Where to catch crayfish near south bay

Arroyo Seco down by Salinas I think is a good place. you can snorkel for them in there. Anybody from down there want to chime in?

Andy (FM1) should know

That's nowhere near the south bay.

I know going out too far is a hassle. Personally, I would not eat anything that live in contaminated water.
Somewhere around Bay Area is not good.

American River has them. I dove for them before.

Coyote Creek for crayfish...
God bless ya guys, but is anyone concerned that water quality in Coyote Creek is compromised by heavy metals, pesticides, and fecal coliform?

Do these contaminants flow upstream...to the stretches people recommended?
But I agree about the delta...lots of mudbugs. Kinda nasty though. That's where you'll get the most quantity (especially near field crops that get flooded or irrigation canals).

I would suggest the dam at Coyote lake. And since the creek is open (May-Nov 15), you can also gettem below the dam...that holding pool is usually a pretty good spot. Also, try the dam at Anderson or the backside of Anderson where Coyote Ck flows out.
I would also suggest only trapping them in places that are open to fishing (some streams/rivers/criks do not allow fishing, like Alameda Ck up in Niles Canyon).

Oh, and also somewhat of a drive...but Lake Berryessa is chock full of crawdads!

Arroyo Seco is almost totally dry except for small pools.Just a tip...

Wow!!! You guys are the best, that's a lot of suggestions to try out. I really appreciate all your great information and time!

Coyote lake in Gilroy is outside of the valley and still reasonably close, I probably give it a try first. Could someone tell me a good spot in Delta in case I head that way? We will be using a fishing rod with a chicken drumstick on it instead of a trap to make it more fun. Does any trying it need a fishing license?

Tong,

I got a couple of traps you can borrow!

-Allen

Hey I am in louisana I b in napa tuesday want me to bring u a sack of mudbugs    just saying

Yup, each person over 16 needs a license if they are going to "fish" for crawdads. I would definitely consider borrowing a trap...bait it then toss it out and let it soak while you work the other line (drumstick on a line). Hotdogs and bacon work too.

If you choose to use A trap ( Which I suggest you do ) Buy some canned cat or dog food. Poke holes in either end and throw in the trap. Works really good and its cheap. Good luck!