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Best Crayfishing Locations by Region
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items Looking to plan your next family crayfishing adventure? This list highlights the top spots across the U.S. where crayfish (aka crawdads, mudbugs, or beabbies!) are plentiful — and catchable by hand, trap, or string. I’ve included the exact rivers, cr...
Map
Sections
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West Coast - United States
Mountain Region - United States
Midwest Region - United States
West South Central - United States
South Atlantic - United States
Middle Atlantic - United States
West Coast - United States
📍 Tip: Focus on the Lake Solano section. The still water along the banks under tree shade is best. Drop a trap in the eddies behind boulders. Use salmon skin or chicken gizzards as bait.
Putah Creek Wildlife Area
📍 Tip: Park near Trippet Ranch and walk toward shaded bends with overhanging trees. Crayfish here love leaf litter buildup and slow, clear water. Early mornings are best.
Topanga Creek
📍 Tip: Head to Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. Wade near the slow-moving pool edges with sand/gravel bottoms. Best after a few dry days. Bring a 5 gallon bucket - they fill fast!
Eel River
📍 Tip: Try the area near Steelhead Beach. Wade in at dusk near submerged tree branches or grassy shallows. Use raw chicken legs on string lines for great kid-catching success.
Russian River California
📍 Tip: Put in near Indian Mary Park. Trap the shallow, sun-warmed rocky pockets on the river’s inside bends. Crayfish crawl out early evening - hand catch with nets!
Rogue River
📍 Tip: The north shore, particularly by the Hamilton Branch inlet, is packed in midsummer. Drop traps from the shore near the rocky drop-offs or over submerged stumps.
Lake Almanor | Plumas County California
📍 Tip: Best around Sunrise Recreation Area. Wade the gravel banks near bridges - flip river rocks gently. Great visibility, and crayfish love hiding in the aquatic weeds here.
The American River
📍 Tip: Head to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton, especially near the boat docks and rock jetties at dusk. Set traps in 5–10 feet of water along the sloped gravel banks - red swamp crayfish and signal crayfish are both active here. Bring chi...
Lake Washington
📍 Tip: This quiet suburban lake is perfect for beginners and families. Walk to the right-hand side of the public dock, and drop your traps just off the end near submerged weeds. Crayfish here hide under the dock and love still, warm water. Best succ...
Pine Lake Park | Sammamish waterfront park with fields
📍 Tip: Near the south end boat launch or the Issaquah Creek inlet is ideal. Wade 4–6 feet offshore along rocky drop-offs and sunken logs. Traps work well here, but the kids can spot them and scoop with a net along the shoreline if the water is clear...
Issaquah Creek, WA
📍 Tip: Go just downstream of Island Park Boat Ramp in Springfield. Wade just off the gravel bar - crayfish cling to the underside of large flat rocks. Bring a headlamp for twilight scooping!
The Willamette River - About, Facts & Things To Do
Mountain Region - United States
🪝 Tip: Trap the inlet coves near the swim beach in the late afternoon - crayfish pile up under the rocks and grass lines.
Chatfield State Park
🪝 Tip: Drop traps along the rocky shoreline near Witcher Cove - bait with fish heads or bacon and check around dusk.
Eleven Mile State Park
🪝 Tip: Walk the northern bank trail and drop traps from the shoreline where the water slows. Great for kids.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
🪝 Tip: Target quiet bends and eddies near bridge crossings. Hand netting works well on warm evenings.
Payette River NR Horseshoe Bend ID
🪝 Tip: Crayfish hide in the rocky shallows of Boulder Creek arm. Drop traps at sunset, retrieve before midnight.
Lake Cascade State Park | Department of Parks and Recreation
🪝 Tip: Wade in at dusk near the base of waterfalls or rocky outcrops. Look under flat rocks with a flashlight.
Snake River
🪝 Tip: Set traps along the southern shoreline near Polson where driftwood piles and weeds converge.
Flathead Lake | Montana FWP
🪝 Tip: Crayfish like the slow pockets near boat ramps and behind bridge pilings - trap or use baited lines.
Missouri River
🪝 Tip: Focus on the Soldier Creek arm near the campground. Drop traps before sunset near submerged logs. Or drop traps off docks at the marina bay!
