The main reason to fish at the Murky Pond in Dread Fields is to catch the Glimmerfin, a unique creature required for the 'Healer' achievement and a special interaction with Old Man Hemlock. While other catches provide minor resources, the Glimmerfin is the only one that unlocks a hidden quest path. If you're wondering what to catch at the Dread Fields fishing pond, the answer depends entirely on whether you're seeking survival resources or a piece of the game's hidden lore.
This guide covers every possible catch from the Murky Pond, the gear you'll need, and the exact steps to complete the animal-rescue route tied to its most elusive resident.
The Complete Murky Pond Loot Table
Not everything that bites your line is useful, and some of it is downright dangerous. The pond's loot table is small but unforgiving. Your chances are influenced by the bait you use, with Glowfly Bait significantly increasing the odds of hooking the Glimmerfin while deterring the hostile Pond Lurker.
Here’s a full breakdown of what you can pull from these murky depths:
| Catch | Rarity | Use / Description | Bait Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrow Carp | Common | A sickly-looking fish. Can be cooked for a small amount of health, but inflicts a stack of the 'Creeping Dread' debuff. | Earthworms, Grubs |
| Rusted Locket | Common | A piece of junk with a faded etching. Sells for a pittance or can be broken down for one Scrap Metal. Has minor lore text. | Any |
| Grave Moss | Uncommon | A clump of slimy, dark green moss. A key ingredient for crafting 'Poultice of the Fen' and other resistance items. | Grubs |
| Whispering Eel | Uncommon | A long, pale eel that writhes silently. When harvested, yields 'Eel Sinew,' a required component for the 'Silent Step' gear upgrade. | Earthworms |
| Glimmerfin | Rare | A small, beautiful fish with pulsating, sickly light. Cannot be eaten. It's the key to the animal-rescue side quest. | Glowfly Bait (only) |
| Pond Lurker | Hostile | Not a catch, but an event. Using the wrong bait or failing a quick-time event can trigger this creature to attack, pulling you toward the water. | Low chance with any bait except Glowfly. |
The most important takeaway is that you cannot catch the Glimmerfin with standard bait. You must craft and use Glowfly Bait to even have a chance. Wasting time with earthworms will only fill your inventory with Marrow Carp and Rusted Lockets.
Dread Fields in-game screenshot
Preparing for the Perfect Catch
Before you can even think about the Glimmerfin, you need the right tools. Fishing in Dread Fields isn't a passive activity; it requires specific gear and crafted items. Don't approach the Murky Pond unprepared.
Where to Find the Fishing Rod
The 'Old Fishing Rod' isn't something you start with. It’s found leaning against the dilapidated shed just past the collapsed bridge on the western edge of the fields. You'll need to sneak past a roaming Shrieker to get to it. The rod cannot be upgraded, but it also doesn't have durability, so you only need to find it once.
Crafting the Essential Baits
Basic bait is easy to come by, but the special bait required for the Glimmerfin must be crafted at a workbench.
- Earthworms & Grubs: These can be found randomly when harvesting Thornbushes or by turning over loose rocks (marked by small piles of pebbles on the ground).
- Glowfly Bait (Recipe): The recipe is the real prize. It's located inside a locked chest in Old Man Hemlock's shack. You'll need to complete his initial task of clearing the three scarecrows from his pumpkin patch. Upon your return, he'll give you the 'Hemlock's Chest Key'. The recipe is inside.
Once you have the recipe, the ingredients are:
- 1x Glowfly Thorax: Harvested from the Glowflies that appear in the southern part of the fields, but only during the in-game night cycle.
- 1x Grave Moss: Fished from the Murky Pond itself using basic bait.
- 1x Blood Nettle: A common plant with red leaves found throughout the fields.
Crafting one batch yields three pieces of Glowfly Bait. Given the Glimmerfin's rarity, it's wise to craft at least two batches before you start fishing seriously.
The Animal-Rescue Route: Saving the Glimmerfin (Step-by-Step)
Catching the Glimmerfin is just the first step in a hidden, four-part quest that rewards you with a permanent buff and the 'Healer' achievement. This is the 'animal-rescue' path players often miss.
