Fishing is one of the most rewarding skills in Stardew Valley, offering both profit and essential crafting materials. Among the many fish you can catch, the sturgeon stands out as one of the most valuable. Not only does it sell for a good price, but it is also the only source of sturgeon roe, which is needed to produce caviar, a highly profitable artisan good.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about catching sturgeon in Stardew Valley, including where to find it, the best times to fish, uses, and tips for maximizing profit.
What is a sturgeon in Stardew Valley?
The sturgeon is a rare freshwater fish in Stardew Valley. It is considered one of the harder fish to catch due to its challenging movement pattern, but it is also one of the most rewarding. Players can catch it in specific locations during certain seasons.
- Difficulty Level: 78 (hard to catch)
- Behavior: Darting (moves quickly and unpredictably)
- Base Sell Price:
- Normal: 200g
- Silver: 250g
- Gold: 300g
- Iridium: 400g
Because of its high price and unique role in producing caviar, sturgeon is highly sought after by players who want to maximize their farm’s income.
Where to Catch Sturgeon in Stardew Valley
The sturgeon can only be caught in Mountain Lake, located just east of the Carpenter’s Shop and north of the town.
Sturgeon Location Details:
- Season: Summer and Winter only
- Time of Day: 6 AM – 7 PM
- Weather: Any (both sunny and rainy days)
- Fishing Level Requirement: None, but higher levels make catching easier
This limited availability makes sturgeon one of the rarer fish, so it’s wise to plan ahead and dedicate fishing sessions during these seasons.
How to Increase Your Chances of Catching Sturgeon
Catching a sturgeon can be frustrating if you’re unprepared, but with the right setup, you’ll improve your odds:
- Upgrade Your Fishing Rod
Use at least the Fiberglass Rod (unlocked at Fishing Level 2) so you can use bait. The Iridium Rod is the best, allowing both bait and tackle. - Use Bait and Tackle
- Bait speeds up bite times.
- Trap Bobber helps keep the fishing bar on the fish, which is especially useful since sturgeon dart around quickly.
- Level Up Fishing
Each level increases your fishing bar size, making it easier to catch tough fish like sturgeon. - Eat Buff Foods
Foods like Dish o’ the Sea (+3 Fishing) can greatly improve your success rate.
Sturgeon Uses in Stardew Valley
The sturgeon isn’t just a rare catch—it has multiple important uses in the game.
1. Community Center Bundle
- Required for the Lake Fish Bundle in the Fish Tank. Completing this bundle helps unlock the Glittering Boulder Removal, allowing you to pan for ores.
2. Fish Pond
Placing a Sturgeon in a Fish Pond is one of the best long-term investments in the game.
- Produces Sturgeon Roe, which can be processed into Caviar with a Preserves Jar.
- Caviar sells for 500 g, making it one of the most profitable artisan goods.
3. Cooking and Crafting
While sturgeon isn’t used in any cooking recipes, it is a key ingredient for artisan production.
4. Gifting
Most villagers dislike sturgeon as a gift, but it can be used in niche cases if needed.
Profit Potential: Sturgeon vs. Caviar
Selling sturgeon directly can be profitable, but the real money comes from turning sturgeon roe into caviar.
- Sturgeon (Gold Quality): 300g
- Caviar: 500g (regardless of Sturgeon quality)
If you have the Artisan Profession (+40% on artisan goods), caviar sells for 700g each. Over time, a Sturgeon Fish Pond will become one of the most consistent sources of passive income in Stardew Valley.
Tips for Farming Sturgeon Efficiently
- Catch Several Sturgeon Early
Aim to catch at least two during the summer or winter of your first year. This ensures you can stock your fish pond. - Upgrade to Fish Pond Quickly
Once built, you can start collecting sturgeon roe daily, giving you a steady supply of caviar. - Expand Pond Capacity
Complete quests from your Fish Pond to increase capacity and maximize production. - Prioritize Caviar Over Selling Fish
Selling sturgeon directly is good, but caviar yields far greater long-term profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season to catch Sturgeon in Stardew Valley?
You can catch sturgeon in summer and winter, between 6 AM and 7 PM at the mountain lake.
Why is sturgeon so rare?
Sturgeon has limited spawn conditions and is one of the more difficult fish to reel in due to its darting movement.
Can you catch sturgeon in spring or fall?
No, Sturgeon only appears in summer and winter.
Is it better to sell sturgeon or put them in a fish pond?
Putting sturgeon in a fish pond is more profitable long-term because it produces sturgeon roe, which can be made into caviar.
Do villagers like sturgeon as a gift?
Most villagers dislike Sturgeon, so it’s not recommended as a gift. Instead, save it for the Fish Pond or bundles.
Conclusion
The sturgeon in Stardew Valley is one of the most important fish in the game, not only because of its rarity but also for its role in producing caviar, a high-value artisan good. While catching it can be challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort.
By preparing properly with upgraded fishing gear, bait, and buff foods, you’ll increase your chances of reeling in this elusive fish. Once you have a Sturgeon Fish Pond running, you’ll enjoy a steady stream of profit throughout your farm’s life.
Whether you’re aiming to complete the Community Center bundles or maximize your gold income, catching a sturgeon should be on your priority list.
