Sturgeon
An ancient bottom-feeder with a streamlined body. This prehistoric fish has remained largely unchanged for millions of years.
Quick answer
Where to catch Sturgeon in Stardew Valley
Catch Sturgeon at Mountain Lake during Summer, Winter from 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM in any weather. It sells for 200g at normal quality and 400g when smoked; difficulty 78 makes tackle preparation important.
Mountain Lake
Summer, Winter
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM, any weather
200g base, 400g iridium
130g Roe -> 500g Caviar
Trap Bobber or Barbed Hook
Keep only if needed for bundles, gifts, cooking, or ponds
Price decision
Sell, smoke, or use a Fish Pond?
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Sell directly
200g
Normal quality
Smoke once
400g
+200g before Coal and machine time
One pond product
130g Roe → 500g
Caviar; not daily profit
Is Sturgeon worth keeping?
Keep Sturgeon if it fills a bundle, recipe, gift, Fish Pond, or collection goal.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell or smoke extra Sturgeon when you need gold and do not have a specific use for it.
Fish Pond and Roe
130g Roe can become 500g Caviar. Fish Pond output depends on pond population and random daily production rolls. Formula value: 130g Roe, then 500g Caviar.
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
Sturgeon 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 4 days
| Possible item | Quantity | Overall daily chance |
|---|---|---|
| Roe | 1-2 minimum | 95% |
Where & When to Find Sturgeon
Location
- Mountain Lake
Found in the mountain lake north of the Carpenter's Shop. Active throughout most of the day.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 78
HardChallenging catch requiring skill
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 Sturgeon
Sturgeons are excellent Fish Pond candidates. At high population, they produce Sturgeon Roe which becomes Caviar worth 500g in a Preserves Jar. This is one of the most profitable fish pond setups.
Recommended Tackle
Trap Bobber
Slower catch bar drain
Best for: Difficult fish that move a lot
Barbed Hook
Clinging to fish
Best for: Smooth/mixed behavior fish
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 200g |
| Silver | 250g |
| Gold | 300g |
| Iridium | 400g |
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 | 200g | 400g |
| Silver | 250g | 500g |
| Gold | 300g | 600g |
| Iridium | 400g | 800g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Sturgeon
- Sturgeon Roe -> Caviar (500g)
- Quality Fertilizer
- Sashimi
Fish Pond Production
Fish Pond
Produces: Sturgeon Roe
Roe Value: 130g → Caviar: 500g
Did You Know?
Real sturgeon can live over 100 years and some species are critically endangered due to overfishing for caviar.