Crawfish Season Opens in Louisiana as Prices Remain High

Crawfish season in Louisiana is starting to take form, with early sacks already showing in elements of the state as January strikes alongside. Whereas crawfish can be found in restricted portions, most producers and markets say the 2026 season continues to be in its opening section quite than full manufacturing.

Louisiana provides the overwhelming majority of farm-raised crawfish in the USA, and early assessments counsel this season is trending near common. In response to the LSU AgCenter, pond situations heading into winter had been typically favorable, with no widespread drought or extended warmth like people who decreased harvests lately.

Todd Fontenot, a crawfish specialist with the LSU AgCenter, mentioned producers are optimistic however nonetheless watching winter climate carefully.

“We’re a reasonably regular crawfish season proper now,” Fontenot mentioned in a latest interview. “So long as we don’t get prolonged chilly intervals, manufacturing ought to proceed to enhance as we transfer deeper into the season.”

Early-season crawfish costs, nevertheless, stay excessive. Seafood markets in southwest Louisiana reported dock costs of $5.75 to $6 per pound for stay crawfish in early January, with boiled crawfish generally promoting for $8.99 to $10.99 per pound. These costs mirror restricted early provide, a typical sample on the entrance finish of the season when fewer ponds are producing persistently.

Most years, crawfish season begins in earnest in late January or early February as water temperatures stabilize and extra ponds come on-line. As manufacturing will increase, crawfish measurement improves, and availability turns into extra dependable throughout markets and eating places.

Costs normally comply with that very same development. In latest seasons, stay crawfish costs typically peaked in January and February earlier than dropping to $3 to $6 per pound in March and April, relying on measurement, demand, and placement. Seasonal demand tied to Lent, Easter, and main festivals can nonetheless trigger short-term value will increase even throughout peak manufacturing.

Nationwide availability usually mirrors Louisiana’s manufacturing schedule since most crawfish shipped to different states originate from Louisiana ponds. As harvest volumes improve later within the season, provide improves throughout wholesale and retail markets.

Climate stays the most important variable transferring ahead. Prolonged chilly snaps, heavy rainfall, or fast temperature swings can gradual harvest or have an effect on crawfish measurement, even in ponds that in any other case look wholesome.

For now, the outlook for the 2026 Louisiana crawfish season seems regular however early. Provide is anticipated to enhance as winter offers strategy to spring, bringing extra constant availability and extra typical pricing as ponds attain full manufacturing.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning out of doors journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith electronic mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com