Another question from the otter newbie. Wondering how are guys in the Midwest targeting otter and beav through the ice? On land? Or are they setting bank dens? I'm mostly wondering about on a froze up creek.

Are there any little open spots where there’s a bit more current? Hit natural channels (barriers) above the ice that funnel them, or hit the open spots. Dam crossovers? My ice otter are usually around beaver dams or feed piles. Haven’t really targeted them come freeze up, but I might be hitting some abandoned lodges near active ones.
There’s a little creek by the shack that’s got thin ice or open water if it’s warm enough. They go sliding along this creek every few weeks and we’re by a couple days ago leaving tel tail sign. They bust a hole in the thin ice and popping up at the next thin spot. I’d take a pic this morning during our check, but it’s a bit of a blizzard here right now and everything will be covered.

Zac, I asked a veteran otter guy the same question as we have more shallow creeks than deep ones. AND we are in a somewhat of a drought. We don't have a lot of otters in my trapping areas but they must seek out the deeper bodies of waters and hang out there until either things melt off or the food dries up??

Thanks Jake! That's what I was leaning towards. My main area is a beaver dam that I've seen 2 otters. We are allowed 3 a year in Iowa and I have filled 1 tag already. MChewk, that is what I am wondering. I really don't see any open spots but it has only been 1 week since I've seen them last, so maybe they're being a bit nomadic! Will let you guys know if I learn anything. Right around 0 degrees farenheit here this morning

In the past I have caught them in old beaver lodges.

I just pulled one out this morning from an old dam, 3 dams away from the active lodge. An old cut where the waters always flowing no matter the temps. Gotta watch the ice though, buddy goes through while videoing…….language warning….lol.
Otter is the 2nd fur we got today in the vid.

Watching it now shakey Jake!! Awesome country up there! Thanks for the mention! That is what I've been looking for! Now I know!! Awesome

No sweat Zac! You’ll find some spots. Make sure to keep your eye out for other locations and don’t be afraid to use your imagination. You’ll see a spot, figure out how to hit it and think you’re the first one to do it, only to see some guy in the 40s drew a pic of your set…..lol.
The trapping books and courses are just a guide to assist you, they’re not policy……lol

I am by no means an otter expert, but I have caught several under the ice in bottom edge sets. The creeks around here will have open spots along them, and the otter travel between them. I try to check daily or every other day in those conditions, and chop a decent hole around my set. Its a waiting game for me. We aren't covered in otters here. They seem to be on a 18 to 21 day cycle. They'll play around for 3 days or so, then be gone for two and a half weeks or so.

This was my first otter. It had been bitter cold for a couple weeks, most of the creek had 8 plus inches of ice. I kept opening the hole I am standing in every day, and had a bottom edge 330 both upstream and downstream of the hole.

18 to 21 day cycle will be a roll of the dice for me here, our season is a week long. That is a cool picture there, nice job!

Good info.thanks guys.

I've read and heard that about your season. Along with your trap restrictions, they sure make it tough for you guys to catch any otter.

No doubt!! We are usually locked up pretty tight with ice by the time the season rolls in. I will give it another try this year. I am holding off setting for beaver in one area till otter opens up so I don't catch one too early.

Awesome info everyone! Thanks a lot! I will be exploring today as it's finally gonna hit 10 degrees farenheit. Better than 0 I suppose. Thanks again and tight chains.