Keith Lusher 01.09.26
Crawfish season in Louisiana is beginning to take shape, with early sacks already appearing in parts of the state as January moves along. While crawfish are available in limited quantities, most producers and markets say the 2026 season is still in its opening phase rather than full production.
Louisiana supplies the vast majority of farm-raised crawfish in the United States, and early assessments suggest this season is trending close to average. According to the LSU AgCenter, pond conditions heading into winter were generally favorable, with no widespread drought or prolonged heat like those that reduced harvests in recent years.
Todd Fontenot, a crawfish specialist with the LSU AgCenter, said producers are optimistic but still watching winter weather closely.
“We’re looking at a fairly normal crawfish season right now,” Fontenot said in a recent interview. “As long as we don’t get extended cold periods, production should continue to improve as we move deeper into the season.”
Early-season crawfish prices, however, remain high. Seafood markets in southwest Louisiana reported dock prices of $5.75 to $6 per pound for live crawfish in early January, with boiled crawfish commonly selling for $8.99 to $10.99 per pound. Those prices reflect limited early supply, a typical pattern at the front end of the season when fewer ponds are producing consistently.
Most years, crawfish season begins in earnest in late January or early February as water temperatures stabilize and more ponds come online. As production increases, crawfish size improves, and availability becomes more reliable across markets and restaurants.
Prices usually follow that same progression. In recent seasons, live crawfish prices often peaked in January and February before dropping to $3 to $6 per pound in March and April, depending on size, demand, and location. Seasonal demand tied to Lent, Easter, and major festivals can still cause short-term price increases even during peak production.
National availability typically mirrors Louisiana’s production schedule since most crawfish shipped to other states originate from Louisiana ponds. As harvest volumes increase later in the season, supply improves across wholesale and retail markets.
Weather remains the biggest variable moving forward. Extended cold snaps, heavy rainfall, or rapid temperature swings can slow harvest or affect crawfish size, even in ponds that otherwise look healthy.
For now, the outlook for the 2026 Louisiana crawfish season appears steady but early. Supply is expected to improve as winter gives way to spring, bringing more consistent availability and more typical pricing as ponds reach full production.
Trending Products
