Crawfish season always arrives in North Texas a little unevenly. It doesn’t begin all at once, and it rarely follows a clean calendar date. What we see here depends almost entirely on how the season unfolds in Louisiana, where most of our crawfish are harvested. For 2026, the outlook suggests a familiar pattern rather than any major surprises.
Crawfish will begin appearing in North Texas in January, but early availability is limited. Supplies are small, sizes tend to be inconsistent, and prices are high. This part of the season is driven more by demand than abundance. A few restaurants and markets will offer crawfish early, but it is not yet a dependable or affordable time to buy in volume.
February brings gradual improvement. As water temperatures rise, Louisiana producers are able to harvest more consistently, which increases shipments into Texas. Even then, availability can fluctuate week to week, particularly if cold weather returns. Pricing remains elevated, but quality begins to improve, and crawfish become easier to find across the region.
By March, the season is fully established in North Texas. Supply becomes reliable, sizing improves, and prices settle into a more reasonable range. This period, which typically lasts through May, is when crawfish are at their best and easiest to source. Restaurants run steady boils, and home cooks can plan events with more confidence.
Late spring and early summer mark the beginning of the slowdown. Crawfish remain available into June, though supply and quality can vary depending on harvest conditions. By July, fresh crawfish become increasingly scarce in North Texas, and many sellers wrap up the season.
For North Texans, the takeaway for 2026 is straightforward. Early crawfish come at a premium and require flexibility. The strongest part of the season arrives in spring, when supply is steady and quality is most consistent. If weather patterns remain typical, North Texas should see a solid, dependable crawfish season that follows the same rhythm locals have come to expect.
We will soon publish a list of where to find crawfish in North Texas.
Sources: Louisiana Wildlife, LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Times
