Fishing can be one of the most lucrative possessions in Stardew Valley, but you have to know where to find certain fish and how to get them. Some fish, like the 
Rainbow Trout, can only be found in specific bodies of water rather than just your typical beach or lake.
Rainbow Trout can be used for several things, including a tailored shirt, some Help Wanted requests, and even to farm some Prismatic Shards. If you're having no luck finding this fish within Pelican Town, we will show you exactly where you can get it and how to use it to your advantage.
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Updated by Christina Roffe on March 23, 2024: As we are fully introduced to the new Version 1.6 update in Stardew Valley, there are not only new fish to catch, but there are many new festivals to participate in and earn rewards. As part of the new set of festivals, you'll have the chance to participate in the Trout Derby, taking place on the 20th and 21st of the Summer season. In this competition, you'll work towards catching as many Rainbow Trouts as possible, which, in turn, will provide you with Golden Tags in exchange for a reward. We have updated this piece to include information on the Trout Derby, and how you can get Rainbow Trout.
Where to Find Rainbow Trout in Stardew Valley
If you're looking to find some Rainbow Trout in Stardew Valley, you'll need to meet all the following criteria:
- Currently in the Summer season
- Fishing from 6 am to 7 pm
- Sunny weather
- Found in the Pelican Town River and Mountain Lake
Rainbow Trout is only available in Summer, unless you use Magic Bait in any of the other seasons. You'll find them in either the Pelican Town River, which runs from Cindersap Forest all the way towards the Mines, or in the Mountain Lake just outside the Mines and Linus' tent.
You can use bait to make it easier to catch a Rainbow Trout, but it isn't required since it is a fairly common fish. It's also possible to buy some Rainbow Trout from the Traveling Cart on occasion, and they can sometimes be found in trash cans.
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How to Catch Rainbow Trout in the Trout Derby
As introduced in the Version 1.6 Update, there is a new festival, the Trout Derby, that takes place on the 20th and 21st of Summer. At this festival, you will spend your time fishing in the river near Cindersap Forest from 6:10 am until 2:00 am. Each time you catch a Rainbow Trout, you'll get a 33% chance of getting a Golden Tag. However, if you catch multiple Rainbow Trout at once, this percent will double, leading to 66% to 99%, and so on.
There are a few ways that you can increase your chances of catching a Rainbow Trout during the festival. This includes:
- Using Challenge Bait to have the ability to catch 3 Rainbow Trouts at once, therefore increasing the percent you will receive a Golden Tag
- Using tackles to reduce the chance of the Rainbow Trout escaping, such as a Cork Bobber to increase the size of your fishing bar
When you receive Golden Tags, there are many different rewards you can cash in for. This includes a Tent Kit, Omni Geodes, a Bucket Hat, a few Mystery Boxes, and much more.
Stardew Valley: How to Get a Tent Kit (& How to Use It)
Tents can provide a cozy shelter when you’re out in the wilderness of Stardew Valley. Find out how to get a Tent in this quick guide.
How to Use Rainbow Trout in Stardew Valley
Even though Rainbow Trout are relatively common, they can be used for a lot of different things. This includes:
- Trout Soup
- Fish Shirt
- Used in Fish Pond
- Help Wanted & Special Orders Boards
In particular, if you use Rainbow Trout in a Fish Pond on your farm, they can sometimes produce Roe, Rainbow Shells, and Prismatic Shards. Even though the fish itself doesn't sell for much, the possibility of picking up Prismatic Shards is always helpful due to their high profit.
Occasionally, you'll receive requests from the Help Wanted Board or Special Orders Board to catch some Rainbow Trout for Demetrius or Willy. These requests can get you a decent bit of cash, up to 260g. If you choose to sell them on your own, they'll range from 65g at the base, all the way up to 195g for iridium-quality caught by a player with the Angler profession.
Finally, you can use Rainbow Trout to make your own Trout Soup, as well as tailor a Fish Shirt. Trout Soup requires one Rainbow Trout and one Green Algae. As for the Fish Shirt, Rainbow Trout will be one of many other fish required to sew the shirt.
Stardew Valley
- Released
- February 26, 2016
