Embarking on a fishing adventure in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) can be a rewarding experience, especially with the diverse range of fish species available. To help you reel in the best catches, we've compiled this comprehensive guide, complete with SEO-friendly keywords and a human-like tone.

Whether you're a seasoned fisher or just starting your island life, this guide will help you master the art of fishing in ACNH, ensuring you catch every fish, from the common to the rare, in every season and month.

Understanding Fishing in ACNH
Fishing in ACNH is a skill that improves with practice. You'll need a fishing rod, which can be crafted using a tree branch and three clumps of weeds. Once you've crafted your rod, head to the shore, cast your line, and wait for a fish to bite. The type of fish you'll catch depends on the season, month, and time of day.

To enhance your fishing experience, consider the following tips. First, use a higher-quality fishing rod for better results. You can upgrade your rod by catching and donating fish to Blathers at the museum. Second, pay attention to the fish shadow's size and shape. Larger and more unique shadows indicate rarer fish. Lastly, be patient and persistent. Fishing in ACNH requires time and practice to master.
Crafting the Perfect Fishing Rod

Crafting a fishing rod in ACNH is straightforward. You'll need one tree branch and three clumps of weeds. To obtain these materials, simply shake trees for branches and weeds, or purchase them from Leif, the sloth who occasionally visits your island.
To upgrade your fishing rod, catch and donate fish to Blathers at the museum. Each donation increases your fishing rod's quality, allowing you to catch rarer and larger fish. The highest-quality rod, the Golden Fishing Rod, can be obtained by donating all fish to the museum.
Identifying Fish by Their Shadows

In ACNH, the type of fish you'll catch is indicated by the shadow it leaves on the water's surface. Paying attention to these shadows can help you determine which fish you're about to catch. Larger and more unique shadows typically indicate rarer fish.
For example, a small, circular shadow usually signifies a common fish like the Crucian Carp or the Bitterling. In contrast, a large, unique shadow, such as one with a distinct tail or fin, might indicate a rarer fish like the Stringfish or the Coelacanth.
Fishing by Season and Month

ACNH features a dynamic calendar, with each month bringing new fish species. Fishing in ACNH requires you to adapt to the changing seasons and months to catch every fish. Below, we've outlined the fish you can catch each month, organized by season.
Remember, some fish are only available at specific times of the day. For instance, sharks and rays are primarily active at night, while fish like the Stringfish and the Golden Trout prefer the early morning hours.

















Spring Fish (March to May)
Spring in ACNH brings a variety of fish, from common species like the Cherry Salmon to rare finds like the Red Snapper. Some notable spring fish include:
- Cherry Salmon
- Red Snapper
- Bitterling
- Crucian Carp
- Dab
Summer Fish (June to August)
Summer in ACNH is characterized by warm weather and a diverse range of fish. Some summer fish you might catch include:
- Tuna
- Mahi-Mahi
- Dorado
- Goliath Grouper
- Marlin
Autumn Fish (September to November)
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and a new set of fish to catch. Some autumn fish you might encounter are:
- Saddled Bass
- Mitten Crab
- Arapaima
- Pacu
- Tarpon
Winter Fish (December to February)
Winter in ACNH is characterized by cold temperatures and a unique set of fish. Some winter fish you might catch include:
- Salmon
- Char
- Crawfish
- Crayfish
- Barreleye
Fishing in ACNH is a rewarding hobby that allows you to collect every fish species and donate them to the museum. With this guide, you're well on your way to becoming a master fisher. So grab your rod, head to the shore, and start casting. Happy fishing!