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10 Best Places to Catch Crawfish
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Wed, 29 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000
Crawfish, crayfish or crawdads: no matter what you call them, the popular freshwater crustaceans can be found in bodies of water throughout the U.S. They make for tasty meals, and are a staple in certain southern cuisines. While Louisiana tops the list of the best places to catch crawfish, it’s not the only spot rife [...]
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Crawfish, crayfish or crawdads: no matter what you call them, the popular freshwater crustaceans can be found in bodies of water throughout the U.S. They make for tasty meals, and are a staple in certain southern cuisines. While Louisiana tops the list of the best places to catch crawfish, it’s not the only spot rife with these delicious critters. Here, we run down 10 of the best places for crawfish catching, from the bayou and beyond.
Louisiana, USA
Image by Where and What in the World
Where to go: The Atchafalaya Basin
Best time of year: January thru June
What to expect: Louisiana – and specifically the city’s Beaux Bridge – is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” and is has been home to some of the largest crawfish festival in the country since 1959. The Atchafalaya Basin in the southwest part of the state is particularly good for catching crawfish, especially in June. Basin crawfishing depends on the river’s activity, and a good flow will nurture the crawfish and bait to draw them into the net traps. The Atchafalaya Basin is a large area full of spots to catch crawfish, so you can practically look in any water source along the area and find crawfish.
Louisiana/Mississippi Border, USA
Image by National Forest Service
Where to go: Honey Island Swamp, either side of the Mississippi River
Best time of year: Mid-March thru Mid- May
What to expect: When in the area of the swamp, you will want to check where the cars are parked or look for the trails, then pull over. From there, you can simply start walking, and you will be able to catch them anywhere. If you have a huge fear of snakes, this may not be your place. There are many cottonmouths in the area. So as long as snakes do not startle you too much, it is worth the risk for the amount of crawfish you will catch. Parking alongside the road and making your way down the trails becomes a truly nostalgic experience. If you are wanting to enjoy a truly traditional swamp experience you can check out Honey Island Swap Tours. The tours begin at Crawford Landing in Slidell, off of the Old Pearl River.
Idaho, USA
Image by Rod & Reel Idaho
Where to go: The Clark Fork and Kootenai Rivers, Northern Idaho
Best time of year: June – August
What to expect: If you’re a fan of crawfish and heading to northern Idaho, you’re in luck. The Clark Fork and Kootenai Rivers, which run through the panhandle of Idaho, have some jumbo ones that are sure to satisfy your cravings. State biologists have even found crawfish weighing 6-7.5 pounds.The area is full of beautiful lakes and rivers and lush forests, and you’ll likely spot deer and elk as you drive alongside the river to scope out a good crawfishing hole. While there isn’t one specific go-to place on the river, if you go during the warm summer months and search for clear, gently flowing or still water sources, you’ll likely find your fill.Idaho crawfish have some sneaky tactics to avoid capture, so best to use a trap. If you are planning to wade around in shallow waters looking for them, however, make sure take some time to shuffle rocks and other debris around.
Florida, USA
Image by Coastal Angler
Where to go: Escambia River, Floridatown landing. Located on the eastern shore of Escambia Bay, near the mouth of the river in Pace, Florida.
Best time of year: Early Spring
What to expect: The Escambia River has its headwaters in southern Alabama and is called the Conecuh in that state, changing names as it comes into Florida as it drains into Pensacola Bay. It is the fourth largest river in Florida and harbors the richest assemblage of native North American freshwater fish of any Florida river, among these are crawfish. The crawfish in this river tend to be smaller but plentiful.After a day of crawishing you can head over to miles of trails for hiking and biking. You can also find a variety of water sports in the area outside of crawfishing. The seas in this area are calm which provide more recreational opportunities. The Pensacola Crawfish Festival is held in April each year and has run in the heart of historic downtown for nearly 30 years.
