How to Catch the Goldenfish in Monster Hunter Wilds: A Complete Guide

In Monster Hunter Wilds, fishing is a secondary but valuable activity, allowing hunters to relax while gathering useful resources. Among the most sought-after catches, the Goldenfish is highly prized for certain quests, and its shimmering appearance makes it a prized target. Kanya, a quest giver at the Scarlet Forest camp, will task you with catching one, which can be trickier than it seems if you don't know the best locations and techniques. This guide will help you efficiently locate and catch this rare fish.

The Goldenfish is relatively common but doesn’t spawn everywhere. Certain biomes in Monster Hunter Wilds provide the ideal conditions for its appearance. To maximize your chances, check the following locations: the Windy Plains (Zone 14), where it can be found in an underground water cave between two flooded passages; the Scarlet Forest (Zone 8), where it is often found in the lake cave; the Oil Basin (Zone 12), where it spawns in the Scarlet Stream fishing area; and the Frozen Cliffs (Zones 1 & 20), where it appears along the icy shores and inside the Ancient Hall.

Before heading out, ensure you're properly prepared. Your fishing rod is available by default in your inventory—equip it by pressing X (PlayStation) or Square (Xbox). To increase your chances, use a Golden Bait, which specifically attracts the Goldenfish. If you don’t have one, the basic bait can work but with lower efficiency.

Once at a fishing spot, select your fishing rod and, if needed, change your bait using RB. Aim for an open area and cast your bait with RT. Reel in slowly, alternating between forward and backward movements with the left joystick to attract fish. Be patient—wait for the Goldenfish to bite firmly, then press RT to hook it and pull it out of the water.

Weather and seasonal conditions can impact its appearance. It may be rarer during certain times, while specific hours of the day may improve your chances of finding one. If you don’t see it right away, try fishing at different times or after a climate change.

While Kanya specifically requests that the Goldenfish be caught with a rod, you can use a fishing net to capture other small fish nearby, helping you complete additional secondary objectives.