The communities engaged in small-scale fishing within inland open-water areas are considered to be among the most susceptible populations. Fishery activities play a crucial role in supporting food nutrition and security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods for communities. Nonetheless, scholars tend to undervalue their contributions on both a global and national level. The present investigation evaluated the influence of climate change on small-scale fisheries from a vulnerability standpoint, employing two indices to measure livelihood vulnerability. Initially, the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) was employed, followed by the use of the IPCC Vulnerability Framework Approach (LVI-IPCC framework). The primary aims of this investigation were to evaluate the susceptibility level of small-scale fisheries communities in light of the consequences of climate change. In order to attain the stated goal, a randomised selection process was employed to gather data pertaining to small-scale fisheries communities located within three districts in sub-districts. The individuals in question hailed from the localities of Chatmohor, Gurudaspur, and Tarash and were engaged in the occupation of fishing. A comprehensive survey was conducted, wherein a total of 300 households belonging to the small-scale fisheries sector were interviewed. In general, the outcomes of LVI and LVI-IPCC did not alter the hierarchy of vulnerability status, as both methodologies concluded that the households in Tarash exhibited greater vulnerability compared to those in Chatmohor and Gurudaspur. Additionally, the present investigation has revealed that small-scale farmers encounter a multitude of challenges, such as an inadequate food supply, limited cash accessibility, persistent illnesses, precarious drinking water, joblessness, insufficient physical resources, the absence of early warning systems, and minimal engagement in social networks. In order to enhance the standard of living for individuals in the small-scale fisheries sector, policymakers should implement modifications to food policies, health facilities, access to informal credit, training programmes, and an effective early warning system.