The Lower Terna Project is a medium-sized reservoir situated on the Terna River in Makani village of Lohara Tahsil, Dharashiv District (formerly Osmanabad), Maharashtra, with a water spread area of about 16,772 hectares. The reservoir is an important source of irrigation and supports fisheries that provide livelihood to local fishing communities. The present study was undertaken to document and analyze the fishing crafts and gears used in this reservoir and to assess their seasonal performance. Field investigations were carried out for one year covering summer, monsoon, and winter seasons. Data were collected through regular field visits, direct observations of fishing operations, personal interviews, and structured questionnaires administered to fishermen and cooperative members.

The study revealed the use of both traditional and modern fishing crafts. Wooden boats were the most commonly used (45%), followed by fiber-reinforced plastic boats (35%) and coracles (20%). The choice of craft depended on water depth, fishing method, and economic condition of fishermen. Among fishing gears, gill nets were most widely used (40%), followed by cast nets (25%), drag nets (15%), scoop nets (10%), and hook and line (10%). Gill nets were particularly effective for catching major carps such as Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal.