Update January 2026: After years of anticipation, Nintendo has launched Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 to coincide with the game’s exciting Switch 2 relaunch! If you’re returning to your island after a long hiatus, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of all fish-related activities in ACNH.
Exploring the Aquatic Life of Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a vibrant ecosystem filled with an array of aquatic life. Before you cast your line to catch these creatures, you’ll need to acquire a fishing rod. Begin by completing the campfire orientation with Tom Nook, then visit Resident Services to unlock the crafting recipe for the rod.
Whether you’re looking to complete your fish collection or simply curious about the market, this complete guide outlines where and when you can locate every fish species in the game. It also includes a detailed list of fish prices in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, ensuring you can prioritize your catches for optimal selling. Furthermore, with month-to-month tables provided, you’ll have the tools to plan your fishing for the entire year.
Make sure to utilize the new Kapp’n Island tour feature, allowing you to catch out-of-season fish once daily. Regular visits to the island can greatly enhance your fishing experience!
Quick Navigation
Fish Prices List in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
| Fish Name: | Price: | Location: | Active Hours: | Months Active: | Shadow Size: | Unlock Requirement: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitterling | 900 | River | All | January, February, March, November, December | Tiny | 0 |
| Pale Chub | 200 | River | 9 AM – 4 PM | All | Tiny | 0 |
| Crucian Carp | 160 | River | All | All | Small | 0 |
| Suitable | 240 | River | 4 PM – 9 AM | All | Medium | 0 |
| Carp | 300 | Pond | All | All | Large | 0 |
| Demand | 4000 | Pond | 4 PM – 9 AM | All | Large | 20 |
| Goldfish | 1300 | Pond | All | All | Tiny | 0 |
| Pop-eyed Goldfish | 1300 | Pond | 9 AM – 4 PM | All | Tiny | 0 |
| Ranchu Goldfish | 4500 | Pond | 9 AM – 4 PM | All | Small | 20 |
| Killifish | 300 | Pond | All | April, May, June, July, August | Tiny | 0 |
| Crawfish | 200 | Pond | All | April, May, June, July, August, September | Small | 0 |
| Soft-shelled Turtle | 3750 | River | 4 PM – 9 AM | August, September | Large | 20 |
| Snapping Turtle | 5000 | River | 9PM-4AM | April – October | XL | 0 |
Monthly Fish Availability
Each month brings a different variety of fish to your island. Below, you’ll find a month-by-month breakdown to help you maximize your fishing expeditions.
January Fish Prices
Catch these species during the winter month of January:
……
February Fish Prices
Fish available in February are quite similar to January:
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Finding Fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Fish in ACNH are visible as shadows in various bodies of water across your island, including the oceans, rivers, and ponds. Ponds, in particular, are small, self-contained water sources. Some species can only be found in elevated ponds or rivers accessible via a ladder, highlighting the importance of exploring vertical spaces on your island.
Additionally, fish at the river mouth are located where the freshwater river meets the ocean. Some of the rarest fish can only be caught from the wooden piers extending out into the ocean.
Fishing for Rare Fish Using Bait
If you’re on the hunt for rare and valuable fish such as the Mahi-Mahi or Giant Trevally, head to the pier. Both species will be available until October. While they may not be the highest value for selling, they are among the rarest and add an impressive touch to your Critterpedia.
To catch these elusive fish, you’ll also need bait. Start by digging up the watery patches along beaches to collect Manila Clams, which can be crafted into fish bait. Scattering the bait in the known spawning areas of rare fish can significantly enhance your chances of success. Remember to be patient, as it might take several attempts to see results!
Beneath this section, you’ll find a comprehensive list of 80 fish species available in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, detailing active times, locations, and seasonal availability. Do keep in mind the different shadow sizes and unique appearances of certain fish when fishing. You may notice variations categorized into tiny, small, medium, large, XL, and XXL sizing, with certain species showcasing unique characteristics like elongated shapes or fins.
Information presented here is catered primarily to players in the northern hemisphere; for those in the southern hemisphere, simply add six months to the catch timings to align with local seasons.
This data is sourced from the insightful YouTube channel of BeardBear. For visual references of the species, start viewing from 6:43 in the linked video. If viewing the video is not an option, the information is also available in tabular format below.
For other resourceful insights and community-driven knowledge, visit the Animal Crossing Wiki, where information can be freely accessed and remixed under the CC-BY-SA license.
According to the Animal Crossing Official Companion, certain fish unlock only after capturing a specified number of other fish. Our tables have been adapted to reflect this information accurately.
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