The Stardew Valley 1.6 update introduced the exciting Trout Derby, a two-day fishing mini-festival that takes place on Summer 20th and 21st in Cindersap Forest, by the river near Marnie’s Ranch. The goal? Catch as many Rainbow Trout as possible, hoping they come with a coveted Golden Tag. These tags are your currency for exclusive prizes at the Derby Booth, and with the right strategy, you can maximize your haul!
What are Golden Tags?
Golden Tags are special, non-sellable items that you can obtain by catching Rainbow Trout during the Trout Derby. Each Rainbow Trout caught (outside of a Fish Pond) has a 33% chance to yield a Golden Tag. This chance increases if you catch multiple Rainbow Trout at once (e.g., 66% for two, 99% for three). You can only get one Golden Tag per catch, even if you reel in multiple fish. These tags carry over between days of the festival and even to subsequent years, so any you don’t use can be saved.
Top Tips to Maximize Your Golden Tag Haul
To make the most of the Trout Derby and rack up those Golden Tags, consider these pro tips:
1. Use Challenge Bait for Near-Guaranteed Tags
This is arguably the most impactful tip for Golden Tag farming. Challenge Bait, unlocked via the Fishing Mastery perk, offers a unique benefit: a “perfect” catch with Challenge Bait can yield up to three fish at once. Since each Rainbow Trout caught has a 33% chance for a Golden Tag, catching three at once with a perfect catch makes it nearly guaranteed (99%) that you’ll receive a Golden Tag.
How to get Challenge Bait: The recipe is a reward from the Fishing Mastery pillar in the Mastery Cave (requires Level 10 in all skills). It’s crafted using 5 Bone Fragments and 2 Moss.
2. Fish Perfectly, Every Time
Regardless of the bait you use, aiming for “Perfect” catches is crucial. A perfect catch means the fish never leaves your green fishing bar during the mini-game. Not only does this provide bonus fishing XP, but when combined with Challenge Bait, it’s what triggers the multi-fish catch, directly increasing your Golden Tag chances.
3. Upgrade Your Gear and Use Buffs
Make your perfect catches easier by optimizing your fishing setup:
- Cork Bobber: This tackle item significantly increases the size of your green fishing bar, making it much simpler to keep even the most erratic fish contained.
- Fishing Buffs: Consume food or drinks that provide a Fishing skill buff (e.g., Seafoam Pudding, Dish O’ The Sea, Lobster Bisque). A higher fishing level increases your fishing bar size and makes fish less erratic, further aiding perfect catches.
- Advanced Iridium Rod: If you’ve unlocked the Fishing Mastery, the Advanced Iridium Rod allows you to attach two bobbers, enabling you to combine a Cork Bobber with another useful tackle (like a Sonar Bobber to identify fish).
4. Prepare Your Bait Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until the Derby to scramble for bait.
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- Deluxe Bait: If you don’t have Challenge Bait, Deluxe Bait (crafted from 5 regular Bait and 2 Moss, or produced by a Deluxe Worm Bin) is your next best option. It makes fish bite faster and increases your fishing bar size.
- Rainbow Trout Bait: Put Rainbow Trout into a Bait Maker (Fishing Level 6 recipe) to create specific Rainbow Trout Bait. This bait significantly increases your chances of hooking Rainbow Trout, streamlining your catches during the event. Willy’s Fish Shop may also occasionally sell Rainbow Trout Bait.
5. Plan Your Festival Day Strategically
The Trout Derby is a “mini-festival,” meaning time passes normally and most shops/NPCs maintain their regular schedules.
- Early Start: Take care of essential farm chores (watering, animal care) early in the morning so you can dedicate the majority of the day to fishing.
- Fish the River: The festival takes place by the river in Cindersap Forest. Focus your fishing efforts there.
- Weather Doesn’t Matter: During the Derby, Rainbow Trout can be caught all day long, regardless of the weather, so don’t let a cloudy day deter you!
6. Leave Room in Your Inventory
Golden Tags themselves don’t take up much space, but the prizes you exchange them for can. Festival prizes can fill your inventory quickly, so ensure you have plenty of empty slots before you start exchanging tags at the booth. You can always save your Golden Tags for later if your inventory is full.
Trout Derby Prizes
The first Golden Tag you turn in at each Trout Derby will always reward you with a Tent Kit. After that, prizes are drawn from a list, and the order will cycle through them. Some notable prizes include
- Quality Sprinkler
- Deluxe Bait
- Triple Shot Espresso
- Warp Totem: Farm
- Mounted Trout (decoration)
- Diamond
- Omni Geode
- Crab Pot
- Bucket Hat (cosmetic)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does daily luck affect Golden Tag drop rates?
While general luck can influence treasure chests, the chance of getting a Golden Tag from a Rainbow Trout is primarily based on a fixed 33% chance per fish caught, multiplied by the number of fish caught simultaneously (e.g., with Challenge Bait). Some players report anecdotal evidence of luck influencing it, but the game’s code indicates a fixed chance per fish.
Can I save Golden Tags for next year’s Trout Derby?
Yes! Golden Tags can be saved for future use, so you don’t have to exchange them all at once.
Could you please let me know the exact location of the Trout Derby?
The Trout Derby takes place in Cindersap Forest, by the river south of Marnie’s Ranch.
Do I need a specific fishing level to participate?
No, anyone can participate. However, higher fishing levels, better rods, and specific baits/tackle will significantly increase your success rate.
What is the Tent Kit used for?
The Tent Kit is a one-time-use item that allows you to set up a temporary tent outdoors to sleep, save your game, and advance to the next day. It’s great for extended mining or foraging trips far from home.
Conclusion
The Trout Derby is a fun and rewarding event in Stardew Valley 1.6, offering a unique way to earn valuable items and resources. By preparing with the right bait and gear, focusing on perfect catches, and understanding the mechanics of Golden Tags, you can turn this mini-festival into a highly profitable and enjoyable experience. So, cast your line, aim for those perfect catches, and fill your inventory with Golden Tags!
Disclaimer: Game mechanics, item acquisition methods, and festival details are based on Stardew Valley version 1.6. Future game patches may change this information, which was accurate as of the last major update. Drop rates and specific rewards may vary. Always verify current game data for the most up-to-date information, or bookmark our website stardewvalleymods.org for the recent updates.
