Fishing in Valheim is the perfect break from boss fights: relaxing, renewable and surprisingly deep. It also rewards you with strong food and a handy skill bonus. Here’s everything you need to start.
Table of Contents
Valheim Fishing
| Item | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Fishing Rod | Bought from Haldor the merchant for 350 coins, and it can’t be crafted |
| Bait | Decides which fish can bite, and some types must be crafted |
| Fish species | 12 in total, spread across 9 bait types |
| Fishing Hat | Unlocks after you catch every species, and gives +20 fishing skill |
| Stamina | Casting and reeling both drain it |
How to Fish
- Visit Haldor and buy a Fishing Rod and bait.
- Equip the rod and pick your bait.
- Cast near visible fish. Hold left-click to cast, then hold right-click to reel in.
Watch your stamina. Bigger, deeper-water fish put up more of a fight, so eat stamina food before a serious session. Also stay put, because moving away from the hook snaps the line and you lose the fish.
Bait Is Everything
The bait on your hook is the only thing that decides what can bite, so carry several types if you plan to travel between biomes. The final fish in the current progression needs Frosty Fishing Bait, crafted from a Drake Trophy.
All 12 Fish
| Perch | Pike | Trollfish |
| Giant Herring | Tetra | Grouper |
| Tuna | Coral Cod | Pufferfish |
| Anglerfish | Magmafish | Northern Salmon |
Catch every species and you also earn the Fisherman achievement.
The Fishing Hat
Landing all 12 species unlocks the Fishing Hat recipe at your workbench. The hat gives a flat +20 skill bonus, which makes every later catch easier. Upgrading it only improves armor and durability, so the skill bonus never changes.
Why Bother?
Fish make some of the better balanced foods in the game. Raw fish can be cooked, and Fish Wraps are a favourite. Fish caught by waves or stranded on your boat count too, so you can pick up progress along the way.
Want more survival guides and gaming tips? Keep browsing Technosports, or explore more Valheim and gaming coverage on Technosports. New to the game? Here’s Valheim on Wikipedia.
FAQs
Where do you get a fishing rod in Valheim?
Buy it from Haldor for 350 coins. It can’t be crafted.
How do you unlock the Fishing Hat?
Catch all 12 fish species, then craft it at your workbench for a +20 fishing skill bonus.
