I was wondering if it was too early to catch crayfish up at strawberry...some family is coming down for the holiday and I thought that would be a fun activity for the kids.
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I was there monday, or yesterday. I didn't see any in the water, but that doesn't mean they are not there. I want to go get some myself. If you go let me know how you did. I'm ready for some of the creepy things myself.
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I used to belive crayfish were inactive all winter until the water warmed. However, last winter, I was pulling crayfish up through the ice at Flaming Gorge while burbot fishing. Apparently they are active even under the ice - at least they will come to dinner if the meal is dropped right at their doorstep. I've never tried for them this early at Strawberry, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to find they are already active after what I experienced at FG.
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I was at the berry on Saturday last week. Fishing was very slow and the kids got bored. They jumped out of the boat on shore playing around and got the wild idea to look for crawfish. They ended up catching a few of them just on a small piece of meat we had with us. I think with the right gear you could do well. Good luck to you for one tasty meal! [
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I have been doing the crawfish gig at strawberry a couple times a year for the last 6 years. Early spring is not a good time to catch them. The water is still too cold and even though they are around they are not very active. Wait till at least the middle of June. The best time is in July and Aug when the water gets warm. Then you can catch a bucket full in no time at all. If you wait till it starts getting dark, you can catch them along the shore with your hand or a little net.
We tried it this time of year last year and come home with a couple dozen, when we usually have 10-12 gallons.
My neighbor and I just take our boiling gear with us and boil them there and then put them in a cooler to soak and stay hot on the way home. Good eating! Nothing like some Zatarans!
Have fun... Looking forward to a good crawfish boil myself.
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We also pulled some through the ice this year at strawberry...
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