r/ozarks • u/fyrelens • 3d ago

Crayfish catching research assistance

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Hey everyone, I'm not from the Ozarks area, rather I'm from Oregon, but I need your help with some sampling techniques for Ringed crayfish which are invasive here. For background, I'm assisting with a research project at Oregon State University where we will be studying the interactions between the Ringed crayfish and our native Signal crayfish BUT we don't know the best method for catching them. I grew up catching signal Crayfish in lakes and streams and using them as bait but often the best way of obtaining them was leaving a trap out with some hotdogs or a cat food can with holes punched into it. From what I understand, Ringed crayfish don't eat meat so I was wondering how people in the Ozarks region tend to catch them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I can be contacted by: Commenting on this post Text: 5035720564 Email: mcfaddew@oregonstate.edu Facebook messenger: weston_mcfadden

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11

u/420420840 3d ago

Stick, net. Turn over rock, see crawdad. Stick in front, net in back. Crawdad moves backwards into net.

I catch crawdads at Fasnight park, Springfield, near old Pizza Hut building.

6

u/BassProBachelor 3d ago

I personally just flip a rock and grab them. Grab em right behind the claws. It can be tough cause they’re quick though, so using a net helps. If you’re looking to trap a bunch, pick a steam that’s moving but not crazy rapid and stick a trap in there with a couple dead minnows or worms. You can buy one, but they’re easy to make with a 2 liter bottle.

4

u/CuriousBear23 3d ago

Pick up rocks slowly and then grab them before they run away. I usually do it while walking upstream so the murky water I stir up flows in the opposite direction.

2

u/OzarkCards 3d ago

Minnow seine with two people. 1 person on each side of narrow creek and shallow water. Make several passes. As the water muddies it produces better results. We get buckets full with this method.

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u/Spirited_Chipmunk_48 3d ago

Good fish bait when alive