Fisherman's Friend: Guide to Befriending Willy in Stardew Valley

This guide delves into befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a key early contact, providing your initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a friendship with him offers significant advantages.

Updated January 4, 2025: This guide reflects the 1.6 update, including new book gifts.

Gifting Willy:

Find Willy at his shop (most weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). His birthday is Summer 24 (gifts given then have 8x the friendship boost).

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship):

These are the best options:

• Fish: Catfish , Octopus , Sea Cucumber , Sturgeon
• Books: Jewels of the Sea , The Art O' Crabbing
• Mead: (Honey in a Keg)
• Gold Bar: (Gold Ore in Furnace)
• Iridium Bar: (Iridium Ore in Furnace)
• Diamond: (Mines)
• Pumpkin: (Fall crop)
• All universally loved gifts.

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship):

Good alternatives to Loved gifts:

• Most fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – he's neutral to these).
• Lingcod , Tiger Trout
• Quartz
• Bait and Bobber

Disliked & Hated Gifts:

Avoid these:

• Foraged goods
• Non-fish-based cooked dishes
• Life Elixir
• Universally disliked/hated gifts (except fish; Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above).

Quests (+150 Friendship):

Willy posts requests on the notice board. Completing these earns gold and a friendship boost. He also sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).

Friendship Perks:

Reaching friendship levels unlocks Willy's recipes, all providing fishing buffs:

Chowder (3 hearts, +1 fishing) Escargot (5 hearts, +2 fishing) Fish Stew (7 hearts, +3 fishing) Lobster Bisque (9 hearts, +3 fishing, +30 max energy)

Maximize your fishing success by befriending Willy!