Fishing is a great way to break away from the day-to-day, but those skills can also help obtain rare and unexpected items during festivals. Today, we explore one such opportunity in our trout derby Stardew Valley guide.

What is the Trout Derby?

The trout derby is a fishing festival that occurs on the 20^th and 21^st of summer from 6 AM to 2 AM. During the event, every rainbow trout has a 33% chance to give a golden tag when caught, which in turn can be exchanged for prizes. Players can participate on both days, and the golden tags can kept for later years if the deadline for prizes is missed.

Preparation

Before the trout derby arrives, there are a few ways to prepare that will help get as many prizes as possible. The first is crafting the bait maker unlocked at fishing level six with three iron bars, three coral, and one sea urchin. This nifty contraption allows players to place a fish inside and get targeted bait in return, including for rainbow trout, which is the goal of the trout derby. Rainbow trout can be caught during summer on sunny days in Pelican Town’s river, Cindersap Forest’s river, or the mountain lake. Alternatively, those confident in getting perfect catches can opt for challenger bait, assuming they have acquired fishing mastery after getting all skills to level 10. This bait provides three fish if the catch is perfect, which nearly guarantees a golden tag every time rainbow trout are caught. Only one golden tag can be obtained from a single catch, however. New players who do not have access to either of the items we have listed can instead check Willy’s fish shop for trout bait each day. It is not guaranteed to be available, so be sure to stock up when it appears.

The Trout Derby Stardew Valley Festival

Image by Margotbean The trout derby is a mini-festival, so time moves normally, shops (except Willy’s) have their regular hours, and animals require their standard care and feed. After taking care of any chores as quickly as possible, head south to the river in Cindersap Forest near Marnie’s Ranch and begin fishing regardless of the weather. Rainbow trout’s standard requirement of sunny weather will not be present during the trout derby. From that point, catch as many rainbow trout as possible using the bait that was prepared prior.

All Trout Derby Rewards

• Bucket Hat x1
• Crab Pot x1
• Mystery Box x3
• Diamond x1
• Mounted Trout x1
• Deluxe Bait x20
• Triple Shot Espresso x2
• Quality Sprinkler x1
• Warp Totem: Farm x3
• Omni Geode x3

During the event, golden tags from rainbow trout can be exchanged at the event booth in Cindersap Forest for a “random” reward. The first golden tag turned in will always reward the player with a tent kit, while the second will always be a random item from the list above. After that, all turn-in rewards will follow the list beginning at the prize after the one that was rolled during the second turn-in. For example, if the second golden tag rewarded a crab pot, the third tag will reward three mystery boxes, and the fourth will reward a diamond, continuing all the way through until the list repeats.