Midnight Carp Stardew: Your Go-To Guide for Nighttime Fishing

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.

Midnight Carp

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.

Magic Bait recipe

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

 

player catche a Midnight Carp

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.

See also  The Art of Fishing in Stardew Valley: A Deep Dive into Casting Techniques and Leveling Up Faster

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

  1. Check Your Mods: Some players have noted that certain mods interfere with fishing outcomes.
  2. Check Your Skill Level: A low fishing level can drastically reduce your chances.
  3. 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:

  1. Fish Pond: Place it in a Fish Pond where it will reproduce every 4 days, yielding Midnight Carp Roe.
  2. Dyeing: It can be used as a purple dye in various crafting recipes.

Fish pond drops

Midnight Carp 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!

See also  Stardew Ice Pip Guide: Catch, Spawn, and Profit!

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!

Leave a Comment