99 Nights in The Forest Fishing Update Guide (March 2026)

The latest fishing update in 99 Nights in The Forest has completely transformed the survival experience, introducing exciting new mechanics that blend relaxation with intense progression. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to master fishing, unlock the powerful new classes, and secure exclusive rewards that will give you a massive advantage in your quest to survive all 99 nights while searching for missing children.
99 Nights in The Forest Fishing Update Overview
The fishing update brings several game-changing features that fundamentally alter how you approach survival in the mysterious forest:
| Feature | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing System | Complete fishing mechanic with rods and 9 fish species | New food source, XP progression |
| Fisherman Class | Specialized fishing class (50 Diamonds) | Enhanced fishing efficiency |
| Pyromaniac Class | Fire-based combat class (600 Diamonds) | Flamethrower weapon, auto-cook ability |
| Weekly Quests | 4 new fishing-related challenges | Exclusive badges and furniture rewards |
| New Melee Weapon | DPS comparable to Morning Star | Alternative combat option |
| Fishing Hut | Central hub for fishing activities | Rod upgrades, fish index tracking |
How to Start Fishing in 99 Nights in The Forest?
Finding Your First Fishing Rod
Starting your fishing journey requires obtaining a fishing rod through one of these methods:
Method 1: Visit the Fishing Hut The Fishing Hut spawns randomly on the map, typically near bodies of water. Look for a building with a fish logo sign above the door. Inside, you’ll find:
- Multiple Old Rods (enough for a full team of 5 players)
- Fish Index Board showing your collection progress
- Upgrade Bench for improving your fishing rod
Method 2: Purchase the Fisherman Class If you have 50 Diamonds, buying the Fisherman class gives you an immediate advantage by starting with a fishing rod already in your inventory.
Mastering the Fishing Mechanics
Once you have a rod, the fishing process follows these steps:
- Locate Fishing Spots: Look for water swirls or ripples in ponds and lakes
- Cast Your Line: Click on the water to cast
- Wait for a Bite: Watch for the bobber to dip
- Complete the Mini-Game: Click when the red bar enters the green zone
- Earn XP: Each successful catch fills your rod’s XP bar
Pro tip: Fish at night to avoid deer monster spawns near ponds, making it safer to focus on fishing without constant threats.
All 9 Fish Species and Where to Find Them in 2026?
The update introduces nine unique fish species, each found in specific biomes:
Starter Zone Fish
- Mackerel: Basic food source, common in early-game ponds
- Carp: Slightly better hunger restoration than mackerel
- Trout: Found in flowing water areas
Mid-Game Fish
- Salmon: High hunger restoration, ideal for long expeditions
- Bass: Provides moderate health regeneration
- Catfish: Found in deeper pond areas
Rare Fish
- Shark: Only spawns in max-level zones where bears roam
- Rainbow Fish: Extremely rare, provides significant buffs
- Mystery Fish: Special properties still being discovered
Each fish type offers different XP gains, with rarer fish providing more experience toward rod upgrades.
New Classes: Fisherman vs Pyromaniac
Fisherman Class (50 Diamonds)
The Fisherman class revolutionizes the fishing experience with these abilities:
Level 1 Perks:
- Fishing rods level up 50% faster
- Increased chance of rare fish spawns
- Higher bait and hook drop rates
Level 2 Perks:
- Instant rod casting with extended range
- Fish bite 2x faster
- Reduced mini-game difficulty
Level 3 Perks:
- Fish hooks attach instantly
- Maximum casting distance achieved
- Special fish magnetism effect
This class is perfect for players who want to maximize the new fishing content and build a sustainable food supply for their team. Check out our complete craftable items guide to see how fishing complements other survival strategies.
