go to utube. type in "making a funnel for a funnel trap." itll give you the "equation" for making the correct size/shape funnel. cut out a cardboard template, lay that on the wire, and cut around the template. easiest is to make 2 funnels first, then wrap the "barrel" wire around the funnels, so a perfect fit.

Ah I see. I will probably try that

nice suggestion fossil2. Another tip is to cut strips of inner tube to cover the sharp edges of the funnels where they attach at the end of the trap.

What do you use for bait . The creek below the house has minnows by the thousands. I can stand on the bridge and it’s a continuous 8 inch wide herd of minnows big they won’t go in a funnel trap maybe I should bait with atrizine something there used to lol

Bait with dog food or bread. Minnows are very easy to catch.

How deep of a hole do you need these creeks are shallow

I can see that happening and destroying the trap.
Years ago, my dad was in the wholesale minnow business. I inherited his minnow traps. Still use them. I also hook and line chubs and shiners for northern fishing.

Use an 8 inch diameter funnel trap and bait it. I have cricks late fall where the 8 inch funnel trap is 2 too 3 inches out of water and have heavy traps in the morning. Dozens of minnows caught in one check with 6 inches f water.

I do better on catch not being a deep hole they like shallow water for the most part. IMO and my experience.

That's interesting, the salt water killies I caught commercially would not go into the pot till the tide covered them if put in shallow water...

I've had to walk in crick and dig down a few inches at time to conceal trap so it is covered with water. Still can see the trap but at least I got it under water.
I early spring here where water is shallow in spots the minnows gather there for warmth or for some reason. Thousands will be in 3 to 4 inches of water and can't catch one in deep holes.

I've done the same thing, dig a depression to sit the pot in so the minnows would go in sooner rather than having them follow the tide in and ignore the pot...they were most vulnerable when they were staging before the tide came in....

Good ideas guys