Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked country dominated by mountains and lakes, has a modest but culturally significant fishing industry centered around its largest lake, Issyk-Kul. The top fish catches include indigenous species such as the marinka (Schizothorax spp.), and introduced species like rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Sevan trout (Salmo ischchan). Historically, fishing in Kyrgyzstan was a traditional subsistence activity, but during the Soviet era, the industry expanded with the introduction of commercial fish farms and non-native species to boost production. Today, while overfishing and environmental changes have reduced some native stocks, aquaculture and recreational fishing are on the rise, with Issyk-Kul and other mountain lakes remaining central to both local livelihoods and tourism.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goldfish | 31 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.