Spiritshade River

Overview

Spiritshade River is a subterranean fishing location within the Moonlit Forest region of Starsand Island. The river flows through a network of underground caverns characterized by bioluminescent water that glows with a soft, ethereal light. Unlike the surface fishing spots found at beaches, ponds, and rivers, Spiritshade River contains unique fish species that cannot be caught anywhere else on the island. It is considered one of the deep-sea fishing zones despite being underground, because the fish found here share the rarity and value tier of deep-water species.

Location and Access

Spiritshade River is located deep within the Moonlit Forest, accessible through a series of cave entrances and underground passages. Reaching the river requires progressing through the Moonlit Forest exploration content, which involves navigating winding forest paths, finding hidden cave openings, and sometimes clearing obstacles that block further passage.

The most direct route to Spiritshade River starts from the Moonlit Forest Waypoint (if unlocked via fast travel) and follows the northeast cave path. Look for a narrow opening partially hidden by luminescent moss; this leads to a descending tunnel that opens into the Spiritshade River cavern after approximately 2 minutes of walking.

Access Requirements

Environment and Ambiance

Spiritshade River's defining feature is its bioluminescent water. The river glows with soft blue and green hues produced by luminescent microorganisms that thrive in the underground ecosystem. The cave walls are dotted with glowing crystals and phosphorescent moss that create a starlit effect on the ceiling, giving the cavern an otherworldly atmosphere.

The ambient sounds are distinct from surface locations. Instead of wind and birdsong, the cavern features echoing water drips, the gentle flow of the underground river, and occasional sounds from cave-dwelling creatures. The overall effect creates one of the most visually and audibly unique locations in the game.

Several fishing spots are available along the riverbank within the cavern. Each spot provides access to the same pool of fish species, so you can choose whichever position is most convenient. Some spots have flat rocks that serve as natural seating areas.

Fish Species

Spiritshade River contains fish species that are exclusive to this location. These fish are generally rarer and more valuable than surface-water species, making the river a prime destination for experienced anglers looking to fill out their fish collection or earn coins through high-value catches.

The Abyssal Anglerfish is the most valuable fish found in Spiritshade River and one of the rarest catches in the entire game. It only appears during the night cycle (even underground, the game tracks time of day for spawn purposes) and requires Deep-Sea Lure bait, which itself is expensive to craft.

Bait Recommendations

Success at Spiritshade River depends heavily on using the right bait. The fish here are more selective about bait than surface species, and using generic bait results in long wait times and frequent catches of common Moonlit Koi instead of the rarer species.

Bring a variety of bait types when visiting Spiritshade River to maximize the diversity of your catch. A typical fishing trip should include at least 10 Glow Worm Bait, 5 Crystal Lure, 5 Cave Grub Bait, and 2 to 3 Spirit Bait for the best results.

Fishing Strategy

Spiritshade River rewards patient, well-prepared anglers. Here is a recommended approach for maximizing your catch value and collection progress:

1. Arrive during the daytime cycle and start with Glow Worm Bait to catch Ghostfin Trout and Luminescent Salmon.

2. Switch to Crystal Lure and Cave Grub Bait to target Crystal Carp and Shadow Eels.

3. When the night cycle begins, switch to Spirit Bait for a chance at the valuable Spirit Catfish.

4. If you have Deep-Sea Lures, use them exclusively during the night cycle for a shot at the Abyssal Anglerfish.

5. Collect all caught fish before leaving; do not discard common catches, as even Moonlit Koi have decent sell value.

Each fishing session at Spiritshade River can yield 1,500 to 5,000 coins worth of fish depending on luck and bait quality. On a great night cycle with Spirit Bait, a single Spirit Catfish catch (1,200 coins) makes the entire trip worthwhile.

Cooking Uses

Fish from Spiritshade River are prized ingredients in several high-end cooking recipes. The unique properties of cave fish produce dishes with stronger stat bonuses than recipes using surface fish.

The Spirit Catfish Hotpot is one of the strongest food buffs in the game, making Spirit Catfish worth keeping for personal use rather than selling, despite their high coin value.

Tips

• Unlock the Moonlit Forest Waypoint before your first trip to Spiritshade River. This saves significant travel time on repeat visits.

• Bring a lantern for navigating the cave tunnels, even though the river cavern itself is well-lit by bioluminescence.

• Stock up on Glow Worm Bait before visiting. Glow Worms can be foraged in the Moonlit Forest caves on your way to the river.

• The night cycle is the most valuable time to fish here. Plan to arrive before nightfall so you can fish through the entire night cycle.

• Do not sell your first catch of each species. Register it in the Islandpedia first to unlock the collection entry and any associated rewards.

• If stamina is running low, the Moonlit Koi Rice Bowl is a quick recipe that can be cooked at a portable campfire using common catches from this location.

• The Abyssal Anglerfish has a very low bite rate even with the correct bait. Expect to spend several full night cycles before landing one.

• Consider building a portable storage chest near the cave entrance to stash surplus fish between trips, freeing up inventory space for continued fishing.

Related Articles

• Fishing

• All Fish

• Deep-Sea Fishing Zones

• Moonlit Forest

• Bait Guide