Nights in the Forest Lava Fishing Guide: Catch Volcanic Fish

Lava fishing in 99 Nights in the Forest introduces an exciting twist to the standard fishing mechanics by letting you catch unique Volcanic Fish from molten lava pools. This dangerous yet rewarding activity takes place in the treacherous Volcano Biome, where two exclusive fish species await discovery. I’ve spent countless nights perfecting this technique, and I’ll share everything you need to master volcanic fishing.

The recent addition of Volcanic Fish has expanded the total fish count from 9 to 11 species, making these fiery catches essential for completionists. Unlike regular pond fishing, lava fishing requires careful preparation and specific equipment upgrades. Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide that will transform you into a volcanic fishing expert.

Requirements for Lava Fishing in 2026

Before attempting lava fishing, you’ll need to meet several crucial requirements. First and foremost, I strongly recommend upgrading your fishing rod to at least a Good Rod level. While technically possible with an Old Rod, the success rate dramatically improves with better equipment.

The upgrade process requires visiting the Fishing Shack and interacting with the crafting table while holding your current rod. You’ll need to accumulate fishing XP by catching regular fish first. Each successful catch fills your XP bar, bringing you closer to that essential upgrade.

Beyond equipment, you’ll need adequate supplies for volcano exploration. Pack healing items, food for hunger management, and consider bringing materials for emergency shelter construction. The Volcano Biome poses multiple threats beyond just the fishing challenge.

Finding the Volcano Biome?

Locating the Volcano Biome requires exploration beyond the standard forest areas. Look for distinctive environmental markers that signal you’re approaching volcanic territory. Dead trees, scorched earth, and rising smoke columns indicate proximity to this dangerous zone.

The biome typically generates in specific map regions, often separated from starter areas by natural barriers. Navigate carefully through transitional zones where forest gradually gives way to volcanic terrain. Temperature increases noticeably as you approach, providing another useful indicator.

Once inside the Volcano Biome, identify safe pathways between lava flows. The area contains multiple lava pools suitable for fishing, but not all positions offer equal safety. Scout the perimeter first to find optimal fishing spots with quick escape routes.

Types of Volcanic Fish (March 2026)

The Volcano Biome exclusively spawns two unique fish species unavailable anywhere else in the game. Understanding their characteristics helps optimize your fishing strategy. Both species contribute to your fish index completion and provide standard hunger restoration when cooked.

Lava Eel

Lava Eels represent the more common volcanic catch, appearing frequently in lava pools throughout the biome. These serpentine fish adapted to extreme temperatures offer reliable sustenance for volcano explorers. Their higher spawn rate makes them ideal for stocking up on volcanic fish supplies.

Despite their fiery habitat, Lava Eels cook and consume exactly like regular fish. They don’t provide special heat resistance or unique buffs. However, their availability in dangerous areas makes them valuable emergency food sources during extended volcano expeditions.

Lionfish

Lionfish stand as the rarer volcanic species, requiring patience and persistence to catch. These exotic fish feature distinctive appearances that make them prized catches for collectors. Their lower spawn rate increases the challenge of completing your volcanic fish collection.

Like Lava Eels, Lionfish function identically to standard fish regarding hunger restoration. The rarity factor primarily appeals to completionists aiming to fill their fish index. Consider yourself fortunate when landing one of these elusive specimens.

How to Fish in Lava Pools?

Lava fishing follows the same mechanical process as regular fishing, with environmental hazards adding complexity. Approach a lava pool edge carefully, maintaining safe distance from bubbling magma. Equip your fishing rod and click on the lava surface to cast your line.

The fishing mini-game remains unchanged from standard mechanics. Click when the red bar overlaps the green rectangle to maintain progress. Missing the timing causes progress loss, potentially losing your catch.

Watch for white, transparent ripples on lava surfaces indicating “fast” fishing spots. These accelerated zones reduce waiting time between bites significantly. After several catches, these bonus areas disappear, requiring you to find new optimal positions.

Fishing Stage	Action Required	Tip
Positioning	Stand at safe lava edge	Avoid standing too close to avoid damage
Casting	Click on lava surface	Target ripple areas for faster bites
Waiting	Watch for bite indicator	Stay alert for environmental dangers
Mini-game	Click when bars align	Practice timing on regular fish first
Collection	Auto-collect successful catch	Check inventory space beforehand

2026 Tips for Successful Lava Fishing

Maximizing your volcanic fishing efficiency requires strategic planning and execution. I’ve discovered several techniques that significantly improve catch rates and safety. These tips transform dangerous lava fishing into manageable routine activities.

