All Fish
Fishing in 99 Nights in the Forest is the most stable source of food in the game. Chests are random and hunts can go sideways, but a pond and a rod guarantees calories. Some species have meaningful sell value and certain secret fish drop diamonds — but you'll need the right rod tier.
Cards list location (pond, river, glacial lake), minimum rod required, recommended bait and sell value. Start with Mackerel and Jellyfish on the Old Rod; move to the Good Rod to open the mid catalogue; save the Strong Rod for end-game secret species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fish are in 99 Nights in the Forest?
There are 14 entries in the fish catalogue: Char, Clownfish, Eel, Jellyfish, Lava Eel, Lionfish, Mackerel, Salmon, Swordfish, and Shark are the main species. The catalogue also includes non-food pulls — Old Boot (junk), Fishing Rod (gear find), Jar o' Jelly (resource), and Seafood Chowder (cooked meal outcome). Ponds are the main fishing location for most species.
Which fish should I target first for food efficiency?
Mackerel and Jellyfish are the most accessible early-game fish, both found in ponds. They provide reliable calories when your food inventory is low. Salmon and Clownfish are mid-tier options that become available as you upgrade your rod. Char and Swordfish are higher-value catches for players who've invested in their fishing setup.
Is the Lava Eel actually catchable or is it a myth?
The Lava Eel is a legitimate entry in the fish database, found at Ponds like most other species. Its name suggests it's tied to a specific biome or event condition rather than a standard pond spawn. It's classified as a distinct species rather than a guaranteed drop, which means it requires either a specific location or rod tier to pull.
What happens if I catch an Old Boot?
The Old Boot is a junk pull — it has no food value and cannot be cooked. It's one of three non-fish outcomes in the fishing catalogue alongside the Fishing Rod (an item find) and Jar o' Jelly (a resource). Pulling junk is part of the fishing RNG and is more common with lower rod tiers. Upgrading to the Good Rod or Strong Rod reduces the junk-pull rate.
Do I need a specific bait for rare fish?
The fish page lists recommended bait per species where the wiki confirms it. Common species like Mackerel and Jellyfish don't require specialized bait with the Old Rod. Higher-tier species and event fish may need specific bait types to unlock their catch chance. The rod tier is the primary gate — bait is a secondary optimization for players already using the Strong Rod.