The beginning of the crayfish fishing season directly depends on the water temperature and the transparency of the river, since these arthropods are active exclusively in a warm, non-turbid habitat. Optimal time Twilight or early morning, when predators come out of their burrows to hunt, is considered to be the time to enter a reservoir. The success of an enterprise is often determined not so much by the quantity of gear as by the correct choice of location for the cancer population.
Before submerging networks or ranchers into the water, you must ensure compliance with local fishing regulations, which strictly regulate mesh sizes and the permissible dimensions of the crayfish themselves. Violation of fishing prohibitions during the molting or breeding season can result in large fines. The reservoir should be flowing, with a rocky or clay bottom, where crayfish can find reliable shelter.
Fishing efficiency drops sharply when using stale bait or installing gear at too great a depth without marker floats. Cancers They have a keen sense of smell, but in cold water their metabolism slows down and they stop responding to odors. Therefore, understanding the biological rhythms of prey is key to rich catches.
Choosing the right place and time of fishing
The search for a promising location begins with a visual inspection of the coastline and river bottom. Crayfish prefer areas with a hard bottom strewn with stones, snags or thickets egg pods, where you can easily hide from predators. The depth in such places usually varies from 0.5 to 2 meters, although large individuals can live deeper, especially on hot days.
The time of day plays a critical role, since crayfish are predominantly nocturnal. Peak activity falls between 22:00 and 03:00, when the water cools down and becomes quieter. During the day, fishing is possible only in cloudy weather or in very deep, shaded places where direct sunlight does not penetrate.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid places with a muddy bottom and strong currents, as crayfish are practically not found there. Also, you should not place gear in areas of active shipping, where constant vibration will scare away prey.
To install gear, it is better to choose quiet creeks, pools under steep banks, or areas near snags. Experienced crayfish fishermen advise paying attention to empty shells (molts) on the bottom - their presence indicates that the population in this place is alive and active. If you find such a place, the likelihood of a successful catch increases significantly.
Main types of gear for catching crayfish
Modern industry offers many ways to catch crayfish, from primitive to high-tech. The most popular and effective method is to use Rachovnikov (shells). These are folding or stationary structures made of mesh stretched over a metal frame, which sink to the bottom with bait inside.
- 🦞 Open Rachovniks - simple designs without a lid, where the crayfish clings to the bait with its paws; require fast sampling.
- 🏠 Closed ranches - have entrance holes through which the cancer crawls inside and cannot get out; allow you to leave the tackle for a long time.
- 🎣 Hand fishing — snorkeling and searching for crayfish under rocks; requires skill and protection of hands from claws.
- 🕸️ Drag gear — special nets that are pulled behind the boat; Not allowed in all regions and require a license.
When choosing rachovnik It is important to pay attention to the mesh size. A mesh that is too small creates water resistance and may be prohibited by law, while a mesh that is too large will allow small crayfish to escape. The optimal size is considered to be a cell of 40-50 mm for open models and slightly smaller for closed ones, so that the juveniles can leave the trap.
☑️ Checking the readiness of gear
The best baits for a guaranteed catch
Choosing bait is an art that is learned through experience. Crayfish are omnivores, but prefer food with a pronounced odor that is carried by the current. Fresh fish, especially perch, roach or crucian carp, are considered classics. It can be used whole or cut so that the smell spreads faster.
Meat products are also popular with arthropods. Beef liver, light or fresh meat, slightly dried in the sun, create a powerful aromatic trail. However, in hot weather, meat can quickly spoil and scare away prey, so in summer it is better to use fish or bread with garlic.
| Bait type | Efficiency | Duration of action | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh fish (perch, roach) | High | 4-6 hours | All season |
| Beef liver/lung | Very high | 3-5 hours | Spring, Autumn |
| Bread with garlic/dill | Average | 2-3 hours | Summer |
| Frog meat | High | 5-7 hours | Summer, Autumn |
Some crayfishers add special attractants or drops to the bait anise oilto enhance the smell. It is important not to overdo it with chemicals so as not to scare away the wary inhabitants of the river. The bait should be securely fastened inside the crayfish so that the current does not carry it away ahead of time.
