<p>Tampara lake, in Eastern region of coastal state Odisha is famous as a Ramsar site and also as an important fisheries resource. A study was conducted in this lake to document its fish diversity and fishing methods used by the local fishers. During this study, a total of 43 species of freshwater fishes belonging to six orders were recorded. Cypriniformes was found to be the most dominating order followed by Anabantiformes, Siluriformes, Synbrachiformes, Perciformes, Osteoglossiformes and Tetraodontiformes. The traditional fishermen of peripheral villages are dependent on the Tampara lake for their livelihoods. They were found to use different types of traps, hooks &amp; line, drag net and gill nets of various mesh sizes to catch various fishes. Although the commercial fishery is thriving upon the carps as the target species, small indigenous fishes (SIFs) contribute sizeably to the total catch. One local Primary Fishermen Cooperative Society (PFCS) has been authorized to manage the fishery of the lake. To conserve aquatic resources and fulfil people’s needs, the lake should be managed scientifically and sustainably. Furthermore, the periodical monitoring of the biodiversity, fisheries and other physico-chemical parameters are necessary for future conservation and management plans. The baseline data on fish biodiversity generated in this study will be helpful in preparing robust norms for this wetland management.</p>