iOS [iOS 1.6.15.1] Fish never bite – bobber floats indefinitely, no “HIT!” message

Darcelyn

Newcomer
Game Version

Stardew Valley 1.6.15.1 (Apple App Store)


Device
  • iPhone 16 Pro
  • iOS 26.5

Language
English

Single-player

No controller or keyboard/mouse connected (only Bluetooth connection is to my car).

Issue

Fishing is impossible.

I can cast normally with both the Bamboo Rod and the Training Rod. The casting meter appears, the bobber lands correctly in fishable water, and the in-game clock continues to advance normally.

However:
  • The bobber only gently bobs up and down.
  • It never makes the sharp dive that indicates a fish bite.
  • The “HIT!” message never appears.
  • After waiting a long time, my character displays the impatient ”!” above their head.
  • This happens every single time.

Locations Tested
  • Mountain Lake
  • Ocean (Beach)
  • River
  • Farm pond
  • Bubble fishing spots

The same behavior occurs in every location.

Troubleshooting Already Performed
  • Started a completely new farm (same issue).
  • Deleted and reinstalled the game from the Apple App Store.
  • Tested with both the Bamboo Rod and the Training Rod.
  • Tried multiple control schemes:
    • Tap-to-Move & Auto-Attack
    • Joystick & Buttons
  • Accessibility settings are normal:
    • AssistiveTouch Off
    • Touch Accommodations Off
  • No Bluetooth game controller connected.
  • Waited without touching the screen after casting.
  • Confirmed that the game clock continues to advance while waiting.

The issue occurs on both my original save and a brand-new save created after reinstalling the game.

Expected Behavior

After casting, a fish should eventually bite, the bobber should dive, and the “HIT!” message should appear.

Actual Behavior

No fish ever bite. The bobber floats indefinitely until my character shows the impatient exclamation mark.

I have the save files on my iPhone but I wasn’t able to attach them because iOS wouldn’t let me upload or compress the save folder.
 

Ereo

Helper
The ! above the characters head is not impatience, it’s a signal that a fish bit. Tap your screen when the ! appears. There is no “HIT!” message.
 
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