Salmon
Swims upstream to spawn. This iconic fish makes one of nature's most challenging migrations.
Quick answer
Where to catch Salmon in Stardew Valley
Catch Salmon at River during Fall from 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM in any weather. It sells for 75g at normal quality and 150g when smoked.
River
Fall
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM, any weather
75g base, 150g iridium
67g Roe -> 134g Aged Roe
Spinner or Barbed Hook
Keep only if needed for bundles, gifts, cooking, or ponds
Is Salmon worth keeping?
Keep Salmon if it fills a bundle, recipe, gift, Fish Pond, or collection goal.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extra Salmon when you need gold and do not have a specific use for it.
Fish Pond and Roe
A Salmon Fish Pond can produce Roe, but output depends on pond population and daily rolls. Formula value: 67g Roe, then 134g Aged Roe.
Where & When to Find Salmon
Location
- River
Found in rivers during fall. One of the more accessible fall fish.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 50
MediumModerate challenge
Mixed Behavior
Unpredictable movement that alternates between different patterns. Requires adaptability.
Tip: Stay centered and react to changes. Don't commit too heavily to one direction.
Expert Tips for Salmon
A relatively easy fish that's common in fall. Great for building up fishing experience or completing bundles.
Recommended Tackle
Spinner
Faster bite rate
Best for: Farming XP quickly
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 | 75g |
| Silver | 93g |
| Gold | 112g |
| Iridium | 150g |
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 | 75g | 150g |
| Silver | 93g | 186g |
| Gold | 112g | 224g |
| Iridium | 150g | 300g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Salmon
- Salmon Dinner ingredient
- Sashimi
- Quality fertilizer
Did You Know?
Real salmon are anadromous, meaning they're born in freshwater, live in the ocean, and return to freshwater to spawn.