An exploratory survey was conducted to investigate farmers dependency on fish farming for their livelihood in three upazilas of Sylhet district namely Kanighat, Gowainghat and Golabgonj from July to December 2013. Sixty fish farmers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study showed that in all farming systems middle aged farmers were found the highest percentage (58.3%). About 55% families of integrated farmers had 6-above members while lowest 35% in semi-intensive farmers. The highest illiterate (40%) was found in extensive farmers and the lowest 15% each in semi-intensive and integrated farmers. About 36.67% of the respondents had tin shed house, 18.33% had kacha, 31.67% had half-building and only 13.33% had building. On an average, 13.33% farmers were used pucka toilets while 20% semi-intensive farmers and 15% integrated farmers used pucka toilet. The lowest 65% extensive farmers used tubewell water while it was observed 90% for semi-intensive farmers. About 55% semi intensive farmers got treatment from upazila health complex while it was only 45% for extensive farmers but a considerable portion depended upon village doctors where highest (40%) extensive farmers. It was revealed that highest percentage 45% of semi-intensive farmers gained training from UFO while only 25% of extensive farmers got training from UFO. It was found that farmers had tremendous scope for harnessing natural resources. No impact of religion was found on farming but electricity played vital role. It was observed that 60% of extensive farmer’s primary occupation was agriculture while 20% and 25% semi-intensive and integrated farmer’s primary occupation was agriculture, respectively. Self-financed farmers occupied the highest position in all types of farming. Significant difference was found in annual income among the farming systems as highest income (2,65,250 BDT) in semi intensive farming and lowest (95,500 BDT) in extensive farming. Main constraints were inadequate supply of quality fingerlings (26.67%), high production cost (21.67%) and the low quality feed (18.33%). The livelihood outcomes found positive and 76.67% farmers viewed that they have improved their socio-economic conditions. Necessary training on scientific fish culture, establishment of hatchery by GOs and NGOs to ensure quality fingerlings and massive extension work can mitigate the problems of fish culture in the study area.