The distribution and overall fish abundance, and biomass of fish populations in the open water of meso-eutrophic Lake Balatonwere studied in 2003-2007 using hydroacoustics and gill nets. Gillnet catches revealed that bleak (53-76 %) common bream (8-42%), white bream and razor fish (2-18 %) dominated in the open water of the lake. Comparisons of target strength distribution fromhydroacoustics and length distribution from the gillnets showed that the fishing gear did not quantitatively catch the smallest andlargest size groups of fish. Mean acoustic fish abundance and biomass fluctuated significantly between both basins and years. Thebiomass of fish populations reflects the trophic gradient along the longitudinal axis of the lake (min-max.: 89-181 kg ha-1) showinga decreasing trend with years. The mean acoustic fish biomass was significantly higher in the eutrophic western basin, comparedwith mesotrophic eastern and middle ones.
