Crawfish Season Could Arrive Early in East Texas, With Hopes for a Longer Run

January 12, 2026 – LONGVIEW, Texas — If you’ve noticed crawfish popping up on menus earlier than usual, you’re not imagining it. Crawfish season in East Texas appears to be getting an early start this year, raising hopes among restaurant owners and seafood fans for a longer and more productive season.

At Crawfish Cove in Longview, preparations are already underway as suppliers begin delivering early batches of crawfish. Warmer winter temperatures and relatively mild cold snaps have helped accelerate crawfish growth in Louisiana and Texas ponds, allowing harvests to begin weeks ahead of the traditional late-winter timeline.

Restaurant owners say an early start can be a double-edged sword, but optimism is high. A longer season often means steadier supply, more consistent pricing, and the chance to serve larger crawfish later in the spring. Early arrivals are typically smaller, but customers eager for the first boils of the year rarely seem to mind.

Seafood vendors say weather will remain the biggest factor. Sustained warm temperatures can boost production, while late freezes or heavy rains could still disrupt harvesting. Fuel costs and labor shortages also continue to influence prices, though early indications suggest costs may remain more stable than in recent years.

For East Texas restaurants, an extended season is welcome news after years of weather-related disruptions and rising expenses. Many businesses rely heavily on crawfish boils to draw crowds and mark the unofficial start of spring.

Customers, meanwhile, are already lining up. With pots heating up earlier than expected, crawfish lovers across East Texas may have more chances to peel, eat, and enjoy the season before it traditionally winds down in early summer.