Alabama, USA
Image by This is Alabama
Where to go: Greensboro, Alabama, along Big German Creek
Best time of year: End of February through early MarchWhat to expect: Alabama is a great habitat for crawfish because the soil is favorable for burrowing. However, that makes them a bit more challenging to catch. Unlike some locations where you can set big traps out in the water and pull them in later, catching crawfish in Alabama might require more adventure. Many of the crawfish here burrow up to 15 feet deep, so prepare to get wet and muddy because this will likely feel more like clam digging than fishing or trapping. You will want to be cautious of where you are catching the crawfish, as many property owners in this area have set up crawfish farms. Though that may put a damper on your adventure, you could easily find locals to chat about crawfishing, and if you are lucky, they may share some of their secrets.
Tennessee, USA
Image by Stephanie Moody
Where to go: Chicken Creek, a Tennessee stream near the hamlets Green Acres and Lancelot Acres. Located 1.8 miles from Pulaski, in Giles County. Chicken Creek is a tributary of the Little Pigeon River’s West Fork, a major regional river.
Best time of year: Late February thru May
What to expect: Crawfishing is less popular in Tennessee than in some other areas of the south, but with a little time and persistence, you’ll find some. The area surrounding Chicken Creek Tis known for its natural beauty, rolling hills, forests, scenic streams, and rivers. Several parks and recreational areas are nearby, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is just a short drive to the east. It is also popular for canoeing and kayaking, especially during the spring and early summer when water levels are typically higher. This area is a natural retreat for both locals and those who visit.
Arkansas, USA
Image by Anywhere Brands
Where to go: The Little Red River in Arkansas winds its way through the gateway of the Ozarks near Heber Springs, Arkansas.
Best time of year: May thru July and again in September and October
What to expect: This river has abundant aquatic life, and among those critters are crawfish. Arkansas is home to nearly 60 species of crawfish, including 13 found only in Arkansas. The upper sections of the Little Red have several full-service marinas, resorts and access to fishing guides and equipment, so you won’t be alone or empty-handed on your adventure. Public and private resort launch areas are on both sides of the river. You will also find plenty of hiking trails overlooking the river and a trout hatchery, so you can head out on another adventure after catching your share of crawfish.
Oklahoma, USA
Image by Oklahoma Cave Crawfish
Where to go: Spavinaw and Saline Creek watersheds in southern Delaware County
Best time of year: March thru May
What to expect: The Oklahoma cave crawfish, a small and delicate species, thrives in this area. This species is particularly vulnerable to environmental threats such as groundwater pollution and human disturbance. You can find them in shallow groundwater underneath portions of the Spavinaw and Saline Creek watersheds.If you plan to crawfish here, you should ensure you have the necessary permits and follow all regulations for fishing in the area. You should use a small, non-invasive trap that will not cause harm to the crayfish or their habitat. It’s important to immediately release any undersized or unwanted crawfish into the water and avoid disrupting or damaging the surrounding environment due to the delicate nature of this species. You can enjoy the thrill of catching crawfish while also protecting the delicate ecosystem of the Oklahoma cave crawfish and its habitat.
Georgia, USA
Image by Adopt & Shop
Where to go: Crawfish Creek, a stream located just 1.9 miles from Chickamauga, in Walker County, Georgia, near Red Belt, Georgia.
Best time of year: Year-round, with late fall and early winter being the best times
What to expect: The state’s many lakes, streams, and rivers are brimming with tasty crustaceans, making it a popular destination for anglers looking for a fun and delicious adventure. You will want to look for these critters in areas that have rocky surfaces. If there are few predators nearby, you may catch one to two pounds in a single trip. Before you head out to catch crawfish, be sure to check with the local wildlife department for the most up-to-date fishing regulations as there may be specific rules in place.
