Louisiana Crawfish Season 2025 Expected to Start Early

As the holiday season approaches, Louisiana is gearing up for the return of one of its most beloved traditions soon after: crawfish season. While it’s not quite here yet, experts are optimistic that the 2025 season will bring an early and plentiful harvest, a welcome change from last year’s challenges.

Todd Fontenot, a crawfish specialist with the LSU AgCenter, has been closely monitoring crawfish farms across the state. The good news? Crawfish are emerging earlier than they did last year, setting the stage for a strong season ahead.

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“We’re seeing a lot of newly hatched crawfish emerging now,” Fontenot said in an interview with WBRZ last week. “Last year, this didn’t happen until mid-December or even January in some areas. This earlier emergence is a very positive sign for farmers and consumers alike.”

Louisiana Crawfish Farms Recovering from a Tough 2023

In Louisiana, most crawfish farming is tied to rice production. After rice fields are harvested, they’re flooded to create ponds where crawfish grow. This year, farmers were able to flood their fields as early as October, giving crawfish ample time to grow before the season’s official kickoff.

“This is a complete turnaround from last year,” Fontenot explained. “The extreme heat we experienced in 2023 baked the ground, and we believe many crawfish didn’t survive in their burrows. Those that did emerge were delayed, leading to a reduced harvest overall.”

The improved weather conditions and early activity in 2024 are encouraging signs for the industry, which plays a vital role in Louisiana’s economy and culture.

Crawfish Are Already Making Early Appearances

Although crawfish season hasn’t officially started, some seafood vendors in Louisiana have already gotten a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Another promising indicator? The price of early crawfish this year. One Baton Rouge restaurant, B&T Seafood, started selling at $10.99 per pound, significantly lower than last year’s starting price of $14.99, according to WBRZ. This suggests that supply will be much stronger in 2025, translating to better prices for consumers throughout the season.

What This Means for Louisiana

The early signs of a stronger crawfish season are more than just good news for seafood lovers. They represent a vital economic boost for Louisiana’s farmers, seafood markets, and restaurants, many of which rely on strong crawfish sales to thrive.

For Louisiana families, the prospect of gathering around a pile of boiled crawfish feels a little closer with each passing day. “This season is looking like it’ll bring crawfish back to the tables of families and restaurants sooner and at better prices,” Fontenot said.

With optimism high and early shipments already selling out, the countdown to crawfish season has officially begun. Crawfish lovers, get ready—2025 is shaping up to be a season to remember.

How Louisiana Residents Can Prepare for Crawfish Season

If you’re already daydreaming about your first crawfish boil of the season, now is the perfect time to start preparing. From finding the best prices to making sure you have the right equipment, here are some tips to ensure you’re ready to make the most of crawfish season in Louisiana:

1. Know Where to Find the Best Crawfish Prices

Crawfish prices can vary widely depending on the time of the season, the size of the crawfish, and where you’re buying them. Early in the season, prices are typically higher because supply is limited, but they tend to drop as availability increases in late spring.

Pro Tip: Follow local seafood markets, crawfish farms, and restaurants on social media to stay updated on daily prices and availability. Many businesses, like Tony’s Seafood in Baton Rouge, post their prices online.
Farm-to-Table Options: For the freshest crawfish, consider buying directly from a local crawfish farmer. Websites like CrawfishApp or local Facebook groups are great resources for finding farms near you.

2. Invest in the Right Crawfish Boil Equipment

A traditional Louisiana crawfish boil isn’t just about the crawfish—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re hosting your first boil or upgrading your setup, having the right tools is essential.

Crawfish Boiler and Pot: Look for a pot large enough to hold several pounds of crawfish (most standard pots are 80–100 quarts). Don’t forget a propane burner to heat it. Brands like Bayou Classic are a popular choice among Louisianans.
Strainer Basket: A strainer basket makes it easy to lift the cooked crawfish out of the pot.
Outdoor Table or Tray: Crawfish boils are all about communal eating. Many people use large folding tables covered with newspaper or specialized crawfish trays to serve their spread.
Tip: Make a checklist of what you’ll need, and consider shopping local. Stores like Louisiana Crawfish Co. offer boil kits and supplies that can be shipped to your door.

3. Stock Up on Seasonings and Sides

No crawfish boil is complete without the bold, spicy flavors that Louisiana is famous for. Crawfish seasoning blends like Zatarain’s or Louisiana Fish Fry are staples, but many people love adding their own twist by including garlic, lemons, onions, and other aromatics.

Don’t forget to include traditional sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage. And if you want to mix things up, try experimenting with mushrooms, asparagus, or even pineapple for a sweet and spicy kick.

Pro Tip: Shop in bulk at local stores like Rouses Markets or Albertsons for seasonings and sides—they often offer discounts during crawfish season.

4. Brush Up on Your Crawfish Boil Techniques

If you’re a first-timer or just looking to up your game, now’s the time to learn the basics of boiling crawfish. There are plenty of tutorials online, and many local seafood markets offer advice on cooking techniques.

Expert Advice: Check out crawfish boil recipes and tutorials from trusted Louisiana-based chefs, such as Chef John Folse or crawfish boil videos on YouTube from local experts.

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