Early spring fishing in some channels here in Wisconsin. Water is pretty cold yet,high 40’s. 
seeing a lot of crawfish claws on shore. I realize these must be from birds, but would the bass be feeding on crawfish this early? I’ve only been catching a very few on a ned, and only 1 on a crank. 

I've seen video of smallmouth expelling the claws before swallowing.

I've also seen Crawfish lose a claw, sometimes both during molting.

 

If they're out, bass will eat them.

The biggest takeaway from this would be the color.

 

More than once I've been having a rough day, caught a bass, see an orange/green craw in its throat, changed baits and colors and started whackin' em.

It's telling me that some Jurassic Park escapees have reached Wisconsin. Those are some serious claws. 

Probably big shore birds or animals not bass if the claws are on the bank.

”Jig time”

Tom

33 minutes ago, WRB said:

Probably big shore birds or animals not bass if the claws are on the bank.

”Jig time”

Tom

100% ^^^ THIS ^^^  All... Day... Long.  A stupid rigged tube is another great option.

2 hours ago, ol'crickety said:

It's telling me that some Jurassic Park escapees have reached Wisconsin. Those are some serious claws. 

If you were to observe the size of some of the crawfish, and their claws here in the White River Chain (Beaver, Table Rock, and Bull Shoals), you may think some of your Maine Lobsters were transplanted.  

I see that down here from time to time, and at least down here it's Muskrat/Mink doing it.    

 

I'd bet money that was done by a semi aquatic mammal.  

Did some Cajuns move into your area over the winter?  😁

5 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

I see that down here from time to time, and at least down here it's Muskrat/Mink doing it.    

 

I'd bet money that was done by a semi aquatic mammal.  

Agreed - raccoon, mink or otter…

As I said in the original message, I do realize the claws on shore were from birds. It does give a tip to color, as some mentioned. I did try the jig for awhile, with no luck, but I will keep trying . We had some cold and snow in last week, so I think the fishing is just tough right now. 
warmer weather is coming, sure to get better. I’m gonna keep working on my jig game, as I never done great on them. 
thanks for the tips

I didn't realize you could mark your own comment as the solution

At my closest lake, which is chock full of big crawfish, the raccoons come out at night and dig in the rocks in the shallows.  The next morning what you found is all over the bank.