The Trout Derby is Stardew Valley’s summertime fishing event, where players can earn Golden Tags for limited-time prizes. This guide covers everything you need: how the Golden Tags work, how to get the most out of the event, and expert strategies backed by official sources and top Stardew pros.
What Is the Trout Derby? Dates, Times & Location
- Dates: Summer 20 & 21 (in-game calendar, every summer)
- Time: 6:10 AM – 2:00 AM
- Location: Cindersap Forest, by the river near Marnie’s Ranch
- Open Festival: No map blockages—you can come and go freely. Shops remain open, and animals need care as usual.
How to Get Golden Tags (Official Mechanics)
- Golden Tag Source: Catch Rainbow Trout in the Derby area.
- Chance per Trout: Every Rainbow Trout has a 33% chance to award a Golden Tag.
- Catching 2 at once: 66% chance
- 3 at once (with perfect Mastery/Challenge Bait): 99% chance
- Only one Golden Tag is possible per catch, no matter how many trout.
- Treasure Chests: If you catch a treasure chest with your rainbow trout, the golden tag will be found in the chest.
- Persistence: Golden tags don’t expire—carry them over to the next Derby if you don’t spend them.
Trout Derby Rewards: Complete List
Golden tags are exchanged at the event booth for prizes. The first prize is always the Tent Kit, letting you camp anywhere! Most prizes require just one tag each, and you can return in future years to collect them all:
- Tent Kit
- Bucket Hat
- Crab Pot
- Diamond
- Mounted Trout
- 3 Mystery Boxes
- 20 Deluxe Bait
- 2 Triple Shot Espressos
- Quality Sprinkler
- 3 Warp Totem: Farm
- 3 Omni Geodes
Top Tips to Maximize Golden Tags
- Use Challenge Bait: It guarantees three fish on a perfect catch and nearly guarantees a golden tag each time.
- Fish Perfectly: Aim for “Perfect” catches (especially with Challenge Bait) for more fish per catch and higher odds of Golden Tags.
- Upgrade Gear: Use cork bobbers or buffs to make perfect catches easier.
- Prepare Bait Ahead: Stock up on trout or challenge bait before the festival (Willy’s shop sells trout bait sometimes).
- Plan Your Festival Day: Take care of farm chores early, then fish the river all festival long—weather doesn’t matter for trout during the Derby.
- Leave Room in Inventory: Festival prizes can fill your pack quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I catch rainbow trout regardless of the weather during the derby?
Yes. Weather restrictions are lifted for Rainbow Trout ONLY during the Trout Derby event.
What happens if I catch multiple rainbow trout in one cast?
Your chance of earning a Golden Tag increases, but you’ll receive only one tag per cast—never more.
Can I use Golden Tags next year?
Yes! Tags are saved from year to year if you don’t use them all.
Is the event time-limited per day?
Yes. You can only fish in the derby from 6:10 AM to 2:00 AM each day.
Are there any exclusive festival areas, or is it an open world?
The Derby is open—no blocked-off areas. Shops/homes operate as usual, and you need to feed animals manually.
Jump in, collect those Golden Tags, and enjoy Stardew’s most relaxed fishing festival! The Trout Derby is a refreshing break from the usual farm routine, offering players a fun and rewarding fishing challenge with plenty of exclusive prizes. By mastering the art of perfect catches and using Challenge Bait, you’ll maximize your Golden Tag haul and unlock fantastic rewards that can elevate your gameplay.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to Stardew Valley’s festivals, the Trout Derby is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy summer in-game while building your collection. Don’t forget to plan ahead and savor every moment of this relaxing yet thrilling event!