Optimal Timing

Fish during quiet nights when fewer threats roam the Volcano Biome. Volcanic activity follows patterns, with calmer periods offering safer fishing windows. Monitor environmental cues for eruption warnings and evacuate when necessary.

Early morning hours often provide ideal conditions with reduced mob spawns. Plan volcano expeditions during these windows for uninterrupted fishing sessions. Remember that fishing leaves you vulnerable, so timing matters critically.

Equipment Optimization

Beyond rod upgrades, consider your character class selection for volcanic fishing. The Fisherman class provides inherent advantages with faster rod leveling and improved catch rates. These bonuses apply equally to volcanic fish, maximizing your lava pool efficiency.

Bring backup equipment in case of emergency situations. Store extra healing items near fishing spots for quick access. Consider placing temporary storage containers to deposit catches without returning to base frequently.

Safety Strategies

Establish safe zones near lava pools using basic structures or natural barriers. These refuges provide protection during dangerous events or mob attacks. Quick shelter access prevents fishing session interruptions.

Always maintain escape route awareness while fishing. Volcanic terrain shifts unexpectedly, potentially trapping careless players. Mark return paths clearly and avoid fishing near unstable ground.

Cooking and Using Volcanic Fish

Volcanic fish require standard cooking methods despite their exotic origins. Place them on any campfire or cooking station exactly like regular fish. The cooking process doubles their hunger restoration value, making proper preparation essential.

Raw volcanic fish consumption works identically to standard species, providing reduced hunger benefits. Save raw consumption for emergency situations only. Cooked volcanic fish offer no special properties beyond standard nutrition.

Storage and preservation follow regular fish guidelines without special requirements. Stack volcanic fish with regular catches in storage containers. Their identical properties simplify inventory management during extended survival sessions.

Comparing Volcanic Fish to Regular Fish

Understanding differences and similarities between volcanic and regular fish helps set proper expectations. While environmentally unique, volcanic fish mechanically function identically to standard species. This consistency simplifies gameplay while adding collection variety.

Aspect	Volcanic Fish	Regular Fish
Location	Volcano Biome lava pools	Various water bodies
Species Count	2 (Lava Eel, Lionfish)	9 various species
Catching Method	Standard fishing in lava	Standard fishing in water
Hunger Restoration	Same as regular fish	Varies by species
Special Properties	None	Some have unique effects
Cooking Requirements	Standard campfire	Standard campfire
Rod Requirements	Good Rod recommended	Varies by fish rarity

Advanced Lava Fishing Strategies

Experienced players can optimize volcanic fishing through advanced techniques I’ve developed. Combine lava fishing with broader volcano resource gathering for maximum efficiency. Plan routes that include multiple lava pools and resource nodes.

Create fishing circuits connecting several lava pools for continuous catching opportunities. Mark productive pools and track respawn patterns for strategic revisits. Some pools consistently produce better catches than others.

Consider establishing a volcano base camp for extended fishing operations. This forward position reduces travel time and provides secure storage. Stock it with supplies for multi-day volcanic expeditions focused on completing your fish collection.

Integration with Overall Fishing Strategy 2026

Volcanic fish represent just two of eleven total species needed for index completion. Balance lava fishing with regular fishing to efficiently collect all varieties. Check out our complete fishing guide for comprehensive species coverage.

Prioritize volcanic fish after establishing reliable food sources from easier fishing locations. The added danger doesn’t justify early-game volcano ventures. Build your skills and equipment through safer fishing before attempting lava pools.

Track your fish index progress at the Fishing Hut’s display board showing collected species. The board now displays 11 total slots, confirming volcanic fish inclusion. Focus collection efforts on missing species for efficient completion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many players make critical errors when first attempting lava fishing. Standing too close to lava edges causes unnecessary damage during fishing attempts. Maintain safe positioning even when targeting distant pool areas.

Attempting volcanic fishing with inadequate rod upgrades wastes time and resources. Invest in proper equipment before volcano expeditions. The Old Rod’s limitations become painfully apparent when targeting volcanic species.

Forgetting environmental hazards while focused on fishing proves fatal frequently. Stay alert for mob spawns, lava flows, and eruption warnings. Successful volcanic fishing requires constant situational awareness beyond just the mini-game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering lava fishing in 99 Nights in the Forest adds exciting variety to your survival experience while completing your fish collection. With proper preparation, upgraded equipment, and strategic approach, volcanic fish become reliable resources despite environmental challenges. Remember that patience and safety awareness prove more valuable than rushing into dangerous situations.

Now equipped with comprehensive volcanic fishing knowledge, venture into the Volcano Biome confidently to catch those elusive Lava Eels and Lionfish. For broader gameplay strategies, explore our complete crafting guide to maximize your survival potential. Happy fishing, and stay safe near those lava pools!