Fishing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons begins off enjoyable… till you’re 47 sea bass deep and questioning your life decisions. However each now and then, you notice a shadow that’s simply totally different. Greater. Bolder. Moodier. That’s when the joys kicks in.
The rarest fish in the sport aren’t simply laborious to discover, they’re mysterious and typically price a small fortune in Bells. These slippery legends are definitely worth the hunt. From sharks that solely seem at evening to prehistoric beasts that demand it rain first, right here’s your definitive information to the rarest fish in New Horizons, and precisely how to reel them in.
1) Coelacanth
The Coelacanth isn’t simply uncommon, it’s dramatic. This prehistoric fish solely reveals up when it’s raining, which instantly cuts your possibilities of seeing it. You’ll want to fish in the ocean, and whereas it’s accessible year-round and at any time of day, the climate makes it an actual gamble. Its shadow measurement is giant, nevertheless it’s typically mistaken for sea bass or crimson snappers, so persistence is essential. If it’s dry, don’t even attempt.
Nonetheless, the reward is price it: 15,000 Bells and a critical flex to your Critterpedia. When you do catch one, show it proudly in your property… or promote it and purchase a literal golden rest room. Your name.
2) Barreleye

The Barreleye is what occurs when a fish meets a science fiction film. With its clear head and glowing eyes, it’s one of many weirdest-looking (and hardest to discover) creatures in New Horizons. It lurks in the ocean, however solely between 9pm and 4am, making it a primary goal for night-time fishers.
It’s accessible year-round, which is nice, besides its spawn price is laughably low. Even with bait, you may go hours with out seeing one. While you lastly land it, you’ll rake in 15,000 Bells, or impress Blathers together with your alien catch. Both method, it’s a trophy definitely worth the effort. Simply don’t query the way it sees you with that see-through head. It is aware of. It all the time is aware of.
3) Stringfish

The Stringfish is seasonal heartbreak in fish kind. Solely accessible from December to March in the Northern Hemisphere, this elusive swimmer solely spawns in clifftop rivers and ponds, sure, those that require a ladder or stairs. Worse but, it solely seems between 4pm and 9am, so evening fishing is a should.
It shares a shadow measurement with different river fish, so that you’ll want a ton of bait and a wholesome dose of optimism. Catching it earns you a whopping 15,000 Bells, nevertheless it’s arguably extra satisfying to verify off your museum listing earlier than spring arrives. Prepare to burn by means of fish bait prefer it’s going out of fashion, and don’t be shocked in case you begin having desires about river shadows. You’ve been warned.
4) Whale Shark

The Whale Shark is the chillest of the uncommon sharks. It doesn’t care what time it’s, simply that it’s summer time. From June to September, yow will discover this finned big in the ocean at any hour. That’s proper: no bizarre evening schedules or elevation necessities.
While you catch it, you’ll pull in a strong 13,000 Bells and a fish that’s principally longer than your villager is tall. For a assured flex, plop one in your own home and fake your lounge is a small aquarium. It’s additionally an effective way to terrify company, which is admittedly the dream. Insert Jaws theme right here.
5) Nice White Shark

RELATED: 5 Finest Lazy Villagers to Invite to Your Animal Crossing Island
There’s one thing deeply satisfying, and barely terrifying, about reeling in a Nice White Shark. This beast solely reveals up from June to September between 4pm and 9am, so time it proper. Like all sharks in New Horizons, you’ll spot its signature fin poking out of the water earlier than you forged. That doesn’t make it straightforward, although. There are 4 finned fish, and the nice white is among the many rarest of them.
However the payout is 15,000 Bells and the enjoyment of understanding you fished up certainly one of nature’s most notorious predators with a cartoon rod. For those who’re working low on bait, hit up the pier the place spawn charges for finned fish are barely greater.
6) Hammerhead Shark

The Hammerhead Shark is the evening owl shark. It solely reveals up late at evening when the cool fish hang around. Discovered in the ocean between 8pm and 4am from June to September, this weird-headed marvel is without doubt one of the extra recognizable catches thanks to its shadow and fin.
It’s not as useful as its nice white cousin (price 8,000 Bells), nevertheless it’s nonetheless a uncommon catch and price in search of out in case you’re finishing your summer time fish listing. Plus, it seems to be superior in your museum, prefer it’s continually side-eyeing guests. As soon as caught, you possibly can sleep simply understanding your late-night grind paid off. Or keep up to catch one other. Who wants relaxation anyway?
7) Noticed Shark

This one’s bought edge, actually. The Noticed Shark sports activities a jagged snout and an angle, nevertheless it nonetheless seems to be lovable in your stock. It’s one other finned fish, accessible from June to September between 4pm and 9am in the ocean. With a shadow and fin measurement just like the others, it blends proper in till it’s in your line.
Associated: Each Animal Crossing Sport, Ranked
It sells for a decent 12,000 Bells, which could not high the charts, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a summer time catch you gained’t need to miss. For those who’re working your method by means of the shark quartet, don’t skip it. Simply put together to get a whole lot of Sea Bass first. Fin luck, buddy.
8) Arapaima
The Arapaima seems to be prefer it belongs in a dinosaur exhibit. Discovered in rivers from 4pm to 9am in the course of the summer time (June to September), it’s one of many few uncommon fish that doesn’t reside in the ocean. Its shadow is huge, and its 10,000-Bell worth makes it a tempting goal, particularly for gamers looking freshwater giants.
Whereas not as uncommon because the Stringfish, it might nonetheless take some time to discover. Fishing on thriller islands can assist if your property river’s working dry. And when you catch one, don’t be shocked in case you begin questioning the way it suits in your backpack. Animal Crossing logic is a strong factor.
9) Blue Marlin

The Blue Marlin is the diva of the pier. It solely spawns on the pier (not simply anyplace on the seashore), and it’s accessible throughout two separate home windows: November to April and once more from July to September. Whereas it might present up at any time of day, its location alone makes it trickier than most.
Gamers typically waste hours fishing on the seashore solely to notice they’re in the flawed spot totally. It’s an enormous fish with an enormous character, and a 10,000-Bell reward to match. Deliver bait. Plenty of it. And be sure to’re on the precise pier. You’d be shocked what number of villagers get that flawed. Cough. Not us. Positively not us.
10) Dorado

The Dorado is the definition of go large or go residence. This golden magnificence reveals up in rivers from June to September between 4am and 9pm. It’s one of the vital coveted fish in the sport, not simply because it gleams like treasure, however as a result of it sells for 15,000 Bells. That makes it equal to sharks, however with out the intimidating fin shadow.
It’s uncommon and elegant and, let’s be sincere, seems to be unimaginable in your property. You’ll discover it extra typically in huge river mouths, so attempt fishing close to the beginning of your river or on thriller islands. As soon as caught, you’ve formally struck gold. Don’t neglect to flex to your mates. They’d do the identical to you.