Summary
Introduced in the 1.6 update ofStardew Valley, theFish Smokeris ahighly profitablemachine that doubles the value of any fish placed inside, requiring just oneCoalto operate. The quality of the fish is transferred to the smoked fish, meaning iridium-quality fish will produce iridium-quality smoked fish.
When combined with the Artisan, Fisher, and Angler professions, the base value of smoked fish is multiplied by 4.2, making these professions vital for players looking to maximize their profits from Fish Smokers. This list ranks the most profitable fish for the Fish Smoker, factoring in both their value and the difficulty of catching them when the value is identical and detailing how to catch them.
1Lava Eel
Can Be Caught In All Seasons
TheLava Eelis ahighly valuable fishavailable year-round inStardew Valley. It can be found at both level 100 of the Mines and in the Volcano Caldera, where it is the only fish present.
Although it’s challenging to catch and requires level 7 fishing, a single smoked Lava Eel can fetch 5,880g with the optimal combination of professions and iridium quality. It’s definitely worth trying to catch in bulk to maximize profits from Fish Smokers, but tends to be best to aim for later in the game.
2Ice Pip
Difficult To Catch, But Very Profitable
Like the Lava Eel, theIce Pipis available year-round in the Mines. Found on floor 60, it is one of two fish in the pond there, alongside the Ghostfish.
As with all fish, the chances of catching multiple Ice Pips increase significantly with targeted bait. This bait can be crafted in the Bait Maker, where placing one Ice Pip inside yields 5-10 Ice Pip Bait. If a player has a Fish Pond with Ice Pips, they can catch one every 5 days once the pond’s capacity reaches 10, as the fish regenerate at that point.
3Blobfish
A Good Choice, But Not Readily Available
TheBlobfishis available for just three days during the entire year inStardew Valley. Found in the Submarine at the Night Market, it can be caught from the 15th to the 17th of Winter.
As one of three exclusive fish available from the Submarine, the Blobfish has a 10% catch rate, making it the most difficult to catch. However, the catch rate can be improved with higher fishing levels, bait, and certain food items. The Blobfish’s ‘Floater’ behavior style, characterized by fast upward acceleration, is shared with only one other fish: thePufferfish.
4Stonefish
Easy To Catch With A Good Max Value
Available throughout the entire year inStardew Valley, theStonefishcan be found on floor 20 of the Mines. Along with theOctopus, it is one of only two fish that can becaught with a fishing rodthat cannot be eaten unless prepared in a recipe.
The Stonefish is typically available early in the game, as it can be found relatively early in the Mines. Depending on the player’s skill, it should take about one in-game week to reach the floor where it resides.
5Super Cucumber
Can Be Caught In Two Seasons
TheSuper Cucumbercan be caught during Summer and Fall at the beach or on the beach farm from 6 PM to 2 AM and at all times in the sea around Ginger Island. It also has a chance to appear in the Submarine during the Night Market Festival, from the 15th to the 17th of Winter.
Moreover, the Super Cucumber can be caught year-round at any time in the sea usingMagic Bait, a valuable tool for catching it in bulk. When smoked, it fetches quite a high price, especially when paired with the Fisher, Angler, and Artisan professions.
6Spook Fish
Another Submarine Fish With A Good Price
Caught from 5 PM to 2 AMduring the Night Market, theSpook Fishis another highly profitable option for Fish Smokers. With a higher catch rate and a significantly easier difficulty level than theBlobfish, the Spook Fish is an accessible and sustainable choice for regular catches in the Submarine.
It can also be caught usingMagic Baitby fishing in the bottom-left corner of the beach, near the pier, facing left. However, the catch rate is only 3.3%.
7Catfish
Available Early Game And Can Be Caught In Bulk
TheCatfishisprimarily found in rivers, commonly caught in Cindersnap Forest or Pelican Town, but can also be found in the Secret Woods or Witch’s Swamp. It is available from 6 AM to 12 AM on rainy days during both Fall and Spring and throughout Summer in the Secret Woods and Witch’s Swamp.
Since the Catfish is available early in the game, it’s an excellent option for making money quickly, as catching it in bulk with good bait is easily accessible. Moreover, Catfish can be found in several other ways, such as in Garbage Cans and the Traveling Cart.
8Sturgeon
Harder To Catch Than The Catfish
Sturgeoncan be caught in both Summer and Winter at the Mountain Lake from 6 AM to 7 PM, but it is also available in other ways. It can appear inKrobus' shop on Wednesdays, at the Traveling Cart, or be gifted by a pet cat with maximum friendship.
Most players will eventually have a Fish Pond with Sturgeon, asCaviaris needed for the Missing Bundle in the abandoned Joja Mart. Sturgeon regenerate in a Fish Pond every 4 days, allowing players to regularly fish them out and smoke them for a steady profit.
9Pufferfish
Good Price, But Hard To Catch
In Summer,Pufferfishcan be caught in the ocean from 12 PM to 4 PM on sunny days at both the Beach and Beach Farm. It is also available year-round on Ginger Island, in both Ginger Island South and Ginger Island West.
Pufferfish has a chance of appearingin the Traveling Cartfor 600-1,000g and can be found in Garbage Cans during Summer. Despite its high difficulty rating, it has a steady catch rate, making it a great option for bulk smoking in the Fish Smoker.
10Stingray
A Good Option To Catch In Bulk
Available only inside the Pirate Cove on Ginger Island, theStingrayis a good-value fish that’s relatively easy to catch in bulk due to its single location. It can be caught during any season and at any time of day.
While not the highest-value fish, its high catch rate provides a steady source of income once Ginger Island is unlocked. At iridium quality and with the right professions, a smoked Stingray can fetch up to 1,512g per fish, a significant increase from its base value.
