Thanks Randy.

this is the one thing I really struggle with. I can pile beaver up using conis, but I can't get any consistency with legholds-

I think I try to set them too deep- When you are setting in one inch of water you are after a front foot, correct?

I prefer the front foot, but setting in an inch of water doesn't guarantee a front foot catch. I'm guessing it's about 60-70% front foot catches with the way I set them.

If I have to target a hind foot, I set just like the above picture but with the guide sticks farther out in at least 5" of water, about 18-20" away from where I expect the beaver to hit it's chest on the bottom near the waters edge. The theory is that when it hits it's chest, the beaver drops it's rear legs down and into the trap.

this post should be archived,imo.

Wonderful and informative post Goldy. I almost swore I was looking at one of my sets. The only difference being the mound. I haven't bothered to make a mound in a few years now and haven't noticed any difference in my catch. I just make a quick swipe up the bank with my glove and place my lure............ Some like their lure to touch the water and flow down stream or out over the surface. IMO this is some what of a mistake. I want that beaver coming in to one specific location, not searching up and down the bank for the source...........Regarding chain drowners, I went to welded link and the lock slides down very smooth and fast. I do leave just a little slack in the chain which helps the lock bind up better on the chain.

Very nice Goldy, great job. Is it spring yet?

Not yet Tim, but I'm already getting pumped.

I agree Dave, the lure is by far the most important attractant. If I know theft may be a problem, I've even gone without using mud at all to avoid attracting thieves. It would be interesting to see what would happen with no lure and just a lot of mud though. Someday I'll try it.

Great post Randy!!!

BTW...It cant be spring yet as I have not done any lake trout fishing yet!

I'm not even a beaver trapper, and found it VERY interesting. Its posts like this that makes this site GREAT!!

so a beaver is not real shy to blocking sets? when i make my foot hold sets i never have used much for guides, guess this info will help me greatly!!!

In my experience, the vast majority aren't at all afraid of blocking or guiding. There is always the exception though.

It would have been a little chilly out there today Mike. Hopefully this weather will change in February and March.

The only time I have had trouble with chains is an area with a lot of vegetation. When the water level has risen out of the channel and perhaps into a hay field or pasture, chains will sometimes foul quicker.
While I prefer rods , there are just times the structure below the water is more conducive for chains.

Excellent Post Goldy !

Great post...the extra effort you put forth to illustrate this set will help a lot of people. I'm thinkin' spring too but probably will have a long wait.

Great post, one question, you said you like to set your traps in an inch of water except TS-85's. I use Ts-85's and #5 lonsprings. Should I not set these that shallow? Also, I bought some 3/8 ths rebar yesterday do build some drowners. Have you tried 3/8ths or should I get some 1/2 inch. Again, Great post. Also, I snared my first beaver yesterday, Caught a bunch in coni's but success with snares has not come as easy. I am fired up about snaring now and plan to really step it up. Thanks, Adam

I have not done well with 85's set shallow. It seems the levers and jaws are so big that they can throw the front shoulders/legs out of the trap. Set deep though, they seem to be fine.
3/8 rebar gets bent up too easily with much use. It soon looks like a straightened pretzel and bends easier ever time. Plus, on hard bottom set locations, you need the extra stiffness of 1/2" to get the end into the bottom far enough.

Thanks, I'll pick up some 1/2 inch.

This is a great post!

However, do you have problems w/ coon and otter getting in your traps setting that shallow? I think I've read in the past that you feel like you may miss beaver setting deep for a back foot.

But, it's been my experience that setting shallow, even with heavy pan tension, will increase you catches of coon and otter (sometimes even muskrats if pan tension isn't right).

I sometimes have no choice but to set shallow and the biggest problem I have is coon...generally they're pegged by either both front or both back feet.

I prefer to set deep for a back foot catch...8-10 inches.

But, whatever floats your boat.

Nice post goldy, and I like Chain also... but the smoother chain and a Conduit' lock instead...

I need to weld up some of those Rods this winter...