Befriend Willy, Stardew Valley's Respected Fisherman

This guide explores how to befriend Willy, the kind-hearted fisherman in Stardew Valley. Building a strong relationship with Willy offers significant advantages, particularly for aspiring anglers.

Willy, readily accessible at his shop (most weekdays) or fishing (Saturdays and evenings), is a valuable resource for fishing supplies and advice. Strengthening your bond with him yields substantial rewards.

Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: This updated guide reflects the 1.6 update's additions to Willy's gift preferences, including several new books related to fishing.

Gift Guide

Generosity is key to winning Willy's friendship. Remember his birthday is Summer 24 – gifts given then have an 8x friendship boost.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship): These top-tier gifts significantly improve your relationship.

• High-value fish: Catfish , Octopus , Sea Cucumber , Sturgeon
• Fishing-themed books: Jewels Of The Sea , The Art O' Crabbing
• Mead (made with Honey in a Keg)
• Gold Bar (from Gold Ore in a Furnace)
• Iridium Bar (from Iridium Ore in a Furnace)
• Diamond (found in Mines)
• Pumpkin (Fall crop)
• All universally loved gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship): These are excellent alternatives if obtaining Loved gifts proves challenging.

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

Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid these to prevent friendship loss.

• All foraged goods
• Non-fish cooked dishes
• Life Elixir
• All universally disliked or hated gifts (except for fish; Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above).

Quests

Willy occasionally posts quests on the "Help Wanted" board, offering gold and friendship points (+150) as rewards. He also sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid on Winter 2, Year 1, and Lingcod on Winter 13, Year 2), granting gold and additional friendship hearts.

Friendship Perks

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as your friendship progresses: Chowder (+1 fishing), Escargot (+2 fishing), Fish Stew (+3 fishing), and Lobster Bisque (+3 fishing, +30 max energy).