Pyromaniac Class (600 Diamonds)
The Pyromaniac brings devastating fire-based combat to the forest:
Starting Equipment:
- Flamethrower weapon with continuous damage
- Fire resistance buff
- Auto-cook passive ability
Combat Advantages:
- Burn damage over time on enemies
- Area denial with fire patches
- Instant cooking of rabbit and wolf meat
Heat Management: Similar to the Alien and Cyborg classes, the Pyromaniac must manage heat levels. Overheating causes:
- Reduced movement speed
- Damage to the player
- Temporary weapon malfunction
Weekly Fishing Quests and Rewards (March 2026)
The update introduces four weekly quests centered around fishing activities:
| Quest | Requirement | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Rod Master | Upgrade Fishing Rod to max level | 4 Diamonds |
| Catch Century | Catch 100 fish total | Rainbow Fish Lounger (Limited), 5 Diamonds |
| Complete Index | Catch all 9 fish species | 6 Diamonds |
| Shark Hunter | Catch 30 sharks | Fishbowl Furniture (Limited), 10 Diamonds |
These quests reset weekly, providing consistent diamond income for dedicated fishers. The limited furniture items are account-bound cosmetics that showcase your fishing achievements.
Fishing Rod Upgrade Path
Understanding the rod progression system is crucial for efficient fishing:
Old Rod → Good Rod → Strong Rod
Old Rod (Starting)
- Basic casting range
- Slow reel speed
- Common fish only
Good Rod (First Upgrade)
- 25% increased casting distance
- Faster hook speed
- Access to mid-tier fish
Strong Rod (Max Level)
- Maximum casting range
- Instant hook attachment
- All fish species available
- Rare fish spawn boost
To upgrade, simply fish until the XP bar fills, then return to the Fishing Hut’s Upgrade Bench. The process is free but requires consistent fishing effort.
Strategic Fishing Locations (2026)
Fishing Hotspots
Hotspots appear as constant ripples on water surfaces and offer:
- 3x fish spawn rate
- Guaranteed rare fish chance
- Bonus XP per catch
- No junk items
These special locations rotate randomly every in-game day, encouraging exploration of different map areas.
Biome-Specific Fishing
Different biomes offer unique fishing experiences:
- Forest Lakes: Standard fish variety, safest for beginners
- Mountain Streams: Fast-flowing water with salmon and trout
- Deep Ponds: Catfish and mystery fish spawn here
- Danger Zones: Shark spawns near bear territories
Consider the cold mechanics when fishing in snow biome areas, as hypothermia adds another survival challenge.
Advanced Fishing Strategies (March 2026)
Team Coordination
Maximize efficiency with these team tactics:
- Dedicated Fisher: One player focuses solely on fishing with Fisherman class
- Guard Duty: Teammates protect the fisher from hostile mobs
- Resource Runner: Transport fish back to base for cooking/storage
- Hotspot Scout: Search for daily hotspot locations
Night Fishing Benefits
Fishing at night provides surprising advantages:
- Fewer player encounters (less competition)
- Certain fish only spawn at night
- Quieter environment for focus
- Combine with night-vision equipment for safety
Combining Fishing with Other Systems
Integration with existing mechanics creates powerful synergies:
Campfire Cooking: Cook fish for enhanced benefits Trading System: Exchange rare fish for valuable items Base Building: Create fishing outposts near productive spots Class Combinations: Pair Fisherman with combat classes for protection
Hidden Fishing Mechanics and Tips
Secret Features
Through extensive testing, the community has discovered:
- Shadow Indicators: Fish shadows in water reveal potential catches
- Weather Effects: Rain increases fish spawn rates by 20%
- Moon Phases: Full moon nights have higher rare fish chances
- Bait System: Though not visible, casting near existing fish increases bite rates
Efficiency Maximization
Professional fishing tips from veteran players:
- Rod Swapping: Carry multiple rods to skip cooldowns
- Inventory Management: Fish stack to 20, plan accordingly
- Quick Travel: Use teleportation items between fishing spots
- Multi-Tasking: Fish while teammates gather resources
Common Fishing Mistakes to Avoid
Beginner Errors
- Ignoring the Mini-Game: Failing the timing reduces XP gains
- Wrong Biome Fishing: Each area has specific fish types
- Daytime Shark Hunting: Sharks primarily spawn at night
- Solo Dangerous Zones: Always bring backup in high-level areas
Resource Waste
Avoid these inefficient practices:
- Dropping common fish (they’re valuable for team feeding)
- Ignoring hotspots (miss out on 3x rewards)
- Not upgrading rods early (limits access to better fish)
- Fishing without Fisherman class bonuses
Fishing Update Impact on Meta
The fishing update has shifted survival strategies significantly:
Food Security Revolution
Previously, food management required constant hunting or farming. Now:
- Passive food generation through fishing
- Stackable resources for long expeditions
- Team feeding simplified with fish variety
- Less reliance on dangerous hunting
New Player Progression
The update creates a gentler learning curve:
- Safe early-game food source
- Diamond income through weekly quests
- Non-combat progression option
- Team contribution without combat skills
Economic Changes
Fish have become valuable trade commodities:
- Rare fish trade for premium items
- Shark teeth craft special equipment
- Fish-for-diamond player economies emerging
- New player services (fishing guides, hotspot maps)
Best Fishing Loadouts and Strategies (March 2026)
Early Game (Days 1-20)
Equipment Priority:
- Old Rod from Fishing Hut
- Basic flashlight for night safety
- Map for navigation
- Healing items for emergencies
Strategy: Focus on safe zones, catch common fish for sustenance, work toward first rod upgrade.
