Fishing in Valheim offers a relaxing diversion from combat and crafting, but catching these aquatic creatures requires specific gear and a touch of technique.
Obtaining a Fishing Rod
Unlike most items in Valheim, a fishing rod cannot be crafted by players. Instead, it must be purchased from Haldor, a merchant found in the Black Forest biome. Haldor sells the rod for 350 coins and offers 20 pieces of basic bait for 10 coins. Players who have not yet located Haldor may find assistance in guides detailing how to increase inventory size, which can sometimes aid in finding the NPC vendor. While it's theoretically possible to find a fishing rod as loot in frost caves within the mountains biome, this is exceptionally rare, making a purchase from Haldor the most reliable method.
The Fishing Process
Fishing in Valheim is a stamina-intensive activity. It is recommended to consume food that provides a full stamina bar and to bring stamina-restoring meads. To begin, equip the fishing rod and select the bait from your inventory by right-clicking on it. Cast your line into the water by pressing the primary attack button (default: mouse 1). When a fish is near and tugs at the bobbin, indicated by the bobbin being pulled, hook the fish by pressing the secondary block button (default: mouse 2). Once the fish is hooked, reel it in by holding down the block button. This action consumes stamina, and if your stamina depletes before the fish is fully reeled in, it will escape. After the fish is close enough, target it with your crosshairs and press the use button (default: E) to collect it.
Fishing Tips and Tricks
Fish are physical entities in the game world, so you must be able to see them swimming to catch them. Look for fish near the water's edge or take a boat out to find schools of them, being mindful of larger sea serpents that are too formidable for fishing.
Bait can be crafted from fish you've already caught, using a food preparation table, which requires 5 iron, 15 leather scraps, and 20 finewood to build. Ensure you have ample space in your inventory to store your catches. In some instances, fish can be caught by hand if you are quick, or they may wash ashore on beaches. Additionally, a special fishing hat can be crafted once you have caught at least one of every type of fish in Valheim, which provides a +20 bonus to your fishing skill.