Fishing in Monster Hunter has always been that weird, zen-like breather between the chaos of dodging a fire-breathing wyvern and getting flattened by a Diablos. But in the Forbidden Lands, things feel different. If you've been scouting the Windward Plains or trekking through the Scarlet Forest, you probably noticed the water is teeming with more life than we saw in World or Rise. One fish stands out. The Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish. It’s shiny. It’s elusive. It’s basically the "get rich quick" scheme of the fishing world, provided you actually know where to cast your line.
Honestly, most players just run past fishing spots. Big mistake.
The Reality of the Monster Hunter Wilds Goldenfish
Hunting monsters is the core loop, obviously. But the economy in Wilds can be brutal if you're constantly upgrading high-rank armor sets and forging new elemental weapons. This is where the Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish comes into play. Historically, these glimmering swimmers are worth a decent chunk of Zenny. In Wilds, they serve a dual purpose: high-value trade-in items and, in some specific cases, ingredients for Canteen buffs that make a massive difference before a difficult hunt.
You aren't just looking for any yellow fish. You’re looking for that specific, almost metallic sheen that separates a Goldenfish from a standard Sushifish or a Popfish.
Where Do They Actually Hide?
Localization is everything. In the Windward Plains, you’ll want to look for deeper pools, often tucked away in caves or the shaded corners of the map where the sand doesn't settle as heavily. During the "Plenty" weather phase—a new mechanic in Wilds—the spawn rates for rare endemic life and fish skyrocket. If the weather is harsh, like during a sandstorm, you might as well forget it. The fish go deep. Wait for the transition.
Wait for the calm.
The Scarlet Forest offers a different vibe entirely. The water is murkier here. You have to squint. Look for the ripples. I’ve found that the Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish tends to congregate near the roots of the massive trees that define the zone. If you see a spot where the water looks particularly clear despite the surrounding rot, toss your lure there.
Fishing Mechanics: It’s Not Just Point and Click
Wilds has tweaked the fishing minigame to feel a bit more interactive without being a chore. You still have your standard bait, but if you're serious about the Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish, you need to use Goldenfish Bait. You can usually craft this or buy it from the provisioner back at the Base Camp.
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Don't just throw the lure into the center of the pond.
Aim for the head of the fish. If you land the lure right in front of its nose, you trigger an immediate bite. If you’re too far away, it might ignore you for a standard Small Goldenfish or a Gastronome Tuna that happens to be passing by. Once it bites, you’ll get a prompt. It’s a rhythmic tug-of-war. It’s satisfying. It’s also incredibly frustrating when a stray Balahara decides to burrow through your fishing hole and ruin the spawn.
Is It Really Worth the Time?
Some people say fishing is a waste. They say you should just grind quests for Zenny.
They're wrong.
A single Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish can fetch a high price, and during the early-to-mid game progression, three or four of these can be the difference between buying that next armor upgrade or going into a fight under-geared. Plus, the Research Points. Let’s not forget those. The Research Team loves these things. Turning them in often unlocks side-room decorations or rare ingredients for the Chef back at camp.
Common Misconceptions About Rare Spawns
I've heard people claim that the Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish only appears at night. That’s just not true. While time of day influences the type of fish you see, the Goldenfish is more tied to the environmental state of the locale. The "In-Between" periods—when the map is transitioning from a period of scarcity to a period of abundance—are your best bets.
Another myth? That you need a specific "Fishing" skill on your armor.
While skills like "Master Fisher" make the struggle easier (the bar moves slower, the fish bites faster), they aren't a requirement. You can catch a Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish with your starting gear. It just takes a bit more patience and a steady hand on the analog stick.
- Check the weather map before leaving camp.
- Look for the "Abundance" icon in the locale info.
- Bring at least five pieces of specialized bait.
- Clear the area of small monsters (like those pesky Boggi) so they don't interrupt your cast.
How to Maximize Your Haul
If you find a "hot spot" where a Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish has spawned, don't just catch it and leave. Sometimes, if you catch the other fish in the pond, it forces a respawn of the local table. Clear the pond. You might get lucky and see a Great Goldenfish—the "king" version of the standard spawn. These are massive. They fight like a monster. They're worth a fortune.
The inventory management in Wilds is a bit more forgiving than the old school games, but you should still make sure you have space. There is nothing worse than reeling in a rare catch only to realize your pouch is full of Bitterbugs and stones.
The Canteen Connection
Don't just sell everything. Save a few. The Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish is often a hidden requirement for high-tier seafood platters at the Canteen. These meals provide a significant boost to your stamina depletion rate, which is a godsend for Bow and Dual Blades users. If you're struggling with a hunt because you're running out of breath, check if you've turned in enough fish to unlock the stamina-up buffs.
It’s all connected. The ecosystem isn't just a backdrop; it’s a resource.
Getting Results in the Forbidden Lands
To actually get results, stop treating fishing as a secondary objective. Make a "gathering" loadout. Equip gear with the Geologist or Botanist skills if you want, but focus on mobility. Zip between the water holes in the Windward Plains. Use your Seikret to auto-travel to the fishing spots you've marked on your map.
The Monster Hunter Wilds goldenfish isn't just a trophy; it's a tool. Whether you’re selling it to fund a new Great Sword or using it to unlock a meal that lets you survive a hit from a flagship monster, it’s worth the five minutes of standing still by the water.
Check the Scarlet Forest during the transition to the "Plentiful" phase. That's my secret spot. The pools near the eastern camp are usually teeming with rare life if the timing is right. Go there. Cast your line. Watch the ripples.
Next Steps for the Master Angler
Go to the Windward Plains during a period of "Plenty" and head to the underground oasis. Use Goldenfish Bait specifically. If you don't see the golden glimmer within thirty seconds, fast travel to a different camp and back to reset the spawns. This "cycling" method is the fastest way to fill your inventory and your wallet before the next big hunt. Once you've secured the fish, head to the Research Hub to see what new requests you've fulfilled; you might find that you've unlocked a new decorative piece for your tent or a rare ingredient that changes your hunt strategy entirely.