Ranch Simulator Fishing Guide – Equipment, Fishing spots

Fishing was added to Ranch Simulator as a core gameplay feature and can become a reliable and scalable money-making method if done correctly. This Ranch Simulator Fishing Guide covers everything you need to know about fishing in the base game on the original map, without mods or DLC.

You will learn:

  • Where to buy fishing equipment
  • Which bait is actually worth using
  • How fishing spots work
  • How the fishing minigame functions
  • How to maximize profit per fish

How to Start Fishing

Buying Your Fishing Gear

Your first step is to purchase a fishing rod and bait.

  • Visit the Fisherman’s Hut, located on the north side of the lake
  • The location is marked on the map with a fish icon
  • Buy:
    • Fishing Rod
    • Fishing Bait (see recommendation below)

Best Bait to Use (Important)

There are three bait options available:

  • Carp Set
  • Balanced Set
  • Master Set

After extensive testing, the Master Set is the only bait worth using.

Why:

  • It generates the highest money per minute
  • It catches more high-value fish, especially perch
  • Bite timing and catch speed are nearly identical across all bait types

If you want efficiency, skip the other baits entirely.

Finding Fishing Spots

Fishing only works in specific locations.

How to Identify a Fishing Spot

  • Look for ripples on the water surface
  • These ripples indicate active fish zones
  • Fishing outside these areas will never catch anything

Key points:

  • All fishing spots provide the same results
  • Fishing spots do not deplete
  • Pick the one that is easiest to access and use it consistently

How the Fishing Minigame Works

Step-by-Step Fishing Process

  1. Equip the fishing rod using the tool wheel
  2. Press R to select bait
  3. Aim at the water ripples
  4. Right-click and hold to cast
    • Longer hold = farther throw
  5. Release when the indicator reaches the ripples
  6. If the cast is off, left-click to reel in and try again

Catching the Fish

  • Wait for:
    • A plop sound
    • The lure dipping underwater
  • Left-click to start the timing minigame
  • Click when the indicator is inside the thick white bar
  • You must succeed three times

Important:

  • Bigger fish = smaller timing window
  • Clicking outside the white bar loses the fish

Fish Storage and Transport

  • Place caught fish into a cooler
  • Each cooler holds up to 24 fish
  • There is no catch limit, so fill all coolers before selling

Selling Fish for Maximum Profit

Where to Sell

You can sell fish at:

  • General Store
  • Restaurant

Always sell at the restaurant when possible.

Why:

  • The restaurant can offer price multipliers
  • Higher multipliers significantly increase profit

Base Fish Prices

(Values may change based on economy settings)

  • Carp – $1.40 per kg
  • Trout – $2.20 per kg
  • Perch – $3.20 per kg

Best Selling Strategy

  1. Fill your coolers completely
  2. Store fish instead of selling immediately
  3. Check the newspaper daily
  4. Wait for a restaurant multiplier close to 2.0
  5. Sell everything at once for maximum profit

This patience-based strategy produces the best return per fish.

Fishing in Ranch Simulator is simple, consistent, and extremely profitable once you understand the mechanics. By choosing the right bait, fishing only in valid spots, and selling strategically, you can turn fishing into a steady income stream without wasting time or resources