Stardew Valley Willy Guide: Gifts, Heart Events, and Shop Items

Willy is the local fisherman in Stardew Valley, operating the town's bait and fishing supplies shop. Whether you are looking to improve your fishing game or simply want to befriend the town's resident angler, this guide covers everything you need to know to get the most out of your relationship with him.

The Best Gifts for Willy

Building a friendship with Willy is worth the effort, as he will reward you with useful recipes. His birthday is Summer 24, making it the perfect time to offer a gift.

Loved Gifts: Catfish, diamond, gold bar, iridium bar, Jewels of the Sea book, mead, octopus, pumpkin, sea cucumber, sturgeon, and The Art O' Crabbing book. Note that he also enjoys most universally loved items, excluding the life elixir and non-fish-related cooking.

Avoid Gifting: Seasonal foraged items, life elixir, and most universally disliked or hated items.

Unlocking Willy's Heart Events

As you increase your friendship level with Willy, he will send helpful recipes directly to your mailbox or trigger specific events:

• Three Hearts: Receive the chowder recipe in the mail.
• Five Hearts: Receive the escargot recipe in the mail.
• Six Hearts: Visit the beach between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm.
• Seven Hearts: Receive the fish stew recipe in the mail.
• Nine Hearts: Receive the lobster bisque recipe in the mail.

Willy's Fish Shop Inventory

Willy’s shop is your go-to destination for rods, bait, and decor. Some items are available immediately, while others require you to reach a specific fishing skill level.

Willy's Daily Schedule

Willy is a creature of habit. On a regular day, he fishes outside his shop starting at 6:10 am, opens the shop at 9 am, returns to the beach to fish at 5 pm, and heads home at 10 pm. However, his schedule changes for events and specific dates:

• Friday/Rainy Days: He follows his normal routine but heads to the saloon at 5 pm, returning home at 11:20 pm.
• Saturday: He fishes in town starting at 2 pm before heading to the saloon at 7 pm.
• Winter: He maintains his standard shop hours but visits the saloon at 5 pm.
• Special Events: Willy participates in the Trout Derby (Summer 20-21) and Squidfest (Winter 12-13). He also acts as a vendor at the Desert Festival.