The variables that determine what kind of fish will spawn are time, place, month, and weather. Some fish like the Coelacanth will only spawn during rain storms, while other fish will only spawn after fishing off a pier. All needed factors, as well as hemisphere differences will be listed in this guide.
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Pre-Fishing Tips
When searching for a specific fish, players should load up on fish bait so that they will not have to keep switching spots while fishing. This is especially helpful in smaller spaces such as ponds or high altitudes.
Additionally, if players plan on fishing for a long time in one session in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, they should stock up on materials for more fishing rods, as having one break and being without one while a large fish is nearby can lead players to disappointment.
Note: All of these fish will only spawn during the day, with the piranha being the sole exception.
Day River Fish
Pale Chub
9 AM to 4 PM Available all year worldwide 200 Bells
Bluegill
9 AM to 4 PM Available all year worldwide 180 Bells
Guppy
9 AM to 4 PM April to November (Northern Hemisphere) October to May (Southern Hemisphere) 1,300 Bells
Nibble Fish
9 AM to 4 PM May to September (Northern Hemisphere) November to March (Southern Hemisphere) 1,500 Bells
Betta
9 AM to 4 PM May to November (Northern Hemisphere) November to May (Southern Hemisphere) 2,500 Bells
Neon Tetra
9 AM to 4 PM April to November (Northern Hemisphere) October to May (Southern Hemisphere) 500 Bells
Rainbowfish
9 AM to 4 PM May to October (Northern Hemisphere) November to April (Southern Hemisphere) 800 Bells
Piranha
9 AM to 4 PM and 9 PM to 4 AM June to September (Northern Hemisphere) December to March (Southern Hemisphere) 2,500 Bells
Dorado
4 AM - 9 PM June to September (Northern Hemisphere) December to March (Southern Hemisphere) 15,000 Bells
Day Pond Fish
Pop-Eyed Goldfish
9 AM to 4 PM Available all year worldwide 1,300 Bells
Ranchu Goldfish
9 AM to 4 PM Available all year worldwide 4,500 Bells
Giant Snakehead
9 AM to 4 PM June to August (Northern Hemisphere) December to February (Southern Hemisphere) 5,500 Bells
Day Ocean Fish
Napoleon Fish
4 AM to 9 PM July to August (Northern Hemisphere) December to February (Southern Hemisphere) 10,000 Bells
Anchovy
4 AM to 9 PM Available all year worldwide 200 Bells
Ocean Sunfish
4 AM to 9 PM July to September (Northern Hemisphere) January to March (Southern Hemisphere) 4,000 Bells
Ray
4 AM to 9 PM August to November (Northern Hemisphere) January to May (Southern Hemisphere) 3,000 Bells
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
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