small chance of finding walleye in Pelican Town’s garbage cans during fall and winter. Your pet might even drop one off. These are lucky bonuses that help when you’re still figuring out how to catch walleye in Stardew Valley.
• Buy from the Traveling Cart: On Fridays and Sundays a merchant visits Cindersap Forest. She sometimes sells walleye, but the price is steep. This option helps if you’re on a deadline and have gold to spare.
• Build a Fish Pond: After catching one walleye, drop it in a Fish Pond on your farm. Fish reproduce over time and the pond yields yellow roe for extra profit. This hands‑off method ensures a steady supply without relying on rain.
• Explore Other Fishing Challenges: Once you’ve landed a walleye, tackle another tricky fish. Our guide on where to catch catfish in Stardew Valley explains where and when to find catfish, which also thrive on rainy days but in different spots. It’s a fun next step for anglers looking to master Pelican Town’s waters.

What to Do with Walleye: Bundles, Cooking, and Crafting

Walleye isn’t just another checkbox in your collection; once you’ve mastered how to catch walleye in Stardew Valley, you’ll want to put it to good use. It plays an important role in community progress and everyday gameplay.

Community Center Bundles

Walleye appears in two Fish Tank bundles. One Night Fishing Bundle needs one walleye, while the Quality Fish Bundle asks for a gold or iridium‑quality walleye along with other fish. Completing these bundles earns you useful tools and brings you closer to restoring the Community Center.

Cooking and Crafting

Turn walleye into tasty dishes like Maki Roll and Sashimi to restore health and energy. Combine it with sap to make Quality Fertilizer, which improves soil and crop quality. You can also turn walleye into a Fishing Vest or yellow dye using the sewing machine.

Quests and Gifts

Sometimes villagers ask for walleye on the Help Wanted board. Delivering one pays gold and builds friendship. Most villagers are neutral toward fish as gifts, so only give walleye when someone specifically requests it.

If you’re looking for new experiences, browse our list of wholesome games like Stardew Valley. It highlights relaxing games with farming and fishing mechanics for a similar cozy vibe.

Final Thoughts: Mastering How to Catch Walleye in Stardew Valley

Learning how to catch walleye in Stardew Valley is all about matching the fish’s habits. Stick to rainy freshwater locations between noon and 2 a.m., upgrade your gear, and use bait and helpful tackle. If rain won’t come, try alternative methods like garbage cans, the Traveling Cart, or a Fish Pond. After catching walleye, add it to bundles, recipes, or crafting projects to reap the rewards.

If you’ve never visited Pelican Town or want to relive the experience, pick up a Stardew Valley game key from our store. It’s an affordable ticket to farming, fishing, and building friendships in one of the coziest games around. Happy fishing!

FAQs

Where can I find walleye in Stardew Valley?

To find walleye in Stardew Valley, you need to fish in freshwater locations like the Pelican Town river, the Cindersap Forest pond, the Mountain Lake, or your farm’s ponds on the Riverland and Forest farm layouts. These spots only produce walleye on rainy fall days or winter days when you use a Rain Totem.

What time can I catch walleye in Stardew Valley?

You can catch walleye in Stardew Valley between 12 p.m. and 2 a.m. The fish is nocturnal, so start fishing after midday and continue into the night. I usually head out at noon to give myself a full afternoon and evening of casting before my character collapses at 2 a.m.

Can I catch walleye in winter in Stardew Valley?

Yes, you can catch walleye in winter in Stardew Valley, but you need a Rain Totem to make it rain. Winter doesn’t bring natural rainfall, so crafting or buying a Rain Totem is essential if you want to fish for walleye during the snowy months.

Do I need rain to catch walleye in Stardew Valley?

Yes, you need rain to catch walleye in Stardew Valley unless you use Magic Bait. Walleye only spawns during rainy weather in fall or winter (with a Rain Totem). Magic Bait bypasses weather requirements, allowing you to catch walleye anytime, but it must be used with a fiberglass or iridium rod.

What is the best bait or tackle for catching walleye in Stardew Valley?

The best tackle for catching walleye in Stardew Valley is the Trap Bobber, which slows the rate at which the fish escapes during the minigame. Pair it with regular bait to reduce the time between bites. As your fishing skill increases, you can switch to a Cork Bobber to increase the size of the catch bar for higher‑quality walleye.