California, USA
Image by Take Me Fishing
Where to go: Topanga creek in southern California
Best time of year: July through October
What to expect: Yes, you can crawfish in California. Topanga Creek actually has a problematic red swamp crayfish population and as such, the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM) frequently coordinates crawfish round-ups and other types of removal programs in the area to help control it. Crawfish in California like to hang out under rock piles or branches in slow-moving creek waters. The red swamp crayfish primarily inhabit swamps, burrowing into the mud. Unfortunately for the area’s rice farmers, paddy fields sometimes become the “swamp” choice of the area’s crawfish, and can cause distress to farmers. If you are lucky, maybe you can befriend a local rice farmer and get in on the action.
It’s important to note that crawfish seasons and regulations vary by state, and it’s important to obtain the necessary permits and follow local laws and guidelines. With a little research and patience, however, you can enjoy a delicious crawfish boil with fresh, locally caught crawfish.
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Scientist Discovers Giant Jurassic-Era Insect Outside Arkansas Walmart
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Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:30:59 +0000
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Walmart: home to great prices, affordable basics, and…giant Jurassic-era insects? In 2012, a man named Michael Skvarla had an unforgettable experience during a routine trip to a Walmart in Northwest Arkansas. While on his way to buy milk, he stumbled upon a massive insect on the side of the building. It was far too huge [...]
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Walmart: home to great prices, affordable basics, and…giant Jurassic-era insects?
In 2012, a man named Michael Skvarla had an unforgettable experience during a routine trip to a Walmart in Northwest Arkansas. While on his way to buy milk, he stumbled upon a massive insect on the side of the building. It was far too huge not to catch his attention, so he did what many of us would do. He picked it up. Just kidding, most of us probably wouldn’t do that.
But Skvarla, director of Penn State’s Insect Identification Lab, did. He performed a quick study of it, and decided the bug was an antlion, a fairly common insect that feeds on ants.
Then, in the fall of 2020, while teaching an online course on insect biodiversity and evolution, he realized the bug wasn’t what he thought it was. He and his students started researching, and they discovered that the insect he found at Walmart wasn’t an antlion at all. It was a giant lacewing, an extremely rare flying bug that’s been around since the Jurassic period and was previously thought to be extinct.
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Giant lacewings were once commonly found throughout North America but disappeared from the eastern part of the continent by the 1950s for unknown reasons. Skvarla’s discovery of the specimen in Arkansas was actually the first recorded sighting of a giant lacewing in eastern North America in more than 50 years.
“It was so gratifying to know that the excitement doesn’t dim, the wonder isn’t lost. Here we were making a true discovery in the middle of an online lab course,” said Codey Mathis, one of Skvarla’s students, in an interview with The Independent.
Skvarla’s research on the giant lacewing was published in November 2020 in the Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. In his paper, he suggests that the bug may have residual populations in Arkansas that are still yet to be discovered.
The discovery of this specimen is an excellent example of how even in a run-of-the-mill situation, there are still a tremendous number of discoveries to make about insects, Skvarla wrote.
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15 Best Hikes Near Little Rock, Arkansas
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Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:33:07 +0000
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Many hiking enthusiasts come to Arkansas for the Ozarks, but there’s plenty of outdoor magic to be found throughout the Natural State, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to babbling creeks and verdant forests. The best part? Some of the most unforgettable adventures you’ll have are located just a short drive away from Little Rock. [...]
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Many hiking enthusiasts come to Arkansas for the Ozarks, but there’s plenty of outdoor magic to be found throughout the Natural State, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to babbling creeks and verdant forests. The best part? Some of the most unforgettable adventures you’ll have are located just a short drive away from Little Rock. Here are the top trails that should be on your must-hike list.
