Bells
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is well-known for its seasonal events, and two of the most anticipated events each year are the Bug Off and the Fishing Tourney. In 2025, these in-game competitions will return, giving players opportunities to catch bugs and fish for fun, prizes, and trophies. This article covers everything you need to know about the Bug Off and Fishing Tourney schedules, rewards, and strategies to help you get the most out of these lively events.
The Bug Off event is a regular contest hosted by Flick, the passionate chameleon who appears on your island to challenge players to catch as many bugs as possible within a limited time. Unlike the more relaxed style of previous Animal Crossing games, Flick’s contest is a fast-paced, three-minute time trial. Players aim to rack up points that can be traded for exclusive bug-themed items and trophies.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Bug Offs take place on the fourth Saturday of the month, rather than the third Saturday as in previous games. For 2025, players in the northern hemisphere can expect their first Bug Off on Saturday, June 28th, with additional contests throughout the summer. Southern hemisphere players will need to wait until November for Flick’s arrival. Flick hosts the event from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and players can participate as many times as they wish during that period.
Hemisphere | Month | Date |
---|---|---|
Northern Hemisphere | June | June 28 |
July | July 26 | |
August | August 23 | |
September | September 27 | |
Southern Hemisphere | January | January 18 |
February | February 15 | |
November | November 15 | |
December | December 20 |
The Bug-Off event occurs between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM on the dates listed above. During the Bug-Off, you can speak with Flick to participate in a bug-catching contest.
Points earned from catching bugs during the event can be exchanged for a variety of bug-themed items. For every 10 points collected, Flick offers a prize. There are 13 unique bug items to collect:
ACNH Bug Off Items |
---|
Artisanal bug cage |
Bug aloha shirt |
Bug backpack |
Bug cage |
Bug wand |
Butterflies wall |
Ladybug rug |
Ladybug umbrella |
Spider doorplate |
Spider web |
Termite mound |
Toy centipede |
Toy cockroach |
ACNH Bug Off Trophy
You can also earn trophies based on your cumulative score throughout the Bug-Off event:
Bronze Trophy: Earn 100 points in total for the day.
Silver Trophy: Earn 200 points in total for the day.
Gold Trophy: Earn 300 points in total for the day.
To maximize your score during the Bug Off:
Prepare multiple nets before the contest, as nets can break mid-round and you don’t want to lose precious time.
Assign your nets to the tool ring for quick access, saving valuable seconds during the event.
Plant trees and flowers near Resident Services to increase bug spawn rates nearby, making it easier to catch bugs quickly.
Play with friends for a multiplayer bonus. Teams can receive additional points depending on the number of bugs caught collectively.
Don’t worry about pocket space: All bugs are automatically sent to Flick’s cage during the contest.
Have plenty of Bells ready: The first round is free, but each additional entry costs 500 Bells. Saving up in advance ensures you can participate as many times as you like.
Take breaks: The event runs all day, so there’s no rush to unlock every prize in one go. More Bug Offs will happen throughout the year, giving plenty of chances to collect every item.
CJ, the energetic beaver, hosts the Fishing Tourney, challenging players to catch as many fish as possible within three minutes. Like the Bug Off, this is a time-based contest where points are awarded for each catch, and those points can be exchanged for exclusive fishing-themed items and trophies.
Fishing Tourneys are scheduled seasonally, with one of the main events taking place on April 12th, 2025. CJ appears on your island for the day, running the contest from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Players from both hemispheres can expect similar schedules, with more tourneys throughout the year.
Month | Date |
---|---|
January | January 11 |
April | April 12 |
July | July 12 |
October | October 11 |
Prizes from C.J. (10 points each)
Points collected during the contest can be traded for one of 13 fishing-themed items, including:
Item |
---|
Anchor Statue |
Fish Door Plate |
Fish Drying Rack |
Fish Pochette |
Fish Print |
Fish-Print Tee |
Fish Rug |
Fish Umbrella |
Fish Wand |
Fishing Rod Stand |
Fresh Cooler |
Marine Pop Wall |
Tackle Bag |
ACNH Fishing Tourney Trophy
Trophies are also awarded, based on cumulative points earned throughout the day, mailed the next day)
Trophy | Points Required |
---|---|
Bronze Fish Trophy | 100 |
Silver Fish Trophy | 200 |
Gold Fish Trophy | 300 |
Here are some strategies to help you reel in the most fish:
Use bait: Catching 10 or more fish in three minutes is tough without bait. Manila clams found along the shore can be dug up and crafted into fish bait, which instantly spawns fish when scattered in water.
Prepare a good fishing spot: CJ gives players a few seconds to find a location before the timer starts. Choose a spot with clear visibility and minimal obstacles. If possible, terraform a small pond near the plaza to reduce travel time between catches.
Check your fishing rods: Make sure your rod has enough durability left, or prepare several rods in advance. Assign them to your tool wheel for fast switching.
Listen carefully: Closing your eyes and focusing on the sound of the fish nibbling can help you react quickly when a fish bites, leading to faster catches.
Aim carefully: Casting your line directly in front of a fish increases the chance of it biting immediately, speeding up your catches.
The Bug Off and Fishing Tourney events in Animal Crossing: New Horizons offer players exciting challenges, exclusive rewards, and a lively reason to gather friends and enjoy their islands. Whether you’re aiming for every trophy or just want to collect some unique decor, planning ahead and using these tips will help you make the most out of the 2025 events. Good luck catching bugs and fish, and may your scores reach new heights this year!