This pertains to open water trapping with footholds only. When making drowning sets with rebar,wire,cable or fiberglass rods,in waterways that have fair to moderate current flow,do you think the beaver upon getting caught is more apt to dive down stream or upstream? I have always tried to angle my drowners downstream if possible, on the premise that the beaver will take the path of least resistance. It doesn't matter as long as it ends up at the bottom of the drowner. For the sake of conversation what say you? You'd be right if you thought I am getting bored during the off season. Lol

Bored here also. I also go downstream for the same reason as you.

I think they try to head towards the deepest water.

I’m so bored I went scouting today.This little house is new and has snakes and muskrats laying on top.Waters up 5 feet.I angle drowners a little down stream in heavy current.

It doesn't matter as long as they do down. Occasionally you get a stubborn one that wants to stay dry. Which is why that top stake needs to be solid or you'll have a treasure hunt coming.

If I got it I will but just finding a hole deep enough is first.

Water depth is what I’m looking for. I won’t set a foot hold unless I’m 95% certain I can drown it. Doesn’t matter if he goes up or downstream, as long as it goes to deep water. A strong river current will drown a beaver quick, don’t need as much depth when they’re fighting the current.

ALWAYS downstream.
If there is any current at all you may at times get grasses & vegetation collect on the slide wire. That would be a disaster if you set it upstream

I like down stream too, for all the reasons above. As well as the beaver is more likely to approach the set from downstream. I like to have the trap just on downstream side of rod and rod angled down stream. This makes it so beav doesn't have to cross rod to hit trap.

It does not make a difference,,,,,,they are on a wire..........

Take the path of least resistance.