LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Crawfish season is here, and while a big bag of mudbugs is never cheap, they have gotten quite a bit cheaper this week - which is good news for folks hoping to throw a Cajun Super Bowl party.

For the uninitiated, the best way to track crawfish prices is through The Crawfish App, which tracks local crawfish eateries in your area. In all, the app tracks nearly 700 vendors, and it looks like there's a pretty big price drop in crawfish this week.

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Why Are Crawfish Usually Expensive?

It's really a supply and demand issue. Because crawfish are seasonal and are dependent on weather conditions in the breeding season, there are times when the supply is low. 2024 is was a year of short supply and high prices.

But conditions looked to be much more favorable as we rolled into 2025.


READ MORE: Louisiana Experts Predict Early Start and Strong Harvest


The good news for Louisiana is that with favorable conditions coming into crawfish season, we aren't looking at the insane prices we saw last year. That's not to say it's cheap, but it is a lot less expensive than it was last year.

How Much Are Crawfish Right Now?

According to The Crawfish App's Instagram page, the price has come down over a dollar this week.

"Average retail price of live crawfish dropped $1.20/lb for Super Bowl Weekend," the team wrote. "Now $4.79/lb."

The price is the average across 675 vendors who regularly update their prices on the app. The social media post also noted that in some places, you can find live crawfish as low as $3.75 per pound.

How Louisiana Residents Can Prepare for Crawfish Season

If you’re already daydreaming about your first crawfish boil of the season, now is the perfect time to start preparing. From finding the best prices to making sure you have the right equipment, here are some tips to ensure you’re ready to make the most of crawfish season in Louisiana:

1. Know Where to Find the Best Crawfish Prices

Crawfish prices can vary widely depending on the time of the season, the size of the crawfish, and where you’re buying them. Early in the season, prices are typically higher because supply is limited, but they tend to drop as availability increases in late spring.

  • Pro Tip: Follow local seafood markets, crawfish farms, and restaurants on social media to stay updated on daily prices and availability. Many businesses, like Tony’s Seafood in Baton Rouge, post their prices online.
  • Farm-to-Table Options: For the freshest crawfish, consider buying directly from a local crawfish farmer. Websites like CrawfishApp or local Facebook groups are great resources for finding farms near you.

2. Invest in the Right Crawfish Boil Equipment

A traditional Louisiana crawfish boil isn’t just about the crawfish—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re hosting your first boil or upgrading your setup, having the right tools is essential.

  • Crawfish Boiler and Pot: Look for a pot large enough to hold several pounds of crawfish (most standard pots are 80–100 quarts). Don’t forget a propane burner to heat it. Brands like Bayou Classic are a popular choice among Louisianans.
  • Strainer Basket: A strainer basket makes it easy to lift the cooked crawfish out of the pot.
  • Outdoor Table or Tray: Crawfish boils are all about communal eating. Many people use large folding tables covered with newspaper or specialized crawfish trays to serve their spread.
  • Tip: Make a checklist of what you’ll need, and consider shopping local. Stores like Louisiana Crawfish Co. offer boil kits and supplies that can be shipped to your door.

3. Stock Up on Seasonings and Sides

No crawfish boil is complete without the bold, spicy flavors that Louisiana is famous for. Crawfish seasoning blends like Zatarain’s or Louisiana Fish Fry are staples, but many people love adding their own twist by including garlic, lemons, onions, and other aromatics.

Don’t forget to include traditional sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage. And if you want to mix things up, try experimenting with mushrooms, asparagus, or even pineapple for a sweet and spicy kick.

  • Pro Tip: Shop in bulk at local stores like Rouses Markets or Albertsons for seasonings and sides—they often offer discounts during crawfish season.

4. Brush Up on Your Crawfish Boil Techniques

If you’re a first-timer or just looking to up your game, now’s the time to learn the basics of boiling crawfish. There are plenty of tutorials online, and many local seafood markets offer advice on cooking techniques.

  • Expert Advice: Check out crawfish boil recipes and tutorials from trusted Louisiana-based chefs, such as Chef John Folse or crawfish boil videos on YouTube from local experts.

A Traditional Louisiana Crawfish Boil (According to AI)

We asked an AI art generator to draw what it thinks a traditional Louisiana crawfish boil looks like, and these are the (horrifying) results.