Fishery provides a multitude of benefi ts ranging from employment to food security. Investigating the factors affecting fi shing income and the fi shing environment are crucial entry points for effi ciency maximization intervention. A survey was conducted in all Woredas' adjacent to Lake Tana. Data was gathered using household survey and focus group discussions and analyzed by a linear regression model. The results indicated that the fi shery in Lake Tana is comprised of diverse individuals in relation to occupation, engagement intensity and membership to cooperatives. Fish related income was positively correlated to years of schooling and ownership of motorized boat while negatively correlated to membership to fi sh cooperatives. Interventions aimed at improving the market infrastructure, delivery of major fi shery inputs, training on processing and use of by-products, revising the membership requirements and enforcement of fi shery related laws are critical for sustainability of the fi shery resource.