Strawberry Reservoir in Heber Valley, Utah
🪝 Tip: Wade and flip rocks along deep bends with gravel bars. Bring headlamps and wear water shoes.
Provo River
🪝 Tip: The north shoreline near the spillway is prime - clear water and lots of crayfish burrow under the rocks.
Pineview Reservoir in Ogden Valley
🪝 Tip: Trap the rocky coves near Sandy Beach in the evening and early morning. Use chicken liver for big hauls.
Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, & Trails - Glendo State Park
🪝 Tip: Check behind boulders near bridge pilings and submerged tree roots. Wade carefully - slick rocks!
North Platte River - Casper Area
🪝 Tip: Crayfish are everywhere - best action is under rock ledges in shallow coves after 7 p.m.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
🪝 Tip: Trap near Whitewater Park where slow current meets boulder clusters. Use smelly bait and let kids scoop!
Truckee River Map
🪝 Tip: Crayfish love the inlet coves and logs along the north side. Drop traps from shore or float tube.
Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area Arizona
🪝 Tip: Wade just off the boat dock and set traps along rocky drop-offs. Best right before sunset.
Willow Springs Lake (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with ...
🪝 Tip: Wade near Slide Rock State Park. Bring nets and a bucket—hand-catching is perfect for kids in clear water.
Oak Creek Arizona
🪝 Tip: Drop traps at the Pine Campground boat ramp area. Crayfish cluster near the underwater boulders.
Navajo Lake State Park
🪝 Tip: Wade the calmer side pools off the main current. Look under rocks and use a hand line baited with bacon.
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Midwest Region - United States
Let’s go crayfishing in the Midwest! 🦞
This region is loaded with rivers, lakes, and creeks perfect for scooping, trapping, or line-fishing for crawdads.
🪝 Tip: Wade into the rocky areas downstream from the pedestrian bridge.
⭐ Secret Spot: The little side stream behind Pottawatomie Park playground is loaded with crayfish after rain.
Fox River
🪝 Tip: Set traps near the riffles along the Rock Creek Trail. Bring a flashlight for twilight hunting.
⭐ Secret Spot: Where Rock Creek meets the main river - crawdads pile up in warm water pockets.
Kankakee River State Park - Illinois Department of Natural Resources
🪝 Tip: Scoop under flat stones in the riffle zones near the suspension bridge.
⭐ Secret Spot: The quiet pool below the third canoe launch - tons of crayfish after mid-June.
Sugar Creek in Indiana. Maps of river and Maps to public access points and liveries.
🪝 Tip: Focus near log jams at dusk. Use chicken necks on string lines.
⭐ Secret Spot: Behind the Broad Ripple dam - easy access, great numbers, and very few people.
White River at Broad Ripple, IN - USGS Water Data for the Nation
🪝 Tip: Check rocky shores under shade. Flip stones and scoop quickly! ⭐ Secret Spot: Pool behind the first bend downstream of the Boone Forks access.
Des Moines River
🪝 Tip: Drop traps off the jetties in shallow weed beds — chicken skin or smelly lunch meat works great. ⭐ Secret Spot: Near the stormwater outflow pipe by the state dock (early morning only!)
Clear Lake, Iowa |
(near Bloomington Beach) 🪝 Tip: Wade slowly at sunset - crayfish emerge from submerged timber. ⭐ Secret Spot: The flooded stump field east of the boat ramp is gold.
Bloomington Beach - Kansas City District
🪝 Tip: Wade or trap the gravel shallows near the waterfall area - great visibility for kids. ⭐ Secret Spot: Below the spillway - slightly hidden path, but full of crawfish.
Elk City State Park
🪝 Tip: Flip rocks just upstream of the canoe rental. Use net + flashlight at dusk. ⭐ Secret Spot: Little backwater channel across from the picnic area.
Island Lake Recreation Area
🪝 Tip: Trap the shallow reeds near the campground beach. ⭐ Secret Spot: The far dock on the peninsula loop - full of big claws after 8 p.m.
Gun Lake, Michigan
🪝 Tip: Wade in the eddies near rock islands. Crayfish love the soft sandy dips between boulders. ⭐ Secret Spot: The backwater bay behind Boom Site rest area.
St. Croix River (St. Croix Falls to Stillwater)
🪝 Tip: Set traps along gravel shallows where the water enters the main lake. ⭐ Secret Spot: Under the boardwalk bridge near the headwaters.
