Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Crayfish questions

I do not yet have a pond but That does not stop me from reading and picking the brains of those whom do. I'm curious about those that have ponds. Do any of you harvest crayfish ? How often you do and what kind of numbers you harvest ? On top of that I am curious on wether you stocked the crayfish or they just showed up?

If one is planning on raising crayfish for harvest and eating, it would be a good idea to stock the larger sized types/species that are used primarily for food. A good example would be the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) or the white river crayfish (Procambarus zonangulus). Red swamp crayfish are comonly found in California irrigation ditches so it should not be problem to have them where you live.

Better crayfish ponds are basically wetlands or shallow ponds (usu 12"-24" deep). A well managed 0.3 acre crayfish pond can produce around 300 lbs of crayfish. Many fish eat crayfish especially the young ones. Other predators are turtles, bullfrogs, herons, egrets, cormorants, raccoons, and otters, One fish that usually does not eat crayfish is the gold fish. Using other fish with crayfish usually results in few harvestable numbers of crayfish. For more information on raising crayfish check with County Agents, University extension service or state aqaculture programs.

I put a couple hundred crayfish in my pond a few years ago, and when I renovated it I didn't find a one. I did catch a CC that had 2 hardshelled crayfish in it's stomach. So, between them and the LMB, I think they all became fish dinners.

I see Zetts has some that are supposed to be 8" long.......

This may help.

If you do stock crayfish, attempt to find ones that are native to the area they are being stocked or at least already naturalized to that area. Many species can cause issues to the native crayfish in the area.

I read, probably here, about this and the contrast of crayfish accustomed to still water vs. flowing, i.e., stream water. I have a creek that has loads of crayfish in it that runs near the pond I'm building but it's been advised that I not necessarily transfer those into my pond since they will not likely adjust properly to the different environment (still water). I probably wouldn't be able to transfer enough to be a problem, but no use doing this if they're just going to die from the move.

Rusty Crayfish is a good example of what NOT to stock!

Thanks for the responses.
1. I'm presently taking care of my mom in NYC. While I live and rv in ca I do plan to eventuallu, once I get done in NY most likely MOVE. Texas looks good or has looked lood to me. 1 day at a time as I do my best to remain sane taking care of mom.
As a youth I remember catching hugh cray fish out of the central park lake. They were about 5-6 inches tail to nose with huge claws. As for raising them no clue yet. Just gathering info.

Northern crayfish are taking over or have taken many of the streams in my area. The red swamp is also displacing many native crayfish species in my area as it is not native either.

ewest , I love that photo, just wish it had a ruler next to the crayfish in the picture.

Ebonbetta,not to hijack this thread,but you living in califonia kind of throws dought on your sanity.And you say your thinking about a move to Texas,well,that just kinda blows out the sanity candle now doesnt it.
Hope all goes well with your mom.

Maybe I'll think about a crayfish pond as well.I could always use another project for my "spare"time.

TomG did you mean doubt on my sanity ?
When I first moves to Ca they have a place called lake los angeles.
But the lake was a man made lake and nobody wanted to pay for the water to keep it wet.
I've modified my account settings so tell me if it clears up where I am now.

The reason Texas is such a big place is to keep the residents far enough apart as to not become a collective problem.We're easier to deal with one at a time. On the other hand,with a cold beer in it,you'll fit in just fine.

I'm sure that is quite a comfort to your neighbors when those strange "BOOM" noises occur.

When the neighbors see Tom coming, they all hit the ground and yell "INCOMING!!"

Shesh,you guys make me sound like a lunatic.

Yea, right, WE make you sound like a lunatic.