Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Crayfish Giving Themselves Up

Not sure if this is right area for this - so correct me or move it if not.

This week my crayfish started showing up around the pond in shallow water or in some cases coming out of the water and creating holes in the mud along the shoreline. Of course the racoons and herons are having a grand time as carcasses are showing up on shore everywhere.

What would make them do this? Pond is clean river fed and there is no sign of problems with any of the fish ? I hate losing them as I am trying to build some forage for smallmouth in the pond.

Did a big cold front go through your area?

At some point, the crayfish are triggered to start digging their winter burrows.

(Don't know if that has started yet in Oregon? There are some actual crayfish experts on Pond Boss. Do you know your species of crayfish? That could help them provide better information.)

No big cold front - still 85-90 degrees here although nights are cooler 50-60 degrees. Nights in July and August were more like 60-65 degrees with day time temps 85-100.

I believe they are Red Swamp Crayfish based on the markings on their claws.

Often the crayfish create burrows when they have eggs or are ready to develop eggs in preparation of winter dormancy.