SummaryThe Mahakam River floodplain fishery was studied between 1979 and 1990. With annual catches of 15,000–35,000 t (metric tonnes), it is one of the most productive freshwater artisanal fisheries in Indonesia. Landings are dominated by one crustacean and 15 fish species, of which five make u more than two‐thirds by weight. A negative relationship between landed weight and price was obtaineB for 19 of 24 fisheries products. Average catch rates were determined for 14 gear pes The most efficient active gear were handlines, liftnets and castnets (average 1629–4296 g. gear‐1. houi‐1). The best passive gear types were vertical slittraps and gillnets (average 1042–1160 g gear‐1day‐1). Gear ownership type changed significantly betwee