Crayfish Regulations for Great Lakes States
DOWNLOADJune 25, 2026 - Paige Filice
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EmailStatus of crayfish regulations as of October 1, 2025
Your state natural resources agency is the best place to find current regulatory information.
This resource is provided as an informational summary only and should not be viewed as the entire regulation or statute, modifications of regulations or statutes, binding interpretations, or legal advice. For confirmation of regulations, contact the appropriate state or federal agency or consult with an attorney. This project was funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Illinois
| Species | State Regulations |
| Marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Marron crayfish Cherax tenuimanus |
Special considerations: DNR permit is needed to sell crayfish not specifically approved by the state. |
| Red Swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii |
Special considerations: DNR permit is needed to sell crayfish not specifically approved by the state. |
| Rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Yabby crayfish Cherax destructor |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
Indiana
All crayfish species are allowed.
Michigan
| Species | State Regulations |
| Marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Marron crayfish Cherax tenuimanus |
Special considerations: Sellers of non-native aquatic invasive species must register and report annually with DNR. |
| Red Swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus |
In many Great Lakes states, the rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) is considered widespread and subject to special rules. Retailers generally cannot sell or possess them where they are non-native and restricted. |
| Yabby crayfish Cherax destructor |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
Minnesota
| Species | State Regulations |
| Marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Marron crayfish Cherax tenuimanus |
Special considerations: DNR permit is needed to import all live crayfish (native and non-native) or crayfish eggs. |
| Red Swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus |
In many Great Lakes states, the rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) is considered widespread and subject to special rules. Retailers generally cannot sell or possess them where they are non-native and restricted. |
| Yabby crayfish Cherax destructor |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
New York
Rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus): Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency.
Ohio
| Species | State Regulations |
| Marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Marron crayfish Cherax tenuimanus |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Red Swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus |
N/A |
| Yabby crayfish Cherax destructor |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, all crayfish species are prohibited, including native and non-native.
Wisconsin
| Species | State Regulations |
| Marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Marron crayfish Cherax tenuimanus |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Red Swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
| Rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus |
In many Great Lakes states, the rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) is considered widespread and subject to special rules. Retailers generally cannot sell or possess them where they are non-native and restricted. |
| Yabby crayfish Cherax destructor |
Live possession is not allowed. Prohibited species are typically banned entirely, but state-specific exceptions may apply. Visit invasivecrayfish.org to find your state's regulations or contact your state's natural resources agency. |
