The Northstar Whale is one of the most talked-about catches in the Fischmas update, mainly because of how rare it is and the confusion around how it actually spawns. If you’ve been fishing nonstop and wondering whether you’re doing something wrong, this guide will clear things up in a simple, honest way.
What Is the Northstar Whale?
The Northstar Whale is a Fischmas-exclusive whale added during the winter event. It’s rare, visually distinct, and tied to special presentation elements like a cutscene and audio when caught correctly.
However, not every method of catching it behaves the same way, which is where most players get confused.
The “Passive Method” (Important Warning)
There is a method that technically allows you to catch the Northstar Whale without triggering its proper cutscene.
This method uses the Rod of the Forgotten Fang.
- The rod has a passive effect that gives a chance to pull special or rare fish
- Using this passive, it is possible to randomly catch the Northstar Whale
- Some players have confirmed this works
However, there is a major downside.
If you catch the Northstar Whale this way:
- The cutscene does not play
- There may be no audio
- The camera angle can bug out
- The moment feels unfinished and broken
So while the fish does count as caught, you miss the full experience.
Should You Use the Forgotten Fang Method?
If your goal is pure completion or checking the whale off your list, this method technically works.
If your goal is:
- Seeing the proper cutscene
- Experiencing the full Fischmas presentation
- Avoiding bugs and missing audio
Then this is not the recommended way to catch it.
Think of this method as a shortcut that skips the spectacle.
Why the Cutscene Matters
The Northstar Whale is clearly designed to be a moment fish, similar to other major event catches in Fisch.
When caught through the intended method:
- A unique cutscene should play
- Audio should trigger properly
- Camera framing should be correct
Catching it through a passive override essentially bypasses all of that.
Best Advice Before You Go Fishing
- Decide whether you care more about completion or experience
- If you want the full Fischmas moment, avoid passive-trigger methods
- Be patient — the Northstar Whale is meant to be rare
- Don’t panic if others caught it “early” using unintended mechanics
Sometimes waiting actually gives a better result.
Yes, you can catch the Northstar Whale using the Rod of the Forgotten Fang’s passive, but doing so skips everything that makes the catch special. No cutscene, no sound, and often a scuffed camera angle.
If you just want the whale in your records, go for it.
If you want the full Fischmas experience, it’s better to wait and catch it the intended way.
In Fisch, not every shortcut is worth taking.