Crawfish prices expected to rise with start of season

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - If you’re already craving crawfish, local sellers say patience will be key this season.

While a few places may be offering limited crawfish now, vendors say it’s still too early, and prices could be higher when the season officially begins.

Local seafood markets report that crawfish season in Southwest Louisiana typically begins in late January. They say that while some businesses may offer small amounts early, supply is limited.

Jody Galley, owner of Galley’s Seafood Market and Galley’s Crawfish, says buying crawfish ahead of the season is hard, but when you find some, it’s not always a lot to supply to a large number of customers.

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Some farmers who usually hire migrant workers for their ponds say paperwork delays due to the government shutdown caused issues.

Many larger crawfish farms rely on H-2A agricultural worker visas and USDA-related permits/certifications.

Ashley Soileau, co-owner of JT’s Seafood, says that having limited workers slows down the process of catching crawfish due to delays in documentation and licensing.

“The beginning of the season is something we’ve never seen before. It’s something we’re going to have to navigate a little bit differently. Don’t be afraid if the prices are a little bit high, thinking that the rest of the season is going to be like that,” Soileau said.

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Soileau told 7News that farmers may have to buy 1,000 to 2,000 traps, which cost $2 to $3 more per trap, resulting in $2,000 to $9,000 being spent just to start the season.

“If I were to buy crawfish today, delivered to our shop, prices are $5.75 to $6 a pound, our cost. If we were to sell crawfish today, it would probably be $9 a pound, and that’s what we’re seeing everywhere from Lake Charles to Lafayette, the prices are around $8.99 to $10.99 a pound boiled, depending on where you go,” he said.

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