Winding Stairs Trail
Where: Montgomery County, Arkansas
Length: 4.5 miles out-and-back
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Located in Ouachita National Forest, this scenic trail has it all: lush forests, caves, cascading waterfalls, and a deep blue pool perfect for lazy floating. Be sure to bring waterproof shoes, as hikers have to pass right through Baylock Creek.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Arkansas River Trail
Where: Pulaski County, Arkansas
Length: 88 miles loop
Time: Varies
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: Passing through Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, and Conway, this expansive recreational trail is popular with hikers and cyclists alike. The route spans across wooded wetlands, open fields, and historic bridges, and offers access to some of the state’s top parks, including Burns Park.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Collins Creek Trail
Best for Families
Where: Cleburne County, Arkansas
Length: 1.2 miles out-and-back
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: A haven for trout, this creek doesn’t have just one waterfall, but a series of cascades that flow year-round. The kid-friendly hike up the ravine and back is especially beloved by families.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Signal Hill Trail
Where: Logan County, Arkansas
Length: 1.8 miles loop
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: At an elevation of 2,753 feet above sea level, Signal Hill on Mount Magazine is the highest point in all of Arkansas. But don’t be intimidated—there’s less than a 200 feet climb between the trail’s high and low points, so this particular hike mostly feels like a relaxing walk in the woods that’s particularly beautiful in the spring when flowers are blooming.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
North Rim Trail
Best For Views
Where: Logan County, Arkansas
Length: 4.2 miles loop
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: For the best views from Mount Magazine, you actually want to head to the North Rim Trail which runs along the north rim of the mountain. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic scenes of the Arkansas River Valley and off into the Ozarks.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Trail
Where: Cleburne County, Arkansas
Length: 0.8 miles out-and-back
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: A towering stone bluff formation that stands about 1,000 feet tall in the middle of Greers Ferry Lake, Sugarloaf Mountain is the only island hiking option in Arkansas. The steep trail takes you to the summit—and some truly jaw-dropping views. To get there, board a Sugar Loaf Shuttle from Fairfield Bay Marina.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Eagle Rock Loop
Where: Pike County, Arkansas
Length: 26.5 miles loop
Time: Multiple days
Difficulty: Hard
What to Expect: The longest backpacking loop in Arkansas, Eagle Rock is perfect for hikers looking for a challenge. The hike, which follows a 100-year old postal route and wagon trail through Ouachita National Forest, typically takes three days. Look out for creek crossings, rocky ridges, and idyllic swimming holes.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff Scenic Loop
Where: Pope County, Arkansas
Length: 4.6 miles loop
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Tucked in the Ozark National Forest, this Instagram-worthy trail leads hikers through epic rock formations like caves, arches, and natural bridges, up to steep cliffs with never-ending views of the valley below. One highlight is the towering pedestal rocks that reach up to the tops of the forest canopy.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Peak Trail
Where: Garland County, Arkansas
Length: 1.3 miles out-and-back
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: Follow this easy forest trek up to the Art Deco Mountain Hot Springs Mountain Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Mountain, and Diamond Lakes area from the observation deck.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Mount Nebo Rim Trail
Best for Views
Where: Yell County, Arkansas
Length: 3.6 miles loop
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Boasting what might just be the most sweeping mountain views in the state, Mount Nebo has unobstructed sunrise and sunset viewing points. On your way up, you’ll pass a pond, waterfall, and boulders. Mount Nebo is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site for the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole people that traveled along the Arkansas River below Mount Nebo in the 1830s.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail
Where: Pulaski County, Arkansas
Length: 1.5 miles out-and-back
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
What to Expect: Just a short drive from Little Rock itself, the rocky Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail is one of the state’s most popular hikes. Gear up for a bit of a scramble and steep climb to the peak with spectacular views of Lake Maumelle, the Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River, and west Little Rock.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Seven Hollows Trail
Where: Conway County, Arkansas
Length: 5 miles loop
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Petit Jean State Park—the area that led to the creation of the state park system itself—is a haven for hikers, and Seven Hollows Trail is one of its most popular. It’s full of unique sites, including a natural bridge, stone arches, and Turtle Rocks (a rock formation that looks like the shells of turtles). Don’t skip the short spur trail that leads to a small but dazzling grotto waterfall—the perfect spot for a picnic.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Cedar Falls Trail
Where: Conway County, Arkansas
Length: 1.9 miles out-and-back
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Another famous trail in Petit Jean State Park, Cedar Falls Trail leads to one of the most photographed natural wonders in Arkansas: a 95-feet continuously flowing waterfall. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a true adventure, winding down into the deep Cedar Creek Canyon, past massive boulders and overhangs.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Rock House Cave Trail
Where: Conway County, Arkansas
Length: .25 miles out-and-back
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: Sometimes the best part of a hike is its destination, and this trail has a very special one. Probably used by Native Americans starting around 8,000 years ago, Rock House Cave contains approximately 105 rock art images or pictographs on its ceiling and walls.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Rattlesnake Ridge Cliffbrake Trail
Where: Pulaski County, Arkansas
Length: 3.2 miles out-and-back
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: Located in a conservation area for rare and protected species including the southeastern bat, the western diamondback rattlesnake, the eastern collared lizard, and Wright’s cliffbrake, a western desert fern, this rugged trail takes hikers through the Ouachita Mountain Sandstone Outcrop Barrens, one of hottest and driest places in the state.