Itasca State Park
🪝 Tip: Trap near the kayak launch area. ⭐ Secret Spot: Under the Route H bridge.
Round Spring Campground - Ozark National Scenic Riverways (U.S. ...
🪝 Tip: Look under rock piles below the falls. ⭐ Secret Spot: Side stream before the trail bridge.
Smith Falls - Nebraska
🪝 Tip: Use the rocky spillway, especially post-rain. ⭐ Secret Spot: Drainage inlet across from the boathouse.
Holmes Lake Park – City of Lincoln, NE
🪝 Tip: Trap near wooden piers at dawn. ⭐ Secret Spot: Rocky peninsula behind Chautauqua Park.
Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway
🪝 Tip: Wade eastern shoreline near cattails. ⭐ Secret Spot: Fish-cleaning station dock (night).
LAZY FISH OF PELICAN POINT LANDING - Home
🪝 Tip: Wade downstream from Loveland Canoe Launch. ⭐ Secret Spot: Under pedestrian bridge at Nisbet Park.
Little Miami River, Ohio
🪝 Tip: Trap near submerged trees off dam launch. ⭐ Secret Spot: East cove near Howard Road.
Alum Creek State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
🪝 Tip: Trap at the shallow bend by McHardy Park. ⭐ Secret Spot: Pool beneath the waterfall trail.
Big Sioux Recreation Area | South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
🪝 Tip: Scoop near the northeast campground shore. ⭐ Secret Spot: Small gravel peninsula off the dock
Lake Poinsett Recreation Area | South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks
🪝 Tip: Wade under STH 131 bridge crossings. ⭐ Secret Spot: Creek mouth at Wildcat Mountain Campground.
Kickapoo River – Ontario - Wildcat mountain
🪝 Tip: Trap near Governor Nelson State Park launch. ⭐ Secret Spot: Weedy shoreline by Picnic Point.
Lake Mendota - Picnic Point Entrance
West South Central - United States
🪝 Tip: Wade the shallow, rocky drop-offs in the upper park area - crayfish cling to undersides of flat stones. ⭐ Secret Spot: At the Upper Blanco State Park – Upper Trail Entrance pull-off
Blanco River, Texas
🪝 Tip: Use live crayfish as bait on pole lines for bass. ⭐ Secret Spot: Where CR 401 crosses King's Creek and forms a cove.
King Creek Falls, Texas
🪝 Tip: Use small hand nets during spring’s midday warmth. ⭐ Secret Spot: Small concrete bridge over creek on CR 3070.
Spavinaw Area at Grand Lake State Park
🪝 Tip: Leaf-covered pools right after light rains. ⭐ Secret Spot: Near watershed trail at pull-off on 4 N 16 Rd, ~1 mile south of Jay.
Saline Creek - Oklahoma
🪝 Tip: Drop traps near bridge foundations in shady pools. ⭐ Secret Spot: Heber Springs City Park Boat Ramp.
Little Red River | Heber Springs, AR
🪝 Tip: Traps in still waters near cave outflow. ⭐ Secret Spot: Nesbitt Spring Trailhead.
Hell Creek Natural Area
🪝 Tip: Wade around cypress knees. ⭐ Secret Spot: Near the Welcome Center.
The Atchafalaya Basin
🪝 Tip: Oxbow waters best in late afternoon. ⭐ Secret Spot: Bayou Teche Visitor Center.
Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge
🪝 Tip: Trap calm eddies behind logs. ⭐ Secret Spot: Pull-off near Laurel River Dam.
Cumberland River at Pineville - National Water Prediction Service
🪝 Tip: Wade flat rock ledges. ⭐ Secret Spot: Great Falls Boat Ramp.
Green River Lake State Park
🪝 Tip: Wade at bends; hand-flip rocks. ⭐ Secret Spot: Buffalo River Landing.
Buffalo River
🪝 Tip: Look for endangered Nashville crayfish. ⭐ Secret Spot: Mill Creek Greenway trailhead.
Mill Creek, TN
🪝 Tip: Trap near submerged roots. ⭐ Secret Spot: Pearl River Access at Neshoba County Park.
Pearl River, MS
🪝 Tip: Shallow bayous, dip nets in spring. ⭐ Secret Spot: Accessible by boat from Big Cane Loop.
