Lava Eel
It can somehow survive in pools of molten lava. Scientists are baffled by this fish's heat-resistant biology.
Quick answer
Where to catch Lava Eel in Stardew Valley
Catch Lava Eel on Mines Floor 100 or in the Volcano Caldera in any season, at any time, and in any weather. It sells for 700g, has difficulty 90, and is one of the strongest regular Fish Pond choices for Roe value.
Mines (Floor 100) or Volcano Caldera
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Any, any weather
700g base, 1400g iridium
380g Roe -> 760g Aged Roe
Cork Bobber or Trap Bobber
Keep one for a top-value Fish Pond; sell or smoke extras
Price decision
Sell, smoke, or use a Fish Pond?
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Sell directly
700g
Normal quality
Smoke once
1400g
+700g before Coal and machine time
One pond product
380g Roe → 760g
Aged Roe; not daily profit
Is Lava Eel worth keeping?
Keep the first Lava Eel for the fishing collection or a high-value Fish Pond. Its 380g Roe becomes 760g Aged Roe before the Artisan bonus, and a populated pond can also produce useful special drops.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extra Lava Eels when you need immediate gold. The 700g base price is excellent, but one pond starter is usually more useful than one early sale.
Fish Pond and Roe
Lava Eel is one of the strongest regular Fish Pond choices for Roe value. The pond can also produce Gold Ore, Magma Geodes, Spicy Eel, and Magma Caps as its population grows. Formula value: 380g Roe, then 760g Aged Roe.
Fish Pond output depends on pond population and random daily production rolls. The exact max-population output table and first capacity quest are shown below.
Verified 1.6.15 pond rules
Lava Eel Fish Pond output
Final daily chances at population 10; each value already includes the pond's 95% base output check and ordered item rolls.
Any item per day
95%
Maximum population
10
Population growth
Every 5 days
| Possible item | Quantity | Overall daily chance |
|---|---|---|
| Magma Geode | 5-10 | 4.9% |
| Cave Jelly | 1-3 | 6.4% |
| Spicy Eel | 5 | 3.5% |
| Roe | 1-3 minimum | 74% |
| Gold Ore | 5 | 6.5% |
Best route
What to do with Lava Eel
Fish on Mines Floor 100 or in the Volcano Caldera in any season, at any time, and in any weather. Bring an Iridium Rod, a fishing food buff, and a Trap Bobber or Cork Bobber for difficulty 90 mixed behavior.
High-value catch and Fish Pond starter
Not required for the standard Community Center Fish Tank bundles.
Do not sell the first catch automatically. One Lava Eel can start a high-value pond, while extra catches can still be sold or smoked for immediate gold.
Lava Eel FAQ
Where do you catch Lava Eel in Stardew Valley?
Catch Lava Eel in the Mines on Floor 100 or in the Volcano Caldera on Ginger Island. It is available in every season, at any time, and in any weather.
Is Lava Eel worth keeping?
Yes. Lava Eel sells for 700g base, and its Roe processes into 760g Aged Roe. Keep one for the fishing collection or a high-value Fish Pond; sell or smoke extras when you need gold.
How hard is Lava Eel to catch?
Lava Eel has difficulty 90. Use a Cork Bobber for a larger fishing bar or a Trap Bobber to slow escape, and eat food that boosts Fishing skill.
Where & When to Find Lava Eel
Location
- Mines (Floor 100)
- Volcano Caldera
Found in the lava pools on floor 100 of the mines and in the Volcano Caldera on Ginger Island.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 90
ExtremeOne of the hardest fish in the game
Mixed Behavior
Unpredictable movement that alternates between different patterns. Requires adaptability.
Tip: Stay centered and react to changes. Don't commit too heavily to one direction.
Expert Tips for Lava Eel
One of the most difficult fish to catch in the game. Use a Cork Bobber for maximum fishing bar size or a Trap Bobber to slow escape, and eat food that boosts Fishing skill.
Recommended Tackle
Cork Bobber
Larger fishing bar
Best for: Hard fish like legendaries
Trap Bobber
Slower catch bar drain
Best for: Difficult fish that move a lot
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 700g |
| Silver | 875g |
| Gold | 1050g |
| Iridium | 1400g |
Smoked Fish Value
The Fish Smoker uses 1 Coal and doubles the fish sell price while preserving quality. Fisher or Angler changes the fish value first; Artisan then increases the smoked product.
| Input Quality | Fish Value | Smoked Value |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 700g | 1,400g |
| Silver | 875g | 1,750g |
| Gold | 1,050g | 2,100g |
| Iridium | 1,400g | 2,800g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Lava Eel
- Lava Eel Roe -> Aged Roe (760g)
- Fish Pond (can produce Spicy Eel)
- Loved gift for Dwarf
Fish Pond Production
Fish Pond
Produces: Lava Eel Roe
Roe Value: 380g → Aged Roe: 760g
Did You Know?
The Lava Eel is one of the few fish that can be caught year-round in the same location.