CLICKING.  A slight shift in the weather will happen this morning as calm conditions give way to afternoon winds and a chance of rain comes with it.  Things should clear by evening to get you back on the water.  We take a look at crayfish and how they influence fishing in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  CRABBY.  A crayfish tucks under some debris in a small creek. Simonson Photo.
WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Mon 7/13 – Cooler – Hi 78, Lo 55, Wind N@13, G23
Tomorrow: Tue 7/14 – Nice – Hi 80, Lo 55, Wind W@11, G18

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
6:02AM        9:35PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
1:34AM           2:49PM           8:06AM            8:26PM
Moon Phase:  Waning Crescent (44% Full)

EDGE HOUR:  7:30-8:30AM.  Moon overhead before the shift in the weather will be your best bet for a strong bite in our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

REGROWTH.  Crayfish can regrow entire limbs, whether it’s the claw or one of their legs lost when grabbed by a predator or in combat with another of their species.  The limb is regrown over time as the crustacean molts.

500 SPECIES.  There are approximately 500 species of crayfish scattered about the world, and over half of them occur in North America.  For the most part, the size remains the same – around 3 inches – but the largest occur in Tasmania where they reach more than 15 inches and eight pounds!

GOOD EATING.  While a popular seafood boil in the south for humans, crayfish aren’t often eaten in the north – except for fish like smallmouth bass, rock bass and occasionally walleye.  As a prime piece of forage, crayfish have spawned many crankbait patterns and soft plastic baits used for these fish and others.