Honey Island Swamp, MS
🪝 Tip: Dig burrows Feb–Mar. ⭐ Secret Spot: Off Pulpwood Rd, near public pull-o
Big German Creek (Greensboro)
🪝 Tip: Use fine mesh nets in the evening. ⭐ Secret Spot: Streams off County Rd 109 (permit required).
Slenderclaw Habitat (Sand Mountain area) Alabama
South Atlantic - United States
🪝 Tip: Wade near the old wooden fishing pier where slow current meets soft bottom. ⭐ Secret Spot: Behind the pier at Mispillion Harbour Marina.
Mispillion Riverwalk | Milford, DE - Official Website
🪝 Tip: Best near marshy tributary off Darby Creek, fish low tide. ⭐ Secret Spot: Access via small gravel lane off River Road.
White Clay Creek – Delaware State Parks
🪝 Tip: Dip-net crayfish from rocks at the Lefty Kreh Trail section. ⭐ Secret Spot: Near Masemore Road Park N Ride.
GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK
🪝 Tip: Flip boulders in the mainstem just downstream of Prettyboy Dam. ⭐ Secret Spot: Spotlight area along Cromwell Bridge access.
GUNPOWDER FALLS STATE PARK
🪝 Tip: Use dip nets in creek pools near forested bridges. ⭐ Secret Spot: End of SR 625/Strawberry Rd parking area.
Crawfish Valley
🪝 Tip: Wade where creek bends near the gravel boat ramp. ⭐ Secret Spot: Trailhead pond beside campground entrance.
Craig Creek Recreation Area, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
🪝 Tip: Trap in sloped pools upstream of Brooks Falls. ⭐ Secret Spot: Tug Creek Beach access.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
🪝 Tip: Scoop by hand in clear riffle sections near dam. ⭐ Secret Spot: Bluestone State Park boat ramp.
Bluestone State Park
🪝 Tip: Wade near rocky shoals, flip stones at dusk. ⭐ Secret Spot: Greensboro burrowing crayfish site, Yadkin-Pee Dee basin.
Uwharrie River
🪝 Tip: Dip nets and traps near rock outcrops. ⭐ Secret Spot: Rock exposures off Jordan Lake area.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
🪝 Tip: Great for live bait or boil supplies. ⭐ Secret Spot: Customer pond where you can scoop your own.
Elliotts Crawfish Farm
🪝 Tip: Ideal for pre-cleaned live crawfish for events. ⭐ Secret Spot: They'll direct you to best nearby collection drains.
South Carolina Crawfish Company
🪝 Tip: Set baited traps along river edge after sundown. ⭐ Secret Spot: Parking lot under GA-20 bridge. 📍 Address: GA Hwy 20 Bridge, roughly intersects with River Park Dr, Canton, GA 30114
Chattahoochee River - Georgia Rivers
🪝 Tip: Wade banks at low tide—rock clusters yield well. ⭐ Secret Spot: Camden County Public Fishing Access Pier.
Crooked River State Park | Department Of Natural Resources Division
🪝 Tip: Wade in tannic waters under tree roots. ⭐ Secret Spot: Fisheating Creek Outpost access area. 📍 Address: 7555 US 27 N, Palmdale, FL 33944
Fisheating Creek Outpost
🪝 Tip: Use nets downstream of boardwalks near crossings. ⭐ Secret Spot: Parking at 3931 Lithia Springs Rd pavilion.
FishHawk Creek Nature Preserve North
🪝 Tip: Dip nets in shallow, rocky riffles near Temperance Bridge. ⭐ Secret Spot: Picnic area downstream of Military Rd. 📍 Address: Rock Creek Park Temperance Bridge Picnic Area, Beach Dr NW & Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007
Rock Creek Park
🪝 Tip: Hand-line traps near lily pads in shallow marshes. ⭐ Secret Spot: Public dock area off Anacostia Dr NE.
