Carp

The Carp is one of the most common and easiest fish to catch in Stardew Valley, found in both the Mountain Lake and the Secret Woods pond. You can catch it at any time of day, in any season, and in any weather, giving you complete flexibility. In the fishing mini-game, the Carp is the definition of easy, barely moving at all and essentially handing itself to you. It is the perfect practice fish for players who are still learning the fishing mechanic. At only 30g base sell price, the Carp is the lowest-value lake fish, but it plays an important role as a required fish for the Lake Fish Bundle in the Community Center's Fish Tank. Save one for the bundle before doing anything else with it. The Mountain Lake near the Carpenter's Shop is the most convenient location to catch Carp, though the Secret Woods pond also works if you have access. The Secret Woods requires either a Steel Axe to chop the large log blocking the entrance or completion of certain other tasks. The Carp is not great for cooking value since it only works in Sashimi, Maki Roll, and Quality Fertilizer, but converting it to Sashimi is a decent way to turn a nearly worthless fish into a useful energy item. While you will probably catch plenty of Carp during your fishing sessions, do not overlook its bundle importance early in the game.