I must suck at trapping.
Lots of sign, but no commitment to a cage.
Am I stupid for thinking I can get an otter’s in a cage trap.?

Sate requires cage unless you use special permits….

Where and how are you setting it? I accidentally caught one in a Comstock in the middle of a brook.

Can they be submerged?

Yes this a simple way to trap otter.
Most of my work is on docks and boats

Have you tried placing a mirror in the back of the cage.

Dave,
If you have a swim through you can make what I call the fish set. I set one of my traps on edge and bend the coni triggers so both wires are pointed up. You need some of the large frozen herring. Drill a small hole vertically through the frozen fish just behind the gill. Impale a couple of the fish on the trigger wires. Submerge the trap. Works best if there is a bit of current but you can use it in slack water. In a current the fish will point into the current and the fish oil leaves a subtle trail for the otter to follow in the water. Frozen herring will last a long time in cold water like we have now, up to 2 weeks.

I caught an otter in a cage trap, but it was a positive set where it was getting into a crawl space under a lakeside cottage. Took a few hours. Seemed to enjoy rolling around on its back in the cage. Brought it back to the shop and gave it a few bluegill fillets and a drink of water for lunch. Then took it for a long ride and released it. Good day for both of us.