Looking to see if anyone has a tip to keep water flowing to prevent traps from freezing in. I have otter sets out in some small creeks here in Wisconsin. Using a combination of footholds and 330s and setting them where the creek pinches down and water is flowing faster. Any other tricks? I’ve tried channeling the flow directly past the traps which helps. The worst sets seem to be 330s that aren’t completely submerged as tree creek is too shallow. Thanks!

dig out bottom to get 330s in deeper - exposed steel will ice quickly and gather more ice - funnel down your flow with rocks, logs etc - if too shallow utilize footholds and still funnel the water as it will also funnel the otters and beavers

220s and 280s will work for otter also. I use those in the shallower runs to get the trap under water.

I find if I dig it out for a larger trap, the bottom jaws silt in pretty quick.

220 in the slides over a dam is a deadly set nothing but the trigger in the middle of the trail, consider what the otter will see coming down that slide.

You guys who get to trap otter where you have beavers are lucky.

There's no beaver around me for 20 or 30 miles, but otters aplenty.

Bottom edge sets have definitely become my go to.

Them narrow/shallow waterways (trout streams/creeks) force them on top of the ice with a little snow they slide down the middle of the creeks a lot, one of favorite otter sets. No bait no lures just a blind set 220 I like a 220 over a 330 to limit the hip catches.

Get in there with your hip boots and with your good leg...use your foot ..going back and forth to dig a trench just

Deep enough to get your top bar undah water.