Pets Permitted: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
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U.S. Mountain Bike Team Makes Bentonville, Arkansas its New Home
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Fri, 27 Jan 2023 19:57:51 +0000
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mountain biking signage on a mountain bike trail in Northwest Arkansas with a orange sign nailed to a tree in nature
Thanks to years of dedicated trail work, Bentonville, Arkansas has finally sealed its reputation as the mountain biking capital of the nation. Last month, USA Cycling named Bentonville the new home of the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team. With the next summer Olympics coming up in 2028, that could turn out to be a key [...]
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mountain biking signage on a mountain bike trail in Northwest Arkansas with a orange sign nailed to a tree in nature
Thanks to years of dedicated trail work, Bentonville, Arkansas has finally sealed its reputation as the mountain biking capital of the nation. Last month, USA Cycling named Bentonville the new home of the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team. With the next summer Olympics coming up in 2028, that could turn out to be a key move.
The announcement came as a surprise for some Coloradans, who have long prided themselves on hosting the team in Colorado Springs, where USA Cycling is still headquartered. Colorado has been at the center of mountain bike development over the last three decades, and it’s still a popular place for both downhilling and bike touring. Still, it’s hard to argue with Bentonville’s recent dedication to the sport. Over the past few years, the town, located in Northwest Arkansas, has seen incredible new trail development, excellent trail maintenance, and a boom in mountain biking popularity.
Some of that growth is thanks to millions of dollars in donations from the Walton Family Foundation and the Runway Group. (Both are funded by the grandsons of Sam Walton, who founded Walmart in Arkansas in 1962.) However, the local government has also played a role.
In 2021, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders established an Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation to help grow the state’s outdoor recreation economy. And this year, she created a Natural State Advisory Council to help facilitate further trail development and maintenance.
Image by Wesley Hitt
Mountain bikers have been taking notice of the state’s momentum. Cycling brands Rapha and Hellion Bikes both moved their headquarters to Northwest Arkansas over the past few years, and Specialized established a new shop in Bentonville in 2022. Now, USA Cycling is joining them, opening a satellite office in “The Ledger,” which has been dubbed the “world’s first” bikeable building.
The move isn’t just good for Bentonville; it should also be beneficial to the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team. Bentonville’s temperate climate means team members can ride year-round without having to break out the fat tires in winter. The area also has the infrastructure to support expanded youth programming, USA Cycling said in a recent press release.
“Having training and support facilities based in Bentonville will provide our riders with an ideal launching pad to succeed on the world stage,” explains Jim Miller, USA Cycling’s chief of sports performance. The release adds that a complex network of singletrack and gravel paths will also give the team an edge in their endurance training. Who knows? As the team sets its sights on the 2028 Olympics, Bentonville might just prove to be its secret weapon.
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New Arkansas Initiative Puts Outdoor Recreation Front and Center
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