Embarking on a fishing adventure in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The game features a diverse range of fish species that you can catch, each with its unique appearance and availability. Understanding the ACNH fish list by month is crucial for any aspiring fisher, as it allows you to plan your catches strategically and ensure you don't miss out on any seasonal catches.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of ACNH fishing, exploring the various fish species you can encounter throughout the year. We'll break down the fish list by month, providing you with essential information on each fish's appearance, habitat, and availability. So, grab your fishing rod and let's dive right in!

January - March: Winter Fish
Kicking off the year, January, February, and March bring with them a chilly breeze and a unique selection of winter fish. These hardy creatures can be found swimming in the cold waters of your island's rivers and the sea.

Here are some winter fish you might encounter during these months:
Bitterling

The Bitterling is a small, silver fish with a distinctive black spot on its dorsal fin. It can be found swimming in schools in rivers during the winter months. This fish is quite common and can be caught using a regular fishing rod.
Bitterling Fact: The Bitterling is one of the smallest fish in ACNH, making it a great catch for beginners.
Crucian Carp

The Crucian Carp is another winter fish that can be found in rivers. This fish has a golden-brown body with a distinctive black spot on its tail fin. It can be caught using a regular fishing rod and is quite common during the winter months.
Crucian Carp Fact: The Crucian Carp is one of the largest fish you can catch in rivers, making it a prized catch for many fishermen.
April - June: Spring and Early Summer Fish

As the weather warms up, so does the fishing action in ACNH. April, May, and June bring with them a diverse range of fish species, from the vibrant to the elusive.
Here are some spring and early summer fish you might encounter during these months:



















Cherry Salmon
The Cherry Salmon is a beautiful fish with a vibrant red body and a distinctive black spot on its tail fin. It can be found swimming in schools in rivers during the spring and early summer months. This fish is quite rare and can only be caught using a regular fishing rod.
Cherry Salmon Fact: The Cherry Salmon is one of the most sought-after fish in ACNH, thanks to its stunning appearance and rarity.
Horse Mackerel
The Horse Mackerel is a sleek, silver fish with a distinctive black stripe running along its body. It can be found swimming in the sea during the spring and early summer months. This fish is quite common and can be caught using a regular fishing rod.
Horse Mackerel Fact: The Horse Mackerel is one of the fastest fish in ACNH, making it a challenging catch for even the most experienced fishermen.
July - September: Summer and Late Summer Fish
The height of summer in ACNH brings with it some of the most unique and sought-after fish species in the game. July, August, and September are the perfect months to add some rare catches to your collection.
Here are some summer and late summer fish you might encounter during these months:
Mahi-Mahi
The Mahi-Mahi is a stunning fish with a vibrant green body and a distinctive black stripe running along its body. It can be found swimming in the sea during the summer and late summer months. This fish is quite rare and can only be caught using a regular fishing rod.
Mahi-Mahi Fact: The Mahi-Mahi is one of the most valuable fish in ACNH, making it a prized catch for any fisher.
Oarfish
The Oarfish is an elusive fish with a long, serpentine body and a distinctive red fin running along its back. It can be found swimming in the deep sea during the summer and late summer months. This fish is quite rare and can only be caught using a regular fishing rod.
Oarfish Fact: The Oarfish is one of the longest fish in ACNH, making it a highly sought-after catch for many fishermen.
October - December: Autumn and Winter Fish
As the leaves change color and the weather turns chilly, so does the fishing action in ACNH. October, November, and December bring with them a new selection of autumn and winter fish, offering a fresh challenge for any fisher.
Here are some autumn and winter fish you might encounter during these months:
Koi
The Koi is a beautiful fish with a vibrant orange body and distinctive black spots. It can be found swimming in rivers during the autumn and winter months. This fish is quite rare and can only be caught using a regular fishing rod.
Koi Fact: The Koi is one of the most beautiful fish in ACNH, making it a highly sought-after catch for many fishermen.
Red Snapper
The Red Snapper is a striking fish with a bright red body and a distinctive black spot on its tail fin. It can be found swimming in the sea during the autumn and winter months. This fish is quite common and can be caught using a regular fishing rod.
Red Snapper Fact: The Red Snapper is one of the largest fish you can catch in the sea, making it a prized catch for many fishermen.
As you explore the world of ACNH fishing, remember that patience and persistence are key to becoming a successful fisher. Keep an eye on the in-game calendar and weather forecast to ensure you're fishing at the right time and in the right place. Happy fishing!