otter trapping

[greenhead_killer]

anyone want to share some experience and knowledge if one is actively trying to trap otters. ive caught a half dozen over the last season plus some but all have been by catches off my beaver traps. is there a trick if targeting them intentionally? any info is much appreciated

[lewy]

In my experience you are already doing what it takes to catch otters. They use the same areas, runs ect as the beaver you are targeting. They seem to be gypsy's and are here and gone again just like that. If you pay attention while out and about you will notice toilet areas, they will frequent those.

[Born2late]

Two tricks i use that produces every year is:
1. I skin my salmon before i cook them then freeze the skin for trapping season. When i set my swim through i wrap the skin in and out through through the top of the cage in the middle by the trigger. It puts scent down stream and i leave alittle loose so it kind of moves in the water flow. I do this when targeting beavers and otters in a channel. Doesn't bother the beavers but draws the otters in.
2. I took a bass lure that floats and is about 5" long that is orange and blue took both treble hooks off it  then tied 50 pound braid to the front eye hook so it floats horizontal. I put a snap swivel on the other end and snap it to the bottom of the cage so it hangs right by the trigger. I use this in a big ditch were there isn't a good spot to funnel them into a cage. You can drop it in along the bank or back side of a dam.
Caught my first double last year with one in each cage using one of each method.
Otters are my favorite thing to trap.
Good luck

[greenhead_killer]

Awesome! Thanks for the tips guys. I got permission to trap on a set of private ponds and was looking for most effective way to target otters. I’ll def use the methods you mentioned born2late. Thanks for taking the time to lay it.
 I agree lewy. Mainly same sets as what it takes for beaver, was just looking for an edge to target specifically. Thanks for the reply. I’ll let you guys know how it goes. The otters are pounding their fish and they want them gone. I’ll give it a whirl

[ibuyre]

Thanks for the tricks Born2late. Great ideas I will have to try them as well. So far all my otter catches have been in my beaver sets. Seems like every time I set a swim though in a pinch point in a ck that has beavers, that trap seems to catch otter after otter. I have yet to target them, but catch twice as many otters as beavers.... I guess that's a good "problem" to have. As a new trapper I am just really surprised at how common they seem to be. Maybe it's just the area I am trapping in. I feel lucky to see them in my trap.

[Born2late]

I forgot to add that i stack grass on top of the trap with the salmon skin so they can't get to it from the top.

Also on the fishing lure set on backside of dams i like it so when they come over in a natural travel route that it is right there so
they see it quickly and feel like they have to react . i'm usually putting it 4 to 6 ' behind it depending on the depth.

[Trapper John]

If you want some "Great information" here is the book you want.
Cost is $15.00 plus $3.50 for S&H ...... total $18.50

Make check out to:  Washington State Trappers Association  or  WSTA

Mail check to:
JC Publishing
17030 Marmount Street SE
Monroe, WA 98272

[greenhead_killer]

thanks john, i knew i had seen something like this but couldnt remember where.

funny story, i did lawn/outdoor work for fred when i was in high school. knew nothing about the guy then, wish i hadnt been so ignorant!

[Trapper John]

thanks john, i knew i had seen something like this but couldnt remember where.

funny story, i did lawn/outdoor work for fred when i was in high school. knew nothing about the guy then, wish i hadnt been so ignorant!

Think that's funny, I met him thru my one of my daughters back in early 80's.
I joined the association in 1981-82.
I use to see him and the old guys over in one area talking at the rendezvous.
And "Now" Bruce, Darryl, Mark, myself and couple others are the "old guys" 

Great Book for any trapper to have.  Some of the Best River Otter Trappers in the state are in the book, and I think 2/3rd of the guys in the book are now dead.
If you want to know anything about otter trapping, this book is a must!
You folks should grab a couple.  Well worth the $15.00 and the money is going to a good organization WSTA
I think we're close to having a limited supply too.  Once there gone there gone.  I know we won't be printing any more.
JC   

[greenhead_killer]

Checks in the mail tomorrow.

That’s pretty funny about being the “old guy” now. I’ll get there one of these days too

[lewy]

I sent a check as well John..Thanks!

[ibuyre]

I also just mailed a check. Thanks I look forward to learning some more.

[Humptulips]

The Fish Set
This is a set designed for swimthroughs. Go to the bait store and get some mackerel. Several sizes come as frozen bait. You want the biggest size you can get.
Bend your conibears trigger so the ends of the wires both face up with the trap positioned wide way up. Normally might think of this as sitting on its side. Drill a hole just behind the head of the frozen mackerel top to bottom big enough to poke one of the trigger wires through. Impale one mackerel on each wire both facing the same way. Now submerge the trap in preferably some clear water near a likely otter spot ie; a toilet. Best if you can put a wire on the top to something so it cannot tip.
The mackerel will move slightly in a current and face into the current. Looks much like a live fish plus otter can taste them in the water much like a land animal smells stuff.
If you have a good blind set I would use that but we all happen upon good spots where no blind set locations present themselves.
Mackerel will last up to a couple weeks if the water is cold.

[greenhead_killer]

Another awesome tip! Thanks Bruce!

[cem3434]

Tagging

[greenhead_killer]

Anyone have any idea of what otters will be going for this year?

[Humptulips]

I think if you ship them probably around $25. If you sell locally there are some buyers who would probably go $40 maybe $45.

[greenhead_killer]

Ok great. Thanks.