In the vast and perilous world of Valheim, there’s more to life than just battling Odin’s enemies. Sometimes, you need a break from the constant struggle for survival. Fishing offers a relaxing change of pace, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of Valheim’s water bodies. But how do you get started? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fishing in Valheim.
First things first, you’ll need a fishing rod. Unfortunately, you can’t craft one yourself. Instead, you’ll have to visit Haldor, the vendor hidden in the black forest. Haldor sells fishing rods for 350 coins and basic bait for 10 coins per 20 pieces. If you haven’t encountered Haldor yet, you might need to explore a bit more or check out guides on increasing your inventory size to make your search easier.
Acquiring Your Fishing Gear
While Haldor is the most reliable source for fishing rods, they can occasionally be found as loot in frost caves within the mountains biome. However, these finds are extremely rare. For instance, one player with over 150 hours in Valheim has never come across a fishing rod in a frost cave. So, unless you’re feeling lucky, it’s best to stick with Haldor.
The Basics of Fishing
Fishing in Valheim is a stamina-based activity. This means you’ll need to manage your stamina carefully, much like you would in battle. Before you start, make sure you have a full stamina bar by eating enough food and bringing along some stamina meads.
With your rod equipped and bait selected, press the attack button to cast your line into the water. When a fish nibbles, your bobbin will tug. Press the block button to hook the fish. To reel it in, hold down the block button, which will drain your stamina. If your stamina runs out before you land the fish, it will escape. Once the fish is close enough, target it with your crosshairs and press the use button to pick it up.
Finding Fish
Fish are physical entities that spawn in the water, so if you don’t see any nearby, you won’t catch anything. To find fish, run along the edge of the water and look for them swimming around. You can also take a boat out into the water for a better view. Just be cautious of sea serpents, which are too large to catch with a fishing rod.
Crafting Bait
You can craft bait from the fish you catch using a food preparation table. This table can be made with 5 iron15 leather scraps and 20 finewood. Having spare room in your inventory for your catches is also essential.
Expert Fishing Tips
There are a few more tricks to mastering fishing in Valheim. You can sometimes catch fish by hand if you’re quick enough. They occasionally wash up on beaches, providing an opportunity for a quick and easy catch. Additionally, by catching at least one of every different fish in Valheim, you’ll learn to craft a fishing hat that gives you a +20 bonus to your fishing skill.
Fishing in Valheim is not just about catching food; it’s about enjoying the tranquility of the game’s water bodies. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, mastering the art of fishing can add a whole new dimension to your Valheim experience.



