How to catch a Sandfish in Stardew Valley

Some fish in Stardew Valley can be caught in a variety of places, while others are more specific with where they spawn. Sandfish have a very particular habitat; in fact, it’s how they got their name. 

Before you can go looking for Sandfish, you’ll need to unlock the Desert. To do this, you’ll need to complete the Vault Bundle at the community center (this is just a collection of monetary donations), or purchase the “Bus Repair” on the Joja Community Development Form for 40,000 Gold. It all depends on whether you’ve made the morally correct choice or sold your soul to Joja.

Where to find Sandfish in Stardew Valley

Once you’ve unlocked the Desert, finding Sandfish is easy, as it’s one of only two fish that spawn in the pond located in the top right corner of the Desert. Sandfish (and the other fish, Scorpion Carp), can be fished from these waters during any season between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

When you catch a Sandfish, you may find that the bobber in the fishing mini-game darts around the line. Sandfish are pretty pesky and can get away from you if you’re not careful. To negate the sudden movements, it’s worth using a Cork Bobber or a Trapper Bobber to increase your chances. 

How to use Sandfish in Stardew Valley

One Sandfish is needed for the Speciality Fish Bundle at the Community Center, and they’re also on Penny’s loved gifts list. Outside of these specific uses, there are a few other things that can be done with Sandfish. 

Recipes

Sandfish can be used in any recipe that calls for ‘any fish’:

Tailoring

Sandfish can be used in the spool of a Sewing Machine to create the dyeable Fish Shirt. It can also be used as a yellow dye in the dye pots in Emily and Haley’s house. 

Fish pond

You can place Sandfish into a Fish Pond, and they’ll produce Roe. If there are 10 Sandfish in a Fish Pond, you could possibly get Cactus Seeds.