How to Catch Better Fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons

Want to catch better fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons? This guide covers everything you need to know about shadow sizes, seasonal fish, bait usage, and rare catches. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, these tips will help you land the rarest fish and complete your Critterpedia in no time.

Fishing is one of the most relaxing and rewarding activities in Animal Crossing New Horizons. Whether you are trying to complete your museum donations or earn some bells, knowing how to catch better fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons makes all the difference. This guide will walk you through every trick, tip, and strategy you need to become a top-tier angler on your island.

From understanding fish shadows to timing your casts perfectly, we have got you covered. You will learn which fish are rare, where to find them, and how to avoid common mistakes that cost you big catches. Let us dive right in!

Key Takeaways

• Shadow Size Matters: Learning to identify fish shadows is the single most important skill for catching better fish.
• Use Fish Bait Wisely: Crafting and using fish bait can help you find specific fish more quickly.
• Know the Seasons: Many rare fish only appear during certain months, so timing is everything.
• Fish at the Right Time: Early morning and late afternoon are prime fishing windows in ACNH.
• Rainy Days Boost Rare Fish: Some rare species only appear when it rains, so keep your rod ready.
• Explore Every Body of Water: Rivers, ponds, and the ocean each host different fish species.

Understanding Fish Shadows in ACNH

One of the first things you need to master is reading fish shadows. Every fish in the game has a unique shadow size and shape. Learning these tells you exactly what is swimming below the surface before you even cast your line.

Shadow Sizes and What They Mean

Fish shadows come in four main sizes. Tiny shadows are usually small fish like minnows or killifish. Small shadows often indicate medium-sized fish. Medium shadows can be anything from common to somewhat rare species. Large shadows are where the big money fish live, and extra-large shadows almost always mean a rare or valuable catch.

Here is a quick breakdown of shadow sizes:

• Tiny: Small fish, usually common and low value.
• Small: Medium fish, some can be worth decent bells.
• Medium: Common to uncommon fish, varies in value.
• Large: Rare and valuable fish, worth hunting for.
• Extra-Large: The rarest fish in the game, often seasonal.

If you want to get better fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons, start by watching shadows. Do not cast immediately. Wait for the shadow you want. This simple patience trick alone will level up your fishing game.

How to Identify the Perfect Shadow

The perfect shadow depends on what you are hunting. If you want coelacanths or golden trout, you need to look for large or extra-large shadows. For common fish to donate to the museum, smaller shadows work fine. Always check your Critterpedia to confirm what shadow size your target fish has.

Getting better fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons starts with shadow recognition. Once you can read shadows confidently, you will never waste a cast again.

Best Times and Weather for Fishing

Timing plays a huge role in your fishing success. Not all fish appear at all times of day or in all weather conditions. Understanding when to fish will dramatically improve your catch rate.

Time of Day Matters

Fish activity changes throughout the day. Early morning, from 4 AM to 9 AM, is a great window for many species. Late afternoon, from 4 PM to 7 PM, also sees a lot of action. Night fishing from 7 PM onward brings out different fish entirely, including some rare nocturnal species.

Here are the best times to cast your line:

1. Early Morning (4 AM – 9 AM): Great for common and uncommon fish.
2. Late Afternoon (4 PM – 7 PM): Many valuable fish appear during this window.
3. Night (7 PM – 4 AM): Rare fish like the coelacanth come out after dark.

Rainy Day Fishing Bonuses

Rain changes everything. Some rare fish only appear on rainy days. The coelacanth, one of the most valuable fish in the game, is a rainy day exclusive in many months. If you see rain clouds rolling in, grab your fishing rod and head to the river or the ocean immediately.

Fishing in the rain is actually better for catching rare fish. Keep an umbrella handy and make the most of wet weather.

How to Use Fish Bait Effectively

Fish bait is a game-changer for anyone wondering how to catch better fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons. It lets you summon a fish right where you stand, which is incredibly useful when hunting for specific species.

Crafting Fish Bait

You can craft fish bait using manila clams. Dig up clams on the beach by pressing A near small holes in the sand. Each clam makes one bait. You can craft up to 10 bait at a time from a stack of clams.

Using bait is simple. Select the bait from your inventory and press A near any body of water. A fish will spawn almost immediately. The key advantage is that bait lets you target specific locations, which is perfect for farming rare fish.

When to Use Bait vs. Normal Fishing

Bait is best used when you are hunting for a specific fish. If you already know what shadow size and species you want, bait saves you from wasting time searching. However, bait does not guarantee a rare fish. It simply spawns a random fish from that location.

