How to Catch a Walleye in Stardew Valley: Time, Location, and Best Fishing Tips
If you're aiming to complete the Night Fishing Bundle in the Community Center or just want to add a valuable catch to your inventory, learning how to catch a Walleye in Stardew Valley is a must. This elusive fish only appears under specific conditions, making it one of the more challenging mid-tier fish to acquire.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about catching Walleye—including where to catch it, when it appears, weather conditions, and expert fishing tips to increase your success.
🎣 Where to Catch Walleye in Stardew Valley
Walleye can be caught in multiple freshwater locations, but only under the right circumstances.
✅ Walleye Locations:
Rivers – Pelican Town and Cindersap Forest
Mountain Lake – Located north of the Carpenter’s Shop
Cindersap Forest Pond – Offers one of the highest chances of hooking Walleye (up to 32% on rainy Fall days)
These locations give players flexibility, but the conditions for catching Walleye are strict.
🕒 When to Catch Walleye: Season, Time & Weather
Walleye have limited spawn conditions, making timing crucial.
Condition
Requirement
Season
Fall (or Winter with Rain Totem)
Time of Day
12:00 PM (noon) – 2:00 AM
Weather
Rainy days only
⚠️ Important: Walleye will not appear unless it's raining. Use a Rain Totem in Winter if you missed your Fall opportunity.
🧰 Best Gear & Tips for Catching Walleye
Although Walleye aren't the hardest fish in the game, their limited availability means you don’t want to waste the opportunity. Here’s how to maximize your chances.
🎣 Use a Good Rod
Fiberglass Rod – Allows bait
Iridium Rod – Allows both bait and tackle (recommended)
🪝 Equip the Right Tackle
Trap Bobber – Slows the progress bar decrease when the fish isn’t in the catch zone
Cork Bobber – Makes the catch bar larger for easier tracking
🐟 Bring Fishing Buffs
Dish o’ the Sea (+3 Fishing)
Seafoam Pudding (+4 Fishing)
These will make Walleye easier to reel in, especially for newer players with lower skill levels
📺 Check the Weather Forecast
Watch TV in your farmhouse to plan around rainy days
Use a Rain Totem to make it rain if needed (craftable at Foraging Level 9)
🛍️ Alternative Ways to Obtain Walleye
If you're struggling to catch Walleye, here are other ways to get one:
🛒 1. Traveling Cart
Appears in Cindersap Forest on Fridays and Sundays
Sells Walleye for 315–1,000g randomly
Check often—inventory rotates
🗑️ 2. Garbage Cans
In Fall and Winter, there’s a small chance of finding Walleye in garbage cans around town
Best searched early in the morning (avoid doing it while villagers are nearby—they’ll judge you!)
🧙 3. Use Magic Bait
Unlocked from Qi’s Walnut Room (Ginger Island)
Lets you catch any fish in any season, at any time, regardless of weather
Great if you’ve missed the Fall window
📦 What Is Walleye Used For?
Walleye has several in-game uses, making it more than just a bundle filler.
🧩 1. Community Center
Needed for the Night Fishing Bundle in the Fish Tank
Completing this bundle grants Glowstone Ring and helps restore the lake’s ecosystem
🍣 2. Cooking
Can be used in:
Maki Roll
Sashimi
Quality Fertilizer (with Sap)
🧶 3. Tailoring
Use Walleye in the Sewing Machine to make the Fishing Vest—a stylish and thematic clothing item
🐟 4. Fish Pond
Place Walleye in a Fish Pond to:
Produce Walleye Roe, which can be aged into Aged Roe for added profit
Generate quest items like green algae
🗓️ Walleye Quick Catching Checklist
Season: Fall (or Winter with Rain Totem)
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Weather: Rainy only
Location: River, Mountain Lake, Forest Pond
Gear Needed: Fiberglass/Iridium Rod, Bait
Optional Buffs: Dish o’ the Sea, Seafoam Pudding
🏁 Final Thoughts: Mastering Walleye Fishing in Stardew Valley
So, how do you catch a Walleye in Stardew Valley? Go fishing on a rainy Fall afternoon, between 12 PM and 2 AM, in a freshwater location like the River or Mountain Lake. Equip the best rod, bring fishing buffs, and you’ll have this essential fish in no time.
Whether you're completing bundles, cooking recipes, or just chasing 100% perfection, Walleye is a vital catch for every farmer.
