The findings are presented of a survey conducted regarding the fisherwomen around Kainji Lake, Nigeria, in order to obtain data about the extent and structure of fishing activities of women. The information obtained indicates that women participate to a considerable extent in actual fishing activities. The number of women owning and operating fishing equipment is equal to that of men; the fishing intensity as well as the diversification of fishing gear is rather low. Women fish inshore more than offshore. The collection of data for catch statistics concentrates at present entirely on male fisherfolk; access to fisherwomen for data collection purposes is presently impossible because of the tradition that strangers are not allowed to talk to Muslim women. In order not to underestimate the catches, extrapolation from catches of male fisherfolk has to be done.