Secret ingredient
Many experienced fishermen add a little burnt bone or singed feather to their fish bait. This specific smell, imperceptible to humans from a distance, is felt by crayfish from hundreds of meters away and follows it very willingly.
Equipment installation technique and fishing tactics
The process of installing rachovniks requires compliance with a certain sequence of actions. First, the tackle is equipped with bait, which is placed tightly in the center or tied to the cross. Then The crayfish sinks smoothly to the bottom so as not to scare away the already sitting crayfish.
The distance between the gear should be sufficient so as not to create competition between them. Typically the interval is 5-10 meters. If fishing is done from the shore, the gear is arranged in a fan or in a line parallel to the shore. When fishing from a boat, you can cover a larger area by moving along the edge.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave gear unattended for too long, especially in hot weather. Crayfish may eat the bait and leave, or, in the case of closed traps, suffocate when overfilled.
You need to check your gear every 2-3 hours. If you use open crayfish, you need to pull them out sharply and quickly so that the crayfish does not have time to detach. Enclosed structures can be checked less frequently, but the risk of prey escaping still exists. After retrieving the catch, the tackle must be cleaned of debris and reloaded with fresh bait.
Tip: Tie a brightly colored foam buoy to the crayfish cord or use glow sticks at night. This will help you quickly find gear in the dark and not lose it in the grass.
Safety rules and catch preservation
Catching crayfish is not only an exciting activity, but also requires compliance with safety measures. The claws of large specimens can cause painful cuts, so it is better to remove crayfish from gear wearing thick gloves or using a special grappling hook. Carapace The crayfish is very durable, but the joints between the segments are vulnerable, which must be taken into account when extracting.
Keeping your catch alive is an important task, especially if you plan to go fishing for a long time. Crayfish should be kept in a cage with a thick cell, lowered into running water. In a bucket or bag without access to water, they quickly die, especially in hot weather. Water temperature in the cage should not be too high.
- 🌊 Keep the fish tank in the shade and in the flowing part of the river.
- 🚫 Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the container with crayfish.
- 🦀 Sort out small items and females with eggs (if fishing is prohibited) immediately.
- 💧 Provide access to oxygen, do not cover the container hermetically.
If you plan to transport your catch home, use special thermal boxes or baskets, placing the crayfish in layers of nettles or wet grass. This will allow them to breathe and remain mobile during the several hours of travel. Frozen crayfish lose their taste, so live delivery is preferable.
Main conclusion: The success of catching crayfish depends 80% on the correct choice of location and the freshness of the bait. Do not skimp on bait and do not place gear on the muddy bottom.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the best time of year to catch crayfish?
The crayfish fishing season opens after they molt, usually in mid-July, and lasts until late autumn (October-November), until the water cools below +10°C. Spring fishing is often limited or prohibited due to spawning.
Is it possible to catch crayfish during the day?
During the day, crayfish are caught extremely rarely and only in very cloudy, rainy weather or at great depths. The main activity occurs at night, so daytime fishing is considered ineffective.
What is the best bait for crayfish?
There is no universal answer, but fresh fish (perch, roach) and beef lung/liver are the leaders. The preferences of crayfish may differ in different bodies of water, so it is worth experimenting with baits.
Do you need a license to catch crayfish?
In most regions, recreational crayfish fishing does not require a license, but there are strict restrictions on the number of gear, mesh size and minimum size of crayfish caught. Be sure to check local regulations.
Why don't crayfish go into the crayfish?
There may be several reasons: stale bait, the wrong place (silty bottom, strong current), noise on the shore, too cold water or a molting period when crayfish hide in holes and do not feed.