The presence of dead submerged trees in dendritic Lake Kenyir served as hiding and breeding grounds for some species. Algae and macrophytes or plantlike growth growing on the dead trunks and branches serve as food to the majority of fish, particularly the cyprinids and the young of other fish species. The fact that the littoral and some of the open water areas are still covered with dead trees, fish can dwell in these areas, though not in great abundace.

     From the study, it was obseverd that only the big Lampam Sungai, Lalang or Parang, Kawan, Terbul and Sebarau ae found in the open water and littoral areas where there are dead trees. This shows that the fish community has succesfully colonized these areas due to the presence of dead trees. There are hardly any fish found in the open water area where there are no dead trees at all. Thus the dead trees have become part of the lake ecology. In this context, it is thus essential to retain these dead trees so taht fish can remain colonized in the open water and littoral area. According to the study by the Malayan Nature Society, there are more than 70 species found mostly in rivers and tributaries which flow into the lake. However, this website only describes 20 of the commonly found species as well as those commonly cought during regular sampling of the research team from the Department of Fisheries. Beside these 5 major species (Lampam, Kelah, Sebarau, Baung and Toman), other commonly found species but of less economic importance, are also described to provide an insight to the readers.

     The best time to catch fish in Lake Kenyir is in the late evening or before the break of dawn. The fishermen leave in the afternoon and fish at night and return the next day by noon. During a full moon, the fisherman do not go fishing becouse they believe that he fish go into hiding.

     Lampam Sungai or Schwanenfeldu's barb is the most abundant cyprinid cought by the fishermen. They have adapted well to the lacustrine environment. They can be found in most parts of the lake, especially in areas near the river mouth, littoral and in the open water. The youngs and spawners dominate the rivers while adults migrate to the littoral and open water areas. In the open water and littoral areas, they usually congregate and play around dead trees where there are abundant algae and macrophytes. They move in shoals, and can be easily recognized due to the whitish silverish color with conspicious orange and black stripes on the pelvic fins and codal fins lobes. It is a beautiful sight to see them swimming in shoals in this clear water. They are very elusive and cannot very easily caught using the hook and line as insects and algae are their staple food. Fishermen usually catch them using minofilament gill nets mesh size 3 to 5 inches. Nets are set at dawn and lifted about 2 to 3 hours later. Like other carps, they are bony with tiny prong-like bones. However, they are very tasty especially when deep fried, which is why they are readily accepted and usually sold at RM4 to RM6/kg.

     Kelah or Malaysian Mahseer, is also a cyprinid, though not found in abundance. They can fetch as high a price as RM18 to RM25/kg. THey are found only in certain rivers such as Sungai Chaching, Sungai Perpek, Sungai Cendana and Sungai Pertang. They like to play against rapids in the river upstreams where they would find a place to span usually after the onset of the rainy season. The spawners will discharge eggs on small rocks where the water is calm so that the eggs will not be washed away until they hatch. In other to catch Kelah, they use innovative methods such as oil palm fruit to catch them. A few days before they go fishing, they usually throw some mashed oil palm fruits in areas where the Kelah are usually found. Many have met with success using this method, provided the right kind of bait is used such as insects like crickets. Fishermen however, catch them using monofilament gill nets mesh size 3-5 inches. The nets are set at dawn and checked every two to three hours later to avoid them being eaten by the Toman.

     Sebarau, scientifically known as Hampala Macrolepidota is another well known game fish amongst anglers. They can be cought by casting, ranching or rock fishing using fishing rods and live insects as bait. Fishermen usually catch them using monofilament gill nets mesh size between 3-5 inches. Nets are also set at dawn and checked every two to three hours later. Besides avoiding being predated by the Toman, the Sebarau is also shortlived and easily turns rotten.

     Baung or catfish, are charecteristics of fish without scales and having spiny dorsal and pectoral fins. There are three species of Baung. Baung Sungai, Baung Kunyit and Baung Akar. However, only the Baung Sungai are found in abundance. They fetch a high price between RM6 to RM8/kg. They dominate the areas around the river mouths and also the littoral zone. The youngs feed on insects and shrimps, while adults are carnivorous, eating other small fish. They spawn in the rivers usually after the onset of the rain in small pools covered with dried leaves and twigs where they deposit their eggs. They spawners will guard the eggs untail they hatch. Once hatched the hatchlings feed on plankton and algae until they become fingerlings before they migrate downstream.

     Another attractive game fish amongst anglers is Toman(Snakehead). They can be cought by casting, using fishing rods with two hooks. Lampam Sungai or other carps and sometimes live frogs are used as bait. Two hooks are used becouse once the Toman eats the bait or gets hooked, it becomes very aggressive and tends to struggle and to pull away as hard as possible to free itself. Hence, if it is a big fish, it may be able to free itself if there is only one hook. Fishermen, however, Usually catch them using long lines with two inch hooks or bigger, using Lampam Sungai or other carps as bait. The lines are hung slightly submerged They lines are checked every two to three hours.