Stardew Valley: Best Fish to Keep in Your Pond

Embarking on the idyllic journey in Stardew Valley, you'll find yourself with a plethora of tasks to undertake, from farming and fishing to building relationships and managing your own pond. Speaking of ponds, have you ever wondered which fish to keep in your pond for optimal aesthetics and gameplay benefits? Let's dive in and explore the best fish to populate your Stardew Valley pond.

Before we delve into the specifics, it's crucial to understand that fish in Stardew Valley not only add a touch of beauty to your pond but also serve practical purposes. Some fish can be sold for profit, while others are essential for completing bundles or quests. So, let's get started and discover the best fish to keep in your pond.

Fish for Aesthetics and Profit

If you're aiming to create a visually appealing pond or want to focus on earning some extra gold, consider keeping the following fish:

1. **Largemouth Bass**: This fish is not only one of the most visually appealing but also one of the most profitable. It sells for a hefty 1,200g, making it an excellent choice for those looking to make a quick buck.

Large Mouth Bass Spawning

The Largemouth Bass can be caught or obtained through fishing or purchasing from the Old Mariner's shop. To increase your chances of catching one, fish in the Mountain Lake or the Lake of Light during the spring and summer seasons.

Once you have a pair, ensure they're in a large enough pond (5x5 or larger) and have a Lily Pad for them to spawn on. After spawning, you'll find baby Largemouth Bass in your pond, which you can then sell or keep.

Other Profitable Fish

While the Largemouth Bass is the most profitable, other fish can also contribute to your wealth:

• Pike: Sells for 800g and can be caught in the Mountain Lake or the Lake of Light.
• Catfish: Sells for 700g and can be caught in the Sewers or the Mountain Lake.

Fish for Bundles and Quests

Certain fish are essential for completing bundles and quests in Stardew Valley. If you're aiming to achieve 100% completion, you'll want to keep these fish in mind:

1. **Mutant Carp**: This peculiar fish is required for the "Mutant Bug Lair" bundle and can be caught in the Sewers or the Mountain Lake. Keep a few in your pond to ensure you have them on hand when needed.

Mutant Carp Spawning

The Mutant Carp can be caught using a Fishing Rod with a level of 4 or higher. To increase your chances of catching one, fish in the Sewers or the Mountain Lake during the summer season.

Once you have a pair, place them in a 3x3 or larger pond with a Lily Pad for spawning. After spawning, you'll find baby Mutant Carp in your pond, which you can then keep or sell.

Other Essential Fish

While the Mutant Carp is the most crucial for bundles and quests, other fish can also be helpful:

• Shark: Required for the "Crab Pot" bundle and can be caught in the Ocean or the Lake of Light.
• Tuna: Required for the "Fish Tank" bundle and can be caught in the Ocean or the Lake of Light.

In conclusion, when deciding which fish to keep in your Stardew Valley pond, consider a mix of aesthetics, profit, and gameplay benefits. By strategically choosing and breeding fish, you'll not only create a beautiful pond but also unlock various rewards and achievements. Happy fishing!