Eel
A slippery fish that's difficult to catch. Its snake-like body allows it to navigate tight spaces.
Quick answer
Where to catch Eel in Stardew Valley
Catch Eel at Ocean during Spring, Fall from 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM in rainy weather. It sells for 85g at normal quality and 170g when smoked; difficulty 70 makes tackle preparation important.
Ocean
Spring, Fall
4:00 PM - 2:00 AM, rainy weather
85g base, 170g iridium
72g Roe -> 144g Aged Roe
Trap Bobber or Barbed Hook
Keep only if needed for bundles, gifts, cooking, or ponds
Is Eel worth keeping?
Keep Eel if it fills a bundle, recipe, gift, Fish Pond, or collection goal.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extra Eel when you need gold and do not have a specific use for it.
Fish Pond and Roe
A Eel Fish Pond can produce Roe, but output depends on pond population and daily rolls. Formula value: 72g Roe, then 144g Aged Roe.
Where & When to Find Eel
Location
- Ocean
Found in the ocean during rainy spring or fall days.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 70
HardChallenging catch requiring skill
Smooth Behavior
Gradual, predictable movements. The fish moves steadily in one direction before changing.
Tip: Follow the fish smoothly. Anticipate direction changes and move gradually.
Expert Tips for Eel
Look for rainy evenings in spring or fall. The smooth behavior makes it manageable despite the difficulty.
Recommended Tackle
Trap Bobber
Slower catch bar drain
Best for: Difficult fish that move a lot
Barbed Hook
Clinging to fish
Best for: Smooth/mixed behavior fish
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 85g |
| Silver | 106g |
| Gold | 127g |
| Iridium | 170g |
Smoked Fish Value
The Fish Smoker uses 1 Coal and doubles the fish sell price while preserving quality. Fisher or Angler changes the fish value first; Artisan then increases the smoked product.
| Input Quality | Fish Value | Smoked Value |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 85g | 170g |
| Silver | 106g | 212g |
| Gold | 127g | 254g |
| Iridium | 170g | 340g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Eel
- Fried Eel recipe
- Spicy Eel recipe
- Night Market quest
Did You Know?
Eels have a mysterious life cycle—all American and European eels spawn in the Sargasso Sea.