Seasonal change in cell number and biomass expressed as chlorophyll a of picophytoplankton community in surface waters was investigated in the north basin of Lake Biwa from September 2001 to November 2002. Two main peaks, in May and summer (from July to October), were observed by change of the cell density of picophytoplankton. It is considered that peak in May was due to water temperature rise and summer peak was attributed to mass-specific nutrient uptake by picophytoplankton. Horizontal distribution in cell number and biomass of picophytoplankton community in surface water of Lake Biwa was investigated at 56 stations on June 6 ${sim}$ 7 2002. DIN and DIP concentrations were lower in the north basin than in the south basin. The cell density and chlorophyll a of picophytoplankton were distributed almost uniformly in all area. The contribution of picophytoplankton to total phytoplankton chlorophyll a was higher in the north basin than in the south basin. These results suggest that picophytoplankton is important as a primary producer in low nutrient periods and areas of Lake Biwa.