Hunting Washington Forum
Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: Renn on November 19, 2021, 07:33:07 PM
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Hi folks, I’m a newbie trapper who has never trapped before. i do taxidermy so i’ve decided I want to get my own materials. I mostly want to trap river otters this season, and i already know a spot where otters come around near me. Most of what I’ve read mentions body gripping traps which i obviously can’t use. Will otters go into a standard live box trap? and is fresh fish the best bait to use? any other tips?
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Welcome to the trapping world. I have not much luck baiting otters into age traps but others do. I have good luck using a swim through trap set in a narrow channel the otters are using. Good luck and keep us posted on how you do.
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:yeah: swimthroughs are the best but some do catch otters on docks with mostly curiosity inducing items, hanging rubber toys, mirrors, feathers. I have not had luck with that. I have had somewhat limited success with smoked fish and a trailing lure of fish oil. The only baited set I now use is large herring in a swim through underwater. Drill the herring top to bottom behind the gills and push onto a conibear trigger wire. Pace the trap in a place with slow current and the fish will turn into the current. looks very natural and the fish dissipate oil which the otter can trail to the trap.
If you do use a trap on land as a baited set use a stout trap. Otter will destroy a lighter built trap.
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I've caught them in Comstock traps, not baited just set on their runs in a high activity area. I've heard Hancock/suitcase traps also work well (I know they work well for beaver, haven't tried them on otters).
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I cage trap otters on docks because they poop on the docks and get into the moored boats If the area your otters come on shore is flat and not a steep bank, set next to the water. Buy some commercial ottter lure and put it next to the entrance and at the back of the trap. To catch their eye, put something bright in the back . I have used silver ribbon or bows. (Save the Christmas wrappings) A golf ball or two might look like birds eggs so I add them also. I top it off with a half open can of sardines in water. It works regularly for me. Swim thru traps are great for narrow spots and more out of sight. Can you believe that there are people that steal traps?? If you already have a cage trap try it. Also I have the best luck with a larger size cage trap. Good trapping
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So I am also new to trapping. I started 2 years ago, but had a short season last year due to life.... But the crazy part is I am targeting beavers but seem to catch as many otters as I do beavers. What I do is, I walk a creek that's being used by beavers, and I place swim though sets in the creek at choke points. So just look for choke points and place a swim though set. 50/50 it will pick up a otter or a beaver. At least that seems to be my luck. Not complaining. lol sorta want to target otters now my self.... But that will probably result in more beavers. Good luck, just get some iron soaking, and something will turn up.
