How to Catch a Crayfish

I’ve decided my talents lie in other areas. I’m not sure what those areas are yet but I know I cant catch crayfish in my traps if my life depended on it.

Any ideas? I need to trap them to save time. Can’t shine them at night cause that’s when I’m fishing . When I set the trap with fish scraps it seems the crayfish will actually pick through the mesh but won’t crawl in the trap. Or they are getting out somehow but I don’t think thats the case. I’ve used a home made trap and a manufatured one. I’ve even tied the bait in the middle of the trap so they can’t get to it without crawling in. Still can’t seem to get them to go in the dang thing. Help!!

Cut the top off a milk jug and bury the jug in the water so the top is even with the river bottom. Put your bait in the bottom of the jug (I use chicken livers). The crayfish will swim into the jug to eat but cannot swim up back out of the jug. They don’t seem to be able to swim straight up.
Hope this helps.

Gator Hunter

I’ve always done it the old fashion way. Find some shallow rocks, start flippin’ ’em over and grab away.

Dirk, How are you using those crawfish? I saw an interesting rig one time. This guy was using a squashed bluegill. Squished it right before hooking, He had a second hook above the bluegill for the crawfish. Did pretty well with it too. Swore he caught more on the crawfish than the bluegill.

That jug thing sounds like good idea. I haven’t used crayfish much for cats but some of the early season channels we have cleanded have had crayfish in their stomachs so I thought I’d give it a shot.

We used to have a lake cabin back when I was a kid. That lake was full of crayfish. We’d wade the shallows at night with our flashlights and load up on craws, then mom would boil them up and we’d chow. Very yummy!! I see why those cats like them.

Crayfish are great for cats…..even if theyre dead. On days when i cant catch a fish to save my life, i start flippin up rocks and eventually find a crayfish… Hook it thru the tail, throw it out and wait……
Works every time….

ever use mice? I never got aroudn to it last year….. but for the 1st few mins they are in teh water… i bet they make alot of rucas!!

worth a try……….

You read my mind about that mice. Soon as it warms up we are going to try mice after we check out if its legal? anyone know? ive seen the traps used on Cass lake and they would fill a 2x2x4 trap up to the brim almost full of em for a meal. Really good for breakfast with eggs heh

Catching crayfish for smallie bait is / was one of my specialities back in my younger days!

Take a seine net, these can be purchased in most sporting good stores, and grab a buddy or two. This can be accomplished alone but a second guy to help is a HUGE plus.

Find a shallow, rocky stretch or stream or river, 2′ deep at the most. Shallow swift water where lots of rocks the size of a basket ball and smaller can be found is perfect.

Take the seine and string it across the creek at the bottom end of the shallow, fast water. You may have to use some rocks to pile up around the posts of the seine to get it to stay upright. Don’t string it up tight… allow a “belly” to develope in the middle of the seine.

Walk back to the top of the shallow run and begin to cut a zig zag pattern from side to side as you work your way back dwon towards the seine. Shuffle your feet and disturb every rock as you go… or at least as many as you can. No need to hurry. All you want to do is disturb the crayfish from under the rocks and get them out into the current. When a crayfish is disturbed in fast water he scoots off into the current and lets the fast water wash him out of harms way… right into your awaiting seine net.

Keep working that side to side shuffle until you get down to your seine. At this time that second guy comes in handy as he can help you left the seine without spilling the crays. And you will have plenty! Often dozens – some times hundreds. Of all sizes and in various stages of molt.

If this was any easier or more effective it would be illegal.

…….hhhmm…..LOL……simple, yet efftive i think i am gonna try that

thanks james!!!!!!!!

I wish I would have read this about two hours ago I was in an area just like you mentioned and when I’d turn a rock over….swoooosh…..downstream they’d go…before I could nab them…..those craws are now in serious trouble .