Tales of the Shire: Complete Fish Guide March 2026 – All 31 Species
Looking for all fish locations in Tales of the Shire? There are 31 unique fish species scattered across 7 fishing spots in Bywater, each with specific seasonal patterns and weather preferences that you’ll need to master for a complete collection.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about fishing in Tales of the Shire from my extensive gameplay, including the exact locations for every fish, seasonal availability, and profit optimization strategies that have helped me build my Hobbit fortune. Among the best life simulation games of 2025, Tales of the Shire stands out for how naturally its fishing system integrates with other gameplay mechanics.
| Guide Section | Key Benefit | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Your Rod | Start fishing immediately | Beginner |
| All Fish Locations | Complete fish encyclopedia | All Levels |
| Seasonal Strategies | Year-round fishing success | Intermediate |
| Economic Optimization | Maximum profit from catches | Advanced |
Getting Started with Fishing in Tales of the Shire
I received my first fishing rod during the “Finding Your Feet” quest from Old Noakes, and it completely changed my Bywater experience. Unlike other activities in the game, fishing requires no stamina, making it perfect for those relaxing evenings when you’ve completed your daily tasks but aren’t ready to sleep yet.
The fishing mechanics are surprisingly engaging. When I cast my line, I watch for the bobber to dip below the surface – that’s my cue to start reeling. The key is managing line tension; I’ve learned to ease off when the circle turns red to prevent breaks. After upgrading my rod through the Fishing Club (more on that later), catching even the rarest fish became significantly easier.
What I love most about fishing in Tales of the Shire is how it integrates with other systems. Every fish I catch goes into my encyclopedia, tracking where and when I caught it. This data has been invaluable for planning my seasonal fishing expeditions and ensuring I don’t miss any time-sensitive catches. For players who enjoy this type of sandbox gaming experience, the open-ended nature of fishing provides endless hours of peaceful exploration.
Complete List of All 31 Fish in Tales of the Shire
Through countless hours of fishing across every season, I’ve compiled this comprehensive list of all fish available in the game. Each fish has preferred conditions, but I’ve discovered you can sometimes catch them outside these parameters with persistence. If you’re interested in comparing fishing mechanics across different games, I’ve also detailed my experience with RimWorld Odyssey’s fishing system, which offers a more strategic approach to aquatic resource management.
Common Fish (Available Year-Round)
| Fish Name | Primary Location | Best Time | Selling Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | Old Noakes’ Jetty | Morning | 15 coins |
| Common Eel | Tree Root Pool | Evening | 12 coins |
| Bywater Bleak | Old Ruby’s Pond | Any | 8 coins |
| Ruffe | Cotton Farm Pond | Afternoon | 10 coins |
| Stone Loach | Old Stone Bridge Pool | Morning | 11 coins |
Seasonal Specialties
My seasonal fishing strategy has evolved significantly since I started playing. In spring, I focus on salmon varieties like the Moonbeam Salmon and Cracked Salmon, which spawn more frequently during rainy weather. Summer brings the best trout fishing – I’ve caught dozens of Coastal Rainbow Trout during sunny afternoons at Ladle’s Jetty.
Autumn is pike season, and I make sure to spend extra time at the Old Stone Tower where they’re most active. Winter might seem less productive, but that’s when I’ve caught my rarest finds, including the elusive Blue Lamprey during snowy evenings. The seasonal progression mirrors what makes Tales of the Shire one of the most cozy feel-good gaming experiences available today.
Rare and Legendary Fish
The Big Beastie remains my white whale – I’ve only caught three in my entire playthrough. They appear randomly at any location but seem more common during storms. The Striped Eel, Dawn Dace, and Honeyed Chub are other rare catches that have specific weather requirements I’ve documented in my fishing journal.
All 7 Fishing Locations & How to Unlock Them
Not all fishing spots are available immediately. I’ve unlocked each location through different methods, and here’s exactly how you can access them all. The unlocking process integrates beautifully with the house upgrade system, as building relationships with NPCs opens both fishing spots and home improvement opportunities.
