The dataset contains data on fish species in recreational fishing catches, obtained during ichthyological studies in the upper and middle parts of the Kakhovka reservoir (within the Zaporizhia region). The dataset contains data on the records of 26 fish species registered during the study of catches in the specified territory, as well as information on the number of individuals, their biomass and the fishing effort that was spent on their catch (category and number of fishing gear, duration of fishing at the time of the study). The dataset provides important reptrospective data on distribution of fish species in past years which is preserved and will be useful for studying of consequences of Kakhovka dam destruction by russian military forces in 2023 for nature.