Most Profitable Fish for the Stardew Valley Fish Smoker

In Stardew Valley's 1.6 update, the Fish Smoker quietly became one of the most profitable machines a farmer could place near the shore. A farmer named Mara discovered it almost by accident after a long day of catching iridium-quality fish. The promise was simple: put in any fish, add a single piece of coal, and wait. The result would be a smoked fish worth double the original price. Even better, the quality of the fish transferred directly to the smoked product. Iridium-quality fish stayed iridium-quality, and that made all the difference.

Mara soon learned that professions matter just as much as the machine itself. With the Artisan, Fisher, and Angler professions active, the base value of a smoked fish was multiplied by 4.2. That turned a 1,400g Lava Eel into a potential 5,880g smoked Lava Eel. For a farmer trying to save for the Golden Clock or a full set of obelisks, these numbers were impossible to ignore.

The ranking below blends base value, maximum smoked value, and the practical difficulty of catching each fish. Some fish are rare seasonal prizes; others are reliable year-round targets that can be caught in bulk with the right bait.

Mara's first real challenge came with the Lava Eel. It is available year-round, but only at level 100 of the Mines or in the Volcano Caldera. In the Caldera, it is the only fish present, which makes bulk fishing less chaotic. Still, its difficulty rating of 90 and the level 7 fishing requirement mean it is better suited for late-game farmers. One smoked iridium Lava Eel can reach 5,880g with the right professions, which is enough to fund an entire barn upgrade.

The Ice Pip sits just below the Lava Eel in value. Found on floor 60 of the Mines, it shares a pond with the Ghostfish. Its base value of 1,000g becomes 4,200g when smoked at iridium quality with all three professions. Mara found that using a Bait Maker was the smartest move. Placing one Ice Pip into the Bait Maker produced 5 to 10 Ice Pip Bait, which dramatically increased the odds of catching more. A Fish Pond with ten Ice Pips also regenerated one fish every five days, creating a slow but steady supply.

The Blobfish is another 1,000g fish, but it is far more elusive. It appears only during the Night Market from Winter 15 to 17 inside the Submarine. Its 10% catch rate is the lowest of the three Submarine fish, and its Floater behavior, shared only with the Pufferfish, makes it surprisingly tricky. However, the payoff is strong. A smoked iridium Blobfish with full profession bonuses reaches 4,200g. Mara prepared for the Night Market by bringing food with fishing buffs and higher-level bait.

For farmers earlier in their journey, the Stonefish is a welcome target. It is available year-round on floor 20 of the Mines and has a base value of 600g. Its max smoked value is 2,500g. The Stonefish is also notable because, along with the Octopus, it cannot be eaten unless prepared in a recipe. Mara reached floor 20 within about an in-game week and started catching Stonefish with relatively little trouble compared to the Lava Eel.

The Super Cucumber became Mara's favorite summer evening ritual. It can be caught from 6 PM to 2 AM during Summer and Fall at the Beach or Beach Farm, and all day around Ginger Island. It also appears in the Submarine during the Night Market. Using Magic Bait allowed Mara to catch Super Cucumbers year-round in the sea, which turned a 500g base value into a reliable 2,100g smoked product. The Super Cucumber's slightly odd shape did not stop it from becoming a steady earner.

The Spook Fish is often overlooked, but Mara appreciated its low difficulty rating of 60. Caught from 5 PM to 2 AM during the Night Market, it has a much higher catch rate than the Blobfish. A base value of 440g becomes 1,848g when smoked with optimal professions. For farmers who want to fill multiple Fish Smokers quickly, the Spook Fish is sustainable and forgiving. Magic Bait also works near the pier, though the catch rate drops to 3.3 percent.

The Catfish, Sturgeon, and Pufferfish all share the same base value of 400g and the same max smoked value of 1,680g. Their difficulty ratings differ. The Catfish appears in rivers on rainy days in Spring and Fall, and throughout Summer in the Secret Woods or Witch's Swamp. It is one of the earliest profitable options for a Fish Smoker. The Sturgeon appears at the Mountain Lake in Summer and Winter from 6 AM to 7 PM and can also be bought from Krobus or found in the Traveling Cart. Because Sturgeon produce Caviar for the Missing Bundle, many farmers already keep them in a Fish Pond, making smoked Sturgeon a convenient byproduct. The Pufferfish is available in Summer from 12 PM to 4 PM on sunny days and year-round on Ginger Island. Its Floater behavior can be frustrating, but its steady catch rate makes bulk smoking possible.

Finally, the Stingray is a Ginger Island specialty found only in the Pirate Cove. It can be caught in any season at any time of day. Its base value is 360g, and a smoked iridium Stingray can fetch 1,512g. Although it ranks lowest on this list, its predictable single location and high catch rate make it a consistent source of income once Ginger Island is unlocked.

Mara eventually settled into a rhythm. She would smoke Lava Eels and Ice Pips during the deep Mines runs, stock up on Blobfish and Spook Fish during the Night Market, and keep Sturgeon ponds bubbling all year. The Fish Smoker had turned fishing from a relaxing side activity into one of the most profitable parts of her farm. In 2026, as Stardew Valley continues to receive updates, the Fish Smoker remains a quiet but powerful tool for any farmer willing to learn where the best fish live.