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Middle Atlantic - United States
🪝 Tip: Perfect for evening dip-net scoops in the calm inlet. ⭐ Secret Spot: Northern bank near the Turtle Pond spillway. 📍 Fifth Ave & 104th St, New York, NY 10029
Stony Brook Pond, NYC
🪝 Tip: Wade in riffles under flat rocks at dawn. ⭐ Secret Spot: Between Livingston Manor’s Route 17N pull-off and pedestrian bridge. 📍 Route 17, Livingston Manor, NY 12758
Willowemoc — Catskill Fly Fishing Museum
🪝 Tip: Post-dusk trap placement near boat docks and submerged woody cover. ⭐ Secret Spot: Greenhurst Point fishing access off NY-364. 📍 Greenhurst Point Park Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Canandaigua Lake - NYSDEC
🪝 Tip: Use hand nets by mudflat edges under footbridges. ⭐ Secret Spot: Behind Meadowlands Environment Center dock. 📍 2-12 Polito Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
Hackensack River
🪝 Tip: Afternoon rock-flipping near river bends. ⭐ Secret Spot: Just downstream of the pedestrian bridge in Whippany. 📍 Park Ave & Hanover Ave, Whippany, NJ 07981
Whippany River in New Jersey
🪝 Tip: Use small dip nets under flat rocks in riffles near Valley Green Road. ⭐ Secret Spot: Borderlands between Valley Green and Livezey. 📍 Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Wissahickon Valley Park
🪝 Tip: Submerging traps near rock shoals close to the greenway trail. ⭐ Secret Spot: Off French Creek State Park boat launch. 📍 1132 Park Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460
French Creek
New England - United States
🪝 Tip: Shallow inlet trap-lining after sundown near Norway Point. ⭐ Secret Spot: Docks at Windham Town Beach. 📍 185 Windham Center Rd, Standish, ME 04084
Sebago Lake & Sebago Lake State Park
🪝 Tip: Target small brooks flowing into Rangeley Lake. ⭐ Secret Spot: Brook adjacent to Rangeley Lakes Heritage Visitor Center. 📍 7 Ridge Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970
Rangeley Lakes Region - Chamber of Commerce
🪝 Tip: Trap in slow pools behind large rocks near Route 120 boat launch. ⭐ Secret Spot: Behind Westboro Falls Park. 📍 Folsom Ave, Lebanon, NH 03766
Connecticut River at West Lebanon, NH - USGS Water Data for the Nation
🪝 Tip: Evening dip nets around dock clusters and weed beds. ⭐ Secret Spot: Shoreline near Alton Bay Boat Access area. 📍 109 Belknap Point Rd, Alton Bay, NH 03810
Lake Winnipesaukee
🪝 Tip: Wade eddies under Flat Rock Bridge with sturdy bait traps. ⭐ Secret Spot: Puddle below the Route 15 gazebo. 📍 Route 15, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
Lamoille River at Jeffersonville - National Water Prediction Service
🪝 Tip: Shallow water traps near stumps. ⭐ Secret Spot: Near North Hero Sports & Rec boat ramp. 📍 North Hero State Park Rd, North Hero, VT 05474
North Hero State Park
🪝 Tip: Rock-flip at dusk near Lowell's Riverview Landing. ⭐ Secret Spot: Behind the boat launch at Pawtucket Boulevard. 📍 305 Pawtucket Blvd, Lowell, MA 01854
Concord River | Massrivers
🪝 Tip: Dip nets near weed lines around Upper Mystic Lake. ⭐ Secret Spot: Off eastern path near Wright Woods. 📍 51 1/2 Wright’s Pond Rd, Medford, MA 02155
Mystic Lakes State Park
🪝 Tip: Small-bait traps in calm pools near Plainfield St bridge. ⭐ Secret Spot: Off Farnum Pike boat access area. 📍 570 Plainfield St, Cranston, RI 02920
PAWTUXET RIVER AUTHORITY & WATERSHED COUNCIL - Home
🪝 Tip: Low tide scooping amid eelgrass beds. ⭐ Secret Spot: Adjacent to the Route 1A swing bridge. 📍 Nimalta Dr, South Kingstown, RI 02852
Narrow River
🪝 Tip: Place traps near rocky riverbanks at Riverside Park. ⭐ Secret Spot: Under Founders Bridge. 📍 99 Sheldon St, Hartford, CT 06106
Connecticut River
🪝 Tip: Rock-flip in riffle zones near Bishop Street Park. ⭐ Secret Spot: Under the old Route 22 footbridge. 📍 150 Gregory St, New Haven, CT 06511
West River, CT