Red Swamp CrayfishThe Michigan DNR has discovered that anglers are purchasing red swamp crayfish from food markets and using them as live bait. It is illegal to import any live species of crayfish into Michigan for commercial bait purposes. Red swamp crayfish ("Procambarus" "clarkii") are native to the southeastern United States and are considered an invasive species in Michigan. 

“This crayfish was found in two Wisconsin ponds in 2009, proving its ability to live in northern states such as Michigan,” said Nick Popoff, the DNR’s Aquatic Species and Regulatory Affairs Program supervisor. “The DNR is in the process of reviewing potential actions to prevent any introduction of this species of crayfish into our waters.”   

The DNR reminds anglers to be cautious when considering bait options and to not purchase red swamp crayfish for bait. 

Red swamp crayfish are dark red in color with raised, bright red spots covering the body and claws. They also have a black, wedge-shaped stripe on the top of the abdomen. They may vary in length between 2 to 5 inches. This species of crayfish is highly invasive, eats a range of food items and adapts to many habitat types. Red swamp crayfish can survive drought conditions and are known to migrate up to three kilometers in search of habitat. They are very fertile, with females laying up to 600 eggs at a time and reproducing up two times in a year. 

“Since there is a strong commercial market to import these crayfish for human consumption, the DNR is asking anglers and residents to be on the lookout for this species in bait stores,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. “We need your assistance to help prevent this species from becoming established in Michigan.”