Sturgeon are one of the most valuable fish in Stardew Valley. Not because of their direct selling price, but because they produce Sturgeon Roe, the only roe in the game that turns into caviar. If you want a steady stream of high profit artisan goods, or you plan to complete the Lake Fish Bundle early, then learning how to catch and farm Sturgeon is essential. This guide covers where to find Sturgeon, the best ways to catch them, how to use them, and how to build a full profit setup with Fish Ponds and caviar production.

What are Sturgeons in Stardew Valley?

Sturgeons have several uses, but the biggest reason players hunt them is their unique roe. They are the only fish that can produce Sturgeon Roe, which becomes caviar when placed inside a Preserves Jar. Caviar is one of the most profitable artisan goods in the game, and a steady supply of it can completely transform your farm’s income.

Aside from profit, Sturgeon is needed for the Lake Fish Bundle in the Community Center. Willy also loves receiving Sturgeon as a gift, making it an easy way to raise friendship with him. You can also use Sturgeon in cooking, tailoring, and dyeing, though these are secondary compared to the money you can make from ponds.

Where to Find Sturgeon in Stardew Valley?

The only place you can catch a Sturgeon is the Mountain Lake. This lake sits just above Pelican Town, next to the Mines and Robin’s Carpenter Shop. Sturgeon only appears during Summer and Winter, so your fishing window is fairly limited. They bite from six in the morning until seven in the evening, which gives you plenty of time to try your luck. Weather does not stop them from showing up, but they appear more often in the rain during Summer.

Winter rain is possible only with a Rain Totem and actually makes them less common, so Summer showers are your best bet. To boost your chances even more, cast your line at least three tiles away from the shore. Distance matters with this fish and noticeably improves your odds.

If you want to fish at your own pace, Magic Bait lets you ignore seasons and time altogether. The catch is that Magic Bait increases the variety of fish you can hook, which also lowers the chance of pulling up a Sturgeon. It is helpful, but traditional Summer rain fishing remains the easiest route.

How to Catch Sturgeons

Sturgeons are known for being quick and unpredictable. They dart around the fishing bar with sharp movements, so beginners often find them annoying at first. With a little preparation, though, they become much more manageable. Aim for Fishing Level 6 or higher before you seriously target them. Use at least a Fiberglass Rod, or even better, the Iridium Rod with both bait and tackle.

Trap Bobbers slow the fish’s escape, while Cork Bobbers make the green fishing bar larger. Either choice helps a lot when dealing with stubborn fish. Food buffs are another great boost. Dish of The Sea or Seafoam Pudding provide strong fishing bonuses that make the mini game much easier. Just avoid using the Training Rod, as it cannot hook Sturgeon at all. If you do not want to fish for one, Krobus sells a random fish every Wednesday, and Sturgeon is one of the possible options. The Traveling Cart can also have one, usually priced between 600 and 1000 gold.

Build your Own Sturgeon Ponds

Once you have your first Sturgeon, your next goal should be building a Fish Pond. Robin can construct one for you if you bring her 5000 gold, 200 stone, five seaweed, and five green algae. The pond takes two days to complete and takes up a 5×5 space on your farm. After placing your Sturgeon inside, it will begin to reproduce over time. At first, the pond has room for just one fish. To increase the population cap, the Sturgeon will occasionally request specific items. These requests appear as little icons above the pond.

Players can enjoy playing Stardew Valley on a bigger screen of their PC or Laptop via BlueStacks along with your keyboard and mouse.