Shad
A river fish that runs upstream during certain seasons. Known for its annual spawning migrations.
Quick answer
Where to catch Shad in Stardew Valley
Catch Shad at River during Spring, Summer, Fall from 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM in rainy weather. It sells for 60g at normal quality and 120g when smoked.
River
Spring, Summer, Fall
9:00 AM - 2:00 AM, rainy weather
60g base, 120g iridium
60g Roe -> 120g Aged Roe
Spinner or Barbed Hook
Keep only if needed for bundles, gifts, cooking, or ponds
Is Shad worth keeping?
Keep Shad if it fills a bundle, recipe, gift, Fish Pond, or collection goal.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extra Shad when you need gold and do not have a specific use for it.
Fish Pond and Roe
A Shad Fish Pond can produce Roe, but output depends on pond population and daily rolls. Formula value: 60g Roe, then 120g Aged Roe.
Where & When to Find Shad
Location
- River
Found in rivers during spring, summer, and fall. Requires rain.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 45
EasyGood for building fishing XP
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 Shad
Requires rainy weather but available across three seasons. Good for rainy day fishing sessions.
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 | 60g |
| Silver | 75g |
| Gold | 90g |
| Iridium | 120g |
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 | 60g | 120g |
| Silver | 75g | 150g |
| Gold | 90g | 180g |
| Iridium | 120g | 240g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Shad
- Sashimi
- Fish pond
- Rain-dependent catch
Did You Know?
American shad were once so abundant they were a crucial food source for early colonists.