So I got 4 new no. 5 size traps ready for spring beaver, pan tension lure, maybe 2 to 2.5 lbs, I usually go this fall trapping , think of leave set light, possibly why not get to much last spring with a good 5 lbs tension, is lighter setting better ?

I prefer around four pounds trying to avoid lighter critters like coon or muskrat.

Me too. That lunky old beaver just plops it's feet down and pan tension isn't a factor from what I've been able to tell. Putting 4 or 5 pounds of pan tension will eliminate having your traps fired by some lighter critters, thus putting that trap out of commission until it's reset.

I think there's a different dynamic than pan tension as far as toe catches like there is on canine sets. I agree beaver just plop that big foot down. I think the toe catches are more out of position foot placement than low pan tension. But I'm always open to learning more.

I like a light pan tension on beaver footholds.

I’ve always had good luck running 5 pounds

With rats being worth a little under half what a beaver is worth that light pan tension may be the ticket.

I like a stiff pan on beaver traps as well, they do alot of bumping and fiddling around on the trap alot of times before they step in just the right spot to get caught, no need it having a trap fire off and spook them. Mine are usually set deep enough 'rats and coon are not an issue.

I like them stiff...4-5 pounds. I also like setting deep and back, for a back foot. I believe it helps avoid non-targets and smaller beaver.

The problem with setting deep Is trap placement Is so critical and your going to miss some beaver.
3 to 4 Lbs should work for most set ups.

Yup...you'll miss a lot of small beaver, otter, coon, and other incidentals.

Thanks for pointing that out.

And some of the beaver your actually targeting.

I have never had success seting back an deep but plan on it come up,a reason. I got no. 5s, try it with 3 s but not a sprung trap,nothing , I set usally close an shallow, I guess try set pan tension up a little

You miss beaver when your traps are plugged with coon and otter.

Only beaver season here in Iowa after Jan 31st so you can't keep coons, mink, otters, rats, etc... that get into your beaver sets. You can add pan tension to avoid them, you can adjust sets to avoid them, you can catch them and float them down stream or let them go, you can keep your traps at home, etc...

I choose to adjust my sets to avoid them best as I can. I prefer to make a fake slide with castor near the top 3-5' from the waters edge and make the sets at the base. Its not 100% but pretty good.

There are beaver specific sets that will take tons of beaver with next to no chance of unwanted incidental catch if that is a problem in your particular area
I will avoid sets that have a high chance to take otter when trapping beaver in the fall or nuisance.

I set pan tension now to maybe 3.5 lbs, hard get perfect as slight adjustment, u still catch coon on heavier setting regardless, cuts down it, how u place trap an scent more important, I don't put 5 foot up bank as hard get beaver approach trap, look the 2 no.5 , brand new bridger could over compare to new extreme, a difference, I slightly bent or tweak the spring levers on Bridger so one jaw opposite the dog jaw is more level or not higher, alsolook at frame on bottom, Bridger is way off on 1 trap compare other with jaw alignment , also a part missing on 1bridger that goes on frame in front extra 4 coils, the bridgers must be made in tawain , I believe it stamped on trap somewhere, not try extreme yet but look like quality trap, jaws are perfect align when closed, not like bridgers, wonder if ko in 1.5 is as good extreme in quality an performance ? But as far as snares on fake trails made in spring, I would not want catch a otter an try release, I used snare beaver but live caught ones are heavily damaged, did snare sone in water on drown rod with very slight mark from snare on beaver, the snare was not damage or almost reusable, was hard do with cold nites below freezing as have keep lock dry or dry off hankerchief on snare bfore leave if cold or not sun as lock on snare freeze if half loop water, like a CPL weeks ago on bucket cubbie in deep snow in culvert, careful not get connibear trap in snow when set an use bare hands with set an take gloves off bfore set so as not get snow on trap or especally the dog trigger area which melt an freeze up in shade from handle trap when set