I’ve been trapping on a creek and trib that has several abandoned lodges and old dams, lots of otter sign. Doesn’t freeze well from springs. They are extremely square shy and are avoiding 280s at crossovers. The deepest water I have for a foothold is about 2ft, with lots of soft muck on the bottom.

I’d be using #4 long’s on a rod, short of chain as possible. Would this work if I set for a front foot catch or would I be better off going elsewhere?

I doubt 2ft of water will be sufficient. It's hard for me to believe your otters are "square" shy. Are you blocking/hiding them well? Otter will go into very tight spots as long as they look like a hole. If their actually "square shy" try some round BG traps.

Thanks for the reply. I found a crossover they’re using with waist deep water a long walk upstream. Judging by guidesticks someone was running bodygrips there earlier this year. Going off avoidance tracks they must have seen one get caught.

If you can't drowned so what. I've caught lots of otter In dry land sets with no problems with them getting away.
Target a front foot and slid them away from the bank and your good to go.

Good to know. With my experience level I’m going to aim for DOA. I’d probably need to change my setup to hold them long term.