As the sun beats down on the rolling hills of Stardew Valley in the middle of Summer, a unique and exciting event beckons dedicated farmers and anglers alike. For those looking for a break from their daily chores, the annual Trout Derby offers a perfect diversion. This two-day fishing competition is a highlight of the Summer season, challenging players to test their skills against the elusive Rainbow Trout. Unlike other festivals announced via mail, this event arrives quietly, making it easy to miss for the unprepared. However, the valuable rewards and the thrill of the catch make participation well worth the effort. This guide provides a detailed overview of everything you need to know to successfully compete in and enjoy the Trout Derby.
Trout Derby Schedule and Announcement
The Trout Derby is a fixed event on the Stardew Valley calendar, taking place annually on Summer 20 and 21. A key detail that sets it apart from other town events is the notification system. Players do not receive any mail about the Derby. Instead, as the clock strikes 6:10 AM on the morning of the 20th, a notification will pop up on the screen announcing that the Trout Derby has officially begun. The competition runs continuously from that moment until the very end of the day at 2:00 AM, giving participants nearly two full days to cast their lines. The event concludes at 2:00 AM on the night of the 21st, so planning your fishing time wisely is crucial.
Finding the Trout Derby Location
Locating the event can be a bit tricky for first-time participants, as it's not held in the town square. The journey to the Derby site is a scenic one. Participants must head south from their farm into the Cindersap Forest. Continuing south past Marnie's Ranch, the path leads to a wide, flowing river. At the northern edge of this river, the Trout Derby headquarters will be visible. Look for a gathering of enthusiastic fishermen and a distinctive tent set up right next to a sign that announces the event. This is the central hub where the competition takes place and where rewards are claimed.
How to Compete and Catch Rainbow Trout
The core objective of the Trout Derby is simple: catch as many Rainbow Trout as possible. These prized fish are not available year-round; they are a seasonal river fish that only appears during sunny Summer days. Thankfully, the Derby is held right on the banks of their habitat. As long as the weather is clear on the 20th and 21st of Summer, players can catch Rainbow Trout in the river right next to the other competing anglers.
The mechanics of reward collection are based on a chance system. Each time a player successfully catches a Rainbow Trout, there is approximately a 33 percent chance that the fish will come with a Golden Tag attached. These Golden Tags are the currency of the Derby. They are not direct rewards but are instead exchanged for prizes. After collecting Golden Tags, players must take them to the fisherman stationed inside the green tent at the event site to redeem them for their rewards.
Complete List of Trout Derby Rewards
The rewards for participating in the Trout Derby are varied and valuable, ranging from decorative items to practical tools and resources. Players cannot choose their reward; it is randomly assigned when they exchange a Golden Tag. However, with enough persistence and luck in catching tagged trout, it is possible to collect every item on the list. The rewards are as follows:
| Item | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
 Tent Kit |
1x | A kit for crafting or placing a tent. |
 Mystery Box |
3x | Contains a random surprise item. |
 Bucket Hat |
1x | A stylish piece of wearable clothing. |
 Crab Pot |
1x | A tool for passive fishing in oceans, lakes, or rivers. |
 Diamond |
1x | A valuable gemstone. |
 Mounted Trout |
1x | A decorative item for house decoration. |
 Deluxe Bait |
20x | High-quality bait that increases bite rate. |
 Triple Shot Espresso |
2x | A drink that temporarily boosts movement speed. |
 Quality Sprinkler |
1x | Waters the 8 adjacent tiles every morning. |
 Warp Totem: Farm |
3x | Teleports the player directly to their farm. |
 Omni Geode |
3x | Can be processed by Clint to yield minerals or artifacts. |
Tips for Success in the Trout Derby
To maximize your chances during the Trout Derby, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some key strategies:
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Check the Weather: Since Rainbow Trout only bite on sunny days, check the weather forecast on TV the day before the event. If rain is predicted, consider using a Rain Totem the day before to try and change the weather to sunny.
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Gear Up: Come prepared with the best fishing rod you have (Iridium Rod is ideal) and a good supply of bait. While Deluxe Bait is a reward, using it during the event can help you catch more fish faster.
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Food Buffs: Consuming food that provides a Fishing buff (like Dish O' The Sea or Fish Stew) increases your fishing skill, making the mini-game easier and potentially increasing the quality of fish caught.
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Time Management: The event runs for two long days. Plan your schedule to dedicate large blocks of time to fishing, perhaps pausing only to replenish energy. Remember, you can fish until 2:00 AM, but passing out from exhaustion will incur a penalty.
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Persistence is Key: With only a 33% chance per catch to get a Golden Tag, you will need to catch a significant number of Rainbow Trout to collect all the rewards. Stay focused and keep casting!
The Stardew Valley Trout Derby is more than just a fishing contest; it's a Summer tradition that tests skill and patience. By marking Summer 20-21 on your calendar, heading to the river in Cindersap Forest, and casting your line with determination, you can partake in this special event, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and walk away with a tackle box full of fantastic prizes. Happy fishing!
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