Catching 20 fish types for the collection means you’ll need to know where each one can be found and, in some cases, what bait to use. Below is the full list of base game fish, with location details, bait suggestions, and tips to help you complete the collection.
Common Fish
Goldfish
- Where: Most ponds and rivers in Willow Creek and Oasis Springs.
- Bait: None needed.
- Tip: One of the easiest fish to catch, often appears early.
Minnow
- Where: Found in almost all starter fishing spots.
- Bait: None required.
- Tip: Good to use as bait later for larger fish.
Perch
- Where: Willow Creek rivers and Magnolia Blossom Park pond.
- Bait: None needed.
- Tip: A steady early-game catch.
Trout
- Where: Rivers in Willow Creek and Granite Falls (if you own Outdoor Retreat).
- Bait: None required.
- Tip: Useful as bait for larger species.
Guppy
- Where: Found in nearly all fishing locations, especially ponds.
- Bait: None required.
- Tip: Another reliable bait fish.
Bass
- Where: Willow Creek and Oasis Springs rivers.
- Bait: Use smaller fish like Minnows.
- Tip: Often caught while leveling up early fishing skill.
Uncommon Fish
Catfish
- Where: Willow Creek rivers, Sylvan Glade pond.
- Bait: Frog or smaller fish.
- Tip: Shows up more often at night.
Koi
- Where: Sylvan Glade pond.
- Bait: Medium-sized fish like Bass or Perch.
- Tip: A beautiful but sometimes elusive catch.
Tilapia
- Where: Oasis Springs ponds and rivers.
- Bait: None required.
- Tip: Easy to find once you fish in desert areas.
Swordfish
- Where: Oasis Springs and Forgotten Grotto.
- Bait: Fresh bait like small fish.
- Tip: Requires higher fishing skill to appear consistently.
Salmon
- Where: Sylvan Glade and Willow Creek rivers.
- Bait: Medium-sized fish.
- Tip: Larger, valuable fish that appear with more skill.
Red-Tailed Black Shark
- Where: Sylvan Glade pond.
- Bait: Small fish like Minnows or Frogs.
- Tip: Looks exotic, great for display in an aquarium.
Walleye
- Where: Willow Creek rivers, especially at night.
- Bait: Frogs or smaller fish.
- Tip: Timing is key—fish in late evening or nighttime.
Rare Fish
Angelfish
- Where: Willow Creek rivers, Oasis Springs parks, Sylvan Glade.
- Bait: Fresh produce such as Apples or Onions.
- Tip: Essential if you’re into Ambrosia crafting later.
Sturgeon
- Where: Willow Creek river and Sylvan Glade.
- Bait: Larger fish like Bass.
- Tip: Very rare—requires higher fishing skill.
Treefish
- Where: Sylvan Glade pond.
- Bait: Use smaller fish like Bass or Catfish.
- Tip: One of the hardest to find in the game.
Anglerfish
- Where: Forgotten Grotto, only at night.
- Bait: Medium to large fish.
- Tip: Night fishing is non-negotiable here.
Batfish
- Where: Forgotten Grotto.
- Bait: Frogs or insects.
- Tip: Another rare grotto-exclusive catch.
Wolf Eel
- Where: Forgotten Grotto deep pools.
- Bait: Small fish.
- Tip: Patience required; keep returning to the grotto.
Rainbowfish
- Where: Forgotten Grotto and Sylvan Glade.
- Bait: Small fish or frogs.
- Tip: Can take multiple tries, but worth it for its vibrant look.
Piranha
- Where: Oasis Springs ponds and Sylvan Glade.
- Bait: Raw meat or frogs.
- Tip: High-level fishing skill makes them show up more often.
Trout (Mountain Version)
- Where: Forgotten Grotto and Willow Creek rivers.
- Bait: None required.
- Tip: Sometimes confused with the regular Trout, but still a unique catch.
Best Route to 20 Unique Fish
If you want to be efficient:
- Start in Willow Creek to gather common types like Minnow, Guppy, Perch, and Bass.
- Head to Oasis Springs for Tilapia, Catfish, and Desert species.
- Unlock Sylvan Glade early for Koi, Treefish, and other rarer catches.
- Push your Sim’s Handiness skill to 10 so you can explore the Forgotten Grotto, where many rare fish live.
By following this route, you’ll naturally end up with over 20 different species before long.