As long summer days arrive in the Northern hemisphere this June, so does the summer season in new bugs to Animal Crossing players in both hemispheres. The list of new fish includes one scarce and elusive critter that can make players wealthy very quickly.
The Golden Dorado fish will be swim into rivers on Northern hemisphere islands in the game this month and will stick around until September. Sometimes considered the summer equivalent to the Stringfish, the Golden Dorado can net a player 15,000 bells when sold to Timmy and Tommy, or a whopping 22,000 bells each when sold directly to CJ. However, like the fabled city of the same name, the Dorado can be extremely difficult to find. For Animal Crossing: New Horizons anglers, or those wishing to earn enough for new summery island upgrades, here's how to increase the chances of catching the Golden Dorado.
How to Find the Golden Dorado in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
While the Golden Dorado only appears between June and September (December to March in the Southern hemisphere), it also only appears at specific times during the day. This particular species is diurnal, meaning it will only appear in the daylight. Players will only be able to find the Golden Dorado from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day.
The Golden Dorado will only spawn in rivers on the player's island. Dorados can also be found in rivers on deserted islands during Mystery Island Tours. They will likely stick out among the river fish, as they appear as very large shadows. They will look similar to a pike, sea bass, or snapping turtle.
How to Catch a Golden Dorado in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
As with other fish, bugs, and materials in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there is no surefire way to catch a Golden Dorado, as much of it is left to chance. There are a few things players can do to increase those chances, however.
Players should specifically seek out large shadows in rivers during the daylight hours. Late-night players will likely get frustrated looking for the Golden Dorado if the fish's active time has ed.
Players should also craft and toss fish bait whenever they go searching for the Golden Dorado. This does not necessarily increase the player's chance of finding any specific fish, but rather increases the number of fish that will spawn in a location. More spawns might lead to a rare catch. If too many smaller fish appear, players can either catch them and possibly find another rare critter, or they can scare these off by sprinting nearby. Players should craft as much fish bait as possible, especially if they are searching for the Golden Dorado on other islands.
It has been suggested that fishing in the rain increases the chances for rare fish to spawn, so players should make a point to try scouring the rivers for Dorados during showers. Players have also reported that, when a Dorado bites the line, the vibration on the controller is a bit more intense than it would be for other sizeable fish (like the horse mackerel), so players should pay attention for that subtle difference.
Once players have caught their first Dorado, it may be a good idea to bring it to Blathers to add to the museum collection. Any others a player can catch beyond that can be sold.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available for the Nintendo Switch.