For the best results, use bait in areas where rare fish naturally spawn. The ocean edge and river mouths are great spots. Combining bait with the right time and weather gives you the highest chances of landing a prized catch.

Rare Fish and Where to Find Them

Every ACNH player dreams of catching the rarest fish. These high-value creatures sell for thousands of bells and are essential for museum completion. Let us look at some of the most sought-after fish and where to find them.

The Coelacanth

The coelacanth is the holy grail of Animal Crossing fishing. It sells for 15,000 bells and can only be caught in the ocean during rain or snow. It has a huge extra-large shadow, making it relatively easy to identify. The challenge is waiting for the right weather.

The Golden Trout

The golden trout is another rare beauty. It appears in river pools during specific months, usually between March and June and September and November. It requires a small shadow and appears between 4 PM and 9 AM. Finding one feels incredibly rewarding.

For more details on catching rare fish in your game, check out our guide on how to catch betta fish in Animal Crossing for additional tips on targeting specific species.

Seasonal Fish Checklist

Many fish are seasonal, meaning they only appear during certain months. Here are some tips for staying on top of seasonal spawns:

• Check your Critterpedia: It shows you which fish are currently available.
• Visit mystery islands: Some islands have fish you cannot find on your home island.
• Time travel carefully: Changing your console clock can unlock off-season fish, but it also resets all fish availability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players make mistakes when fishing. Avoiding these common errors will help you catch more fish and waste fewer resources.

Reeling In Too Early

The most common mistake is reeling in before the fish fully bites. Wait until the fish stops moving away from your line before you start reeling. If you pull too early, the fish escapes and you lose your bait.

Not Watching the Shadow

Many players cast immediately without checking the shadow. This leads to catching fish you do not want. Always watch the shadow first. If it is not the size you are looking for, walk upstream or downstream and try again.

Ignoring Weather and Seasons

Fishing without checking the weather or season is a missed opportunity. Rare fish are tied to specific conditions. If you are not paying attention to rain, time of day, and seasonal spawns, you are leaving big catches on the table.

Catching fish better means avoiding these simple mistakes. Patience and observation are your best tools.

Pro Tips for Leveling Up Your Fishing

Once you have the basics down, these pro tips will push your fishing skills to the next level.

Use a Curvecast

A curvecast lets you place your line exactly where you want it. To do it, hold the rod behind you and flick it forward. This takes practice but gives you much better control over where your line lands.

Explore Every Water Source

Ponds, rivers, and the ocean all have different fish. Do not limit yourself to one spot. Walk around your entire island and visit every body of water. You will be surprised at what you find in places you usually ignore.

Donate First, Sell Later

Blathers at the museum will accept every fish you donate. Selling fish is profitable, but donating first helps you complete your Critterpedia faster. Once you know which fish you have, focus on selling duplicates for bells.

For more advanced strategies, read our article on how to get better fish in New Horizons to discover even more ways to maximize your catches.

Conclusion

Catching better fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons is all about patience, timing, and knowledge. You now know how to read fish shadows, use bait effectively, fish at the right times, and avoid common mistakes. Apply these tips every time you pick up your fishing rod, and you will see a huge improvement in your catches.

Remember, the best fishers are the ones who pay attention to details. Watch the shadows. Check the weather. Time your casts. And most importantly, enjoy the process. Happy fishing, and may you land that elusive coelacanth soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rarest fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons?

The coelacanth is widely considered the rarest fish in ACNH. It only appears in the ocean during rainy or snowy weather and sells for 15,000 bells. Its large extra-large shadow makes it relatively easy to spot once it bites.

How do I get better fish shadows in Animal Crossing?

You cannot control shadow size directly. Instead, focus on reading shadows before casting. Wait for the shadow size that matches your target fish, and cast your line ahead of the shadow so the fish swims into your bobber naturally.

Does fish bait guarantee rare fish?

No, fish bait does not guarantee rare fish. It simply spawns a random fish from that water source. However, using bait in areas where rare fish naturally appear increases your overall chances of finding valuable species.

What weather is best for fishing in ACNH?

Rainy weather is the best for fishing because several rare fish only appear during rain. Snowy weather also brings out unique species. Clear days still offer good catches, but you miss out on rain-exclusive fish.

Can I catch betta fish in Animal Crossing New Horizons?

Betta fish are not a standard spawn in Animal Crossing New Horizons. However, learning to target specific fish species in the game helps you understand the mechanics of catching rare and valuable fish more effectively.

How many fish are there in Animal Crossing New Horizons?

There are over 80 fish species in ACNH. Each has its own shadow size, spawn time, season, and location. Completing your Critterpedia requires patience, exploration, and knowledge of all these factors.