Step 1: Catching the Afflicted Glimmerfin
Equip your Old Fishing Rod, attach the Glowfly Bait, and head to the Murky Pond. The best spot is the small, rickety pier. Cast your line and wait. The Glimmerfin has a unique bite animation—the bobber will glow with a faint teal light just before it dips. When you successfully reel it in, the 'Afflicted Glimmerfin' will be added to the 'Key Items' section of your inventory. The item description notes that its light is fading and it seems to be in pain.
Step 2: Gathering the Healing Reagents
Speaking to Old Man Hemlock with the Glimmerfin in your inventory will trigger new dialogue. He'll speak of a 'Sunken Altar' deep in the swamp that can purify the creature, but only with the right offerings. You need two items:
- 5x Moonpetal: These are glowing white flowers that only bloom at night in the Whispering Woods, the area west of the pond. They are often guarded by Stalkers, so be prepared for stealth or combat.
- 1x Flask of Purified Springwater: The spring is located in the cave system beneath the old church. You must first defeat the mini-boss, the 'Chapel Guardian,' to access the back of the cave where the spring flows. You'll need an 'Empty Flask' to collect the water.
Step 3: The Ritual at the Sunken Altar
With the Afflicted Glimmerfin, Moonpetals, and Purified Springwater in hand, you must find the Sunken Altar. It's located in the center of the Crimson Marsh, an area that constantly drains your health unless you have a 'Poultice of the Fen' active. The altar is a large, flat stone with carved channels, partially submerged in red water.
Interact with the altar to begin the ritual. You will place the Glimmerfin in the center, arrange the Moonpetals around it, and pour the springwater into the channels. A short cutscene will play where the sickly light of the fish turns into a brilliant, healthy glow. The 'Afflicted Glimmerfin' is removed from your inventory and replaced with the 'Glimmerfin's Blessing' charm.
Dread Fields in-game screenshot
Step 4: Reap Your Reward
With the ritual complete, two things happen immediately. First, you unlock the 'Healer' achievement. Second, the 'Glimmerfin's Blessing' charm is now in your inventory. When equipped in a charm slot, it provides a slow, passive health regeneration effect—one of the most powerful buffs in the game. Returning to Old Man Hemlock one last time will have him thank you, rewarding you with the 'Master Angler's Hat,' a cosmetic item.
What Happens if You Don't Save the Glimmerfin?
So you've caught the Glimmerfin. What if you ignore Old Man Hemlock and the Sunken Altar? The game provides a darker, alternative use for the creature, which locks you out of the 'Healer' achievement for that playthrough.
If you take the Afflicted Glimmerfin to the workbench, you'll see a unique interaction option: 'Harvest for Insight.' This destroys the fish. In its place, you receive one 'Corrupted Insight' point and a small amount of crafting materials. Corrupted Insight is a rare resource used to unlock the final tier of weapon skills—the forbidden arts. This path is for players who prioritize power over morality.
Choosing to harvest the fish is an irreversible decision. The Glimmerfin will never respawn, and Old Man Hemlock's dialogue will change to reflect his disappointment. This 'Harvester' path is faster and provides a direct power boost, but the passive regeneration from the 'Glimmerfin's Blessing' is arguably more valuable for long-term survival.
Dread Fields in-game screenshot
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat the Glimmerfin?
No. The Afflicted Glimmerfin is a key item and cannot be consumed. Your only two options are to heal it at the Sunken Altar or harvest it at a workbench for a Corrupted Insight point.
What is the best time to fish in Dread Fields?
The time of day primarily affects which resources you can gather for bait crafting, not the fishing itself. Glowflies for the special bait only appear at night. The actual act of fishing has the same success rate whether it's day or night.
Does the fishing rod ever break?
No, the Old Fishing Rod has infinite durability. Once you find it near the collapsed bridge, it's yours for the entire game without need for repair or replacement.
What happens if a Pond Lurker attacks?
If a Pond Lurker grabs you, a rapid button-mash quick-time event begins. If you succeed, you'll break free and stumble backward, taking minor damage. If you fail, you are dragged into the pond for an instant death, forcing you to reload from your last save.
The Final Cast
The Murky Pond is more than just a typical video game fishing hole; it's a moral crossroads disguised as a side activity. It forces a choice between nurturing the last bit of light in a dying world or consuming it for personal gain. While the pond offers a few meager resources for survival, its true purpose is to test your character, with the fate of the Glimmerfin resting entirely on your line.