Starting Locations
- Old Noakes’ Jetty: Available from the start, this is where I caught my first fish and still return for reliable brown trout
- Old Ruby’s Pond: Unlocked during early story progression, perfect for beginners learning line tension management
- Tree Root Pool: Found near the mill, this secluded spot is my go-to for evening eel fishing
Friendship-Locked Locations
- Ladle’s Jetty: Requires Level 3 friendship with Nefi – I achieved this by completing her quests and giving her cooked meals
- Cotton Farm Pond: Unlocked through story progression in Chapter 2, offers unique fish not found elsewhere
- Old Stone Tower: Requires exploring the eastern map area, my favorite spot for autumn pike fishing
- Old Stone Bridge Pool: The most challenging unlock, requiring Level 10 friendship with Old Noakes himself
Advanced Fishing Strategies & Economic Optimization
After mastering the basics, I’ve developed several strategies that have transformed fishing from a casual activity into my primary income source. The Fishing Club at the Ivy Bush Inn has been crucial to my success – completing daily missions there unlocks rod upgrades that make catching rare fish significantly easier.
My economic strategy revolves around understanding fish values and their best uses. While selling common fish provides steady income, I’ve learned to save rare catches for cooking recipes that multiply their value. A single Moonbeam Salmon, for example, sells for 35 coins raw but becomes worth 80 coins when used in the right recipe.
I also trade strategically with Old Noakes. He accepts potatoes in exchange for rare fish – a deal I use when I need specific species for cooking or encyclopedia completion. This method guarantees rare catches without spending hours waiting for perfect weather conditions. The economic balance reminds me of other successful simulation games I’ve covered, particularly the resource management in Summer in Mara’s tropical farming system.
Fishing Club Progression & Rod Upgrades
The Fishing Club system adds meaningful progression to fishing. I check the bulletin board daily for new missions, which range from catching specific fish to achieving certain quantities. Each completed mission earns club experience, unlocking five upgrade tiers that dramatically improve fishing efficiency.
My Level 5 rod makes such a difference – the line is stronger, fish tire faster, and I can cast further to reach premium fishing spots. The investment in club progression pays for itself quickly through increased rare fish catches. This progression system showcases the depth that separates Tales of the Shire from simpler fishing games like the Roblox Fishing Simulator, where upgrades are typically purchased rather than earned through skill development.
Integration with Other Game Systems
Fishing perfectly complements Tales of the Shire’s other systems. The fish I catch become ingredients for cooking, gifts for building friendships, and trade goods for the local economy. This interconnected design philosophy is what makes Tales of the Shire stand out among contemporary simulation games.
The relaxing nature of fishing makes it one of the most therapeutic gaming activities I’ve experienced. There’s something deeply satisfying about spending a virtual afternoon by the water, watching the seasons change while building your fish collection. For players seeking similar experiences, I highly recommend exploring other games from my co-op gaming recommendations, as many feature peaceful activities perfect for shared gaming sessions.
Conclusion: Mastering the Waters of Bywater
Fishing in Tales of the Shire offers more depth than I initially expected. From the 31 unique fish species to the strategic location unlocking and economic optimization, there’s always something new to discover. My advice? Start with the common spots, build your skills and friendships simultaneously, and don’t forget to invest in the Fishing Club for those crucial rod upgrades.
Whether you’re aiming for encyclopedia completion or simply enjoying the peaceful Hobbit life, fishing provides endless entertainment and profit. The combination of skill-based mechanics, social progression, and economic strategy creates an experience that rivals dedicated fishing simulators while maintaining the cozy charm that makes Tales of the Shire special.
Now grab your rod, find your favorite spot, and start building your own fishing legacy in the Shire. The waters of Bywater are waiting, and trust me – there’s nothing quite like landing that elusive Big Beastie after hours of patient casting. For more comprehensive gaming guides covering similar simulation experiences, explore my detailed coverage of indie simulation games that capture that same sense of peaceful progression and discovery.