In the quaint, pixelated world of Stardew Valley, fishing stands as one of the most rewarding activities. And among the long list of fish you can catch, the Midnight Carp is a bit of an enigma—mysterious, elusive, and highly sought-after. Whether you’re attempting the “Aquatic Overpopulation” quest or you just want to catch one for bragging rights, this guide will teach you everything you need to know.
Where to Find Midnight Carp
| Location | Season | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Lake | Fall & Winter | Night |
| Cindersap Forest Pond | Fall & Winter | Night |
| Ginger Island North & West | Any Season | Any Time |
| Various Non-Standard Farms | Any Season | Any Time |
| Traveling Cart | Random | Any Time |
Spawn Rules
- Time of Day: 22:00 to 02:00
- Locations:
- Spring: Ginger Island North, Ginger Island West (Pond)
- Summer: Ginger Island North, Ginger Island West (Pond)
- Fall: Forest Pond, Mountain, Ginger Island North, Ginger Island West (Pond)
- Winter: Forest Pond, Mountain, Ginger Island North, Ginger Island West (Pond)
Tip: The Midnight Carp can be caught at any time using Magic Bait.
Best Baits for Catching Midnight Carp
To lure this elusive fish, using the right bait is crucial. While you can technically catch it with Magic Bait at any time, experts recommend the following for better odds:
| Bait | Tool Recommended | Additional Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Bait | Iridium Fishing Pole | Cork or Trap Bobber |
| Wild Bait | Iridium Fishing Pole | Cork or Trap Bobber |
Players have reported higher success rates while using Wild Bait along with an Iridium fishing pole. If you’re struggling, consider this your go-to combo.
Useful Buff Foods for Night Fishing
Fishing at night poses its challenges, and that’s why boosting your fishing skills is beneficial. Here’s a list of recommended foods:
| Food | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Seafoam Pudding | +4 Fishing |
| Fish Stew | +3 Fishing |
| Dish o’ The Sea | +3 Fishing |
Pro Tip: Use a farm totem to maximize your fishing time during the peak spawning hours of 10pm to 2am.
Struggling with the Quest?
If you’re pulling your hair out over the “Aquatic Overpopulation” quest, you’re not alone. Players have reported that this quest can be incredibly frustrating. While the quest is indeed luck-based, using Wild Bait and an Iridium Fishing pole can increase your odds of catching two at a time.
What to Do If You’re Still Struggling
- Check Your Mods: Some players have noted that certain mods interfere with fishing outcomes.
- Check Your Skill Level: A low fishing level can drastically reduce your chances.
- Try Another Location: If you’ve been sticking to just one fishing spot, maybe it’s time for a change.
What to Do with a Caught Midnight Carp
So you’ve caught this elusive creature, now what? Aside from selling it for a decent sum (300g), the Midnight Carp has a few unique uses:
- Fish Pond: Place it in a Fish Pond where it will reproduce every 4 days, yielding Midnight Carp Roe.
- Dyeing: It can be used as a purple dye in various crafting recipes.
How to Spawn a Midnight Carp (Cheat Method)
For those who don’t mind bending the rules a bit, Stardew Valley allows you to spawn the Midnight Carp by setting an animal’s name to [269]. Simply purchase a chicken from Marnie’s Ranch, name it [269], and voila!
Final Thoughts
Catching a Midnight Carp in Stardew Valley is not just a test of your angling skills but also a rite of passage. Hopefully, this guide helps you understand the intricacies involved in capturing this elusive fish. Now, cast your line and reel in your prize!