Mid Game (Days 21-50)
Recommended Setup:
- Good Rod or Strong Rod
- Melee weapon for protection
- Fisherman class if affordable
- Portable campfire materials
Strategy: Target specific fish for index completion, explore dangerous zones with team support.
Late Game (Days 51+)
Optimal Configuration:
- Strong Rod (maxed)
- Full combat gear for shark zones
- Respawn Capsule for safety
- Team coordination tools
Strategy: Farm sharks for exclusive rewards, complete all weekly quests, supply team with premium fish.
Synergies with Other Updates
The fishing update complements recent additions perfectly:
Anvil System Integration
The Anvil crafting system now includes fish-based recipes:
- Shark Tooth Weapons
- Fish Scale Armor
- Aquatic-themed tools
Class Combinations
Powerful class pairings with fishing:
- Fisherman + Lumberjack: Resource gathering excellence
- Fisherman + Pyromaniac: Fish and cook instantly
- Fisherman + Cyborg: Tank threats while fishing
Weather Machine Benefits
Using the Weather Machine during fishing sessions:
- Clear skies improve visibility
- No rain interference with casting
- Better fish spawn rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fisherman class worth 50 Diamonds?
Absolutely! The Fisherman class pays for itself through:
- Faster rod progression (saves hours of grinding)
- Increased rare fish spawns (more diamonds from quests)
- Quality of life improvements (instant casting)
- Starting with a free fishing rod
Can you fish without the Fisherman class?
Yes! Visit any Fishing Hut to grab a free Old Rod. While progression is slower without class bonuses, dedicated fishing still provides excellent rewards and food security.
What’s the best fish for healing?
Rainbow Fish provides the best overall benefits:
- Full hunger restoration
- Health regeneration over time
- Temporary speed boost
- Rare enough to feel special
Do fish despawn if dropped?
No, fish follow standard item rules:
- Persist on ground indefinitely
- Stack up to 20 per slot
- Can be stored in chests
- Transfer between servers in inventory
Which class is better: Fisherman or Pyromaniac?
It depends on your playstyle:
Choose Fisherman if you:
- Prefer peaceful gameplay
- Want sustainable food sources
- Enjoy collection challenges
- Have limited diamonds (50 vs 600)
Choose Pyromaniac if you:
- Love combat mechanics
- Want immediate power
- Have diamonds to spare
- Prefer aggressive strategies
Conclusion
The 99 Nights in The Forest Fishing Update has revolutionized survival gameplay by adding depth, strategy, and relaxation to the intense forest experience. Whether you’re peacefully fishing by moonlight with the Fisherman class or burning through enemies with the Pyromaniac’s flamethrower, this update offers something for every playstyle.
Master the fishing mechanics, complete those weekly quests, and build a sustainable food empire that’ll carry your team through all 99 nights. With nine unique fish species to discover, powerful new classes to unlock, and exclusive rewards to earn, the forest has never been more alive with possibilities.
Ready to cast your line into adventure? Grab your rod, choose your class, and dive into the most content-rich update 99 Nights in The Forest has ever seen. The fish are biting, the rewards are waiting, and your survival story is about to get a whole lot more interesting!
For more survival strategies and guides, check out our complete endings guide and prepare for every challenge the forest throws your way. Happy fishing, survivors!
