Unlocking the Secrets of Rainy Day Fishing in Animal Crossing: Rare Catches Await!
The question on every avid Animal Crossing angler’s mind when the skies turn grey is: what rare fish lurk beneath the surface when the rain begins to fall? While many fish species in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) appear regardless of the weather, certain coveted catches are specifically tied to those drizzly days. The most notable rare fish that emerges with the rain is the Coelacanth, an ancient and highly sought-after species. However, while not directly rain-dependent like the Coelacanth, rainy weather can also enhance the spawns of other less common fish, making a downpour the perfect time for a dedicated fishing session.
Coelacanth: The Reigning Champion of Rainy Day Fishing
The undisputed king of rainy day catches is the Coelacanth. This fish is a relic from a bygone era and, within the Animal Crossing universe, is notoriously elusive. The Coelacanth is unique because, unlike other fish, it will only spawn in the ocean when it is actively raining on your island. This single requirement makes it a true test of patience and perseverance for any player looking to fill their museum or make a tidy sum of bells.
A Historical Note
Interestingly, in the earlier Animal Crossing: Animal Forest title, the Coelacanth would also spawn during snowfall, alongside rain. However, this mechanic changed in New Horizons, with the Coelacanth now exclusively spawning only during rain. This makes planning your fishing excursions vital, especially for players in the Northern Hemisphere, where rainy days may be less frequent during certain seasons.
Catching the Elusive Coelacanth
Successfully catching a Coelacanth in ACNH requires three key elements:
- Rain: You absolutely must have rain on your island to even have a chance at encountering a Coelacanth. Monitor your weather patterns or time travel if you’re impatient.
- The Ocean: The Coelacanth spawns exclusively in the ocean, so ensure you’re fishing off the beach, not in rivers or ponds.
- Patience: Even with rain, the Coelacanth is rare. Be prepared to cast your line multiple times. Using fish bait can help you quickly respawn fish, improving your odds.
Other Rare Fish Benefiting from the Rain
While no other fish in ACNH is exclusively tied to rain like the Coelacanth, rainy weather does seem to generally encourage the spawn rates of rarer fish in general. This phenomenon likely stems from the fact that rain appears to increase the overall number of fish spawns in all areas, including the ocean. Therefore, although you may find that other rare fish are present on any day, you may experience higher spawns during rainy weather:
- Sharks: Though not exclusive to the rain, shark species such as the Great White Shark tend to be rarer, and increased fish spawns during rain mean you’ll have better luck finding their distinct fin shadows.
- Barreleye: A deep-sea fish also worth 15,000 bells. The spawn rates may improve in rainy weather, so be on the lookout.
- Golden Trout: A difficult to catch river fish and one that also earns 15,000 bells. While this fish does not rely on rain, the increased spawns may give you a better chance.
- Mahi-Mahi & Dorado: These pier fish may also appear more frequently during rain as the overall spawn rate is increased.
- Ocean Sunfish: While very rare, these do not rely on rain but an increase in overall spawns could help in your quest.
While these additional rare fish are not exclusive to rain, the increased fish spawns and higher activity during this weather make it more likely that you’ll have a chance to encounter them while you are actively hunting for a Coelacanth. It turns the somewhat frustrating task of waiting for a rainy day into a lucrative chance to snag some of the most valuable catches in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding rare fish and rain in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:
1. What is the absolute rarest fish in ACNH?
The Coelacanth is widely considered the rarest fish due to its exclusive requirement of spawning only during rain in the ocean.
2. Is the Great White Shark rarer than the Coelacanth?
While the Great White Shark is definitely a very rare and valuable catch, it’s not as rare as the Coelacanth. It does not have the same restrictive weather-dependent spawning rule.
3. Can the Coelacanth spawn in ponds?
No, the Coelacanth exclusively spawns in the ocean. It will not appear in any rivers, ponds, or cliffside waterfalls.
4. What is the highest price I can get for a fish in Animal Crossing?
The Coelacanth, Great White Shark, Dorado, Stringfish, Golden Trout, and Barreleye all sell for 15,000 bells each.
5. Do I need fish bait to catch a Coelacanth?
While you don’t need it, using fish bait greatly increases the chances of the Coelacanth spawning, as it speeds up the rate of fish respawns.
6. Does time of day matter for Coelacanth spawns?
No, the Coelacanth can be caught at any time of the day as long as it is raining in the game.
7. Do fish spawn more during the rain?
Yes, many players and evidence suggests that rainy weather causes a general increase in overall fish spawns in all water bodies.
8. Can I find any rare bugs when it rains?
While rain doesn’t exclusively bring out any rare bugs, scorpions can still be found at night even during rain. However, bugs like the Giraffe Stag do not rely on weather, but can be found on trees during the summer months.
9. What is the lowest-selling fish in ACNH?
The Tadpole is the lowest-selling fish, only bringing 100 bells.
10. What are some of the most difficult fish to catch in ACNH?
The Coelacanth, Great White Shark, Golden Trout, Oarfish, Napoleonfish, and King Salmon are known to be some of the hardest to catch due to their rarity or shadow size.
11. Are the villagers affected by rain?
Yes! Villagers will wear rain gear such as rain hats and jackets when it rains, creating a charming and immersive atmosphere.
12. How can I trigger rain in Animal Crossing?
You cannot directly control or trigger the weather, and it changes at random. However, there are resources and communities that predict weather patterns based on your island’s seed. Time-traveling can help you move through the days quickly if you are aiming for a particular weather pattern.
13. Does rain water my plants in the game?
Yes! Rain and snow automatically water your plants in ACNH, saving you the need to use a watering can.
14. Is it possible to catch sharks on a sunny day?
Yes, sharks can be caught on sunny days. However, the increase in fish spawns that accompanies rain could mean you may find more while it is raining.
15. Can I swim at night in ACNH?
Yes, you can swim at any time of the day or night in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Some sea creatures are more active at night.
Conclusion
The rain in Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn’t just about gloomy skies; it’s a golden opportunity for avid anglers to reel in some of the rarest and most valuable fish in the game. While the Coelacanth remains the undisputed king of rainy day catches, the increased fish spawns also give you a better chance to catch other rare fish such as sharks and golden trout. So, the next time you see rain clouds gathering over your island, grab your fishing rod and head to the ocean – you never know what treasure you might find!