Last year in snow frigid temps I remember walking a creek and every log crossing had mink track on it. Now I plan on setting that creek this year during same conditions. Those that have experience on this set what are some details. Maybe start with the macro things like: 120 / or 155

Around here the biggest macro thing would be finding the right log in my opinion. The set itself can be awful effective BUT finding the right one seems to take some time. About 1 out of 50 really shine and when I see that one and its readily accessible then setting it up can be worth the effort. But I dont go out of my way looking for one to set as the other 49 tend to amount to squirrel crossings and there's usually a better set that's more easily accessible---as in not many steps from the truck. I dont have more than a couple of 150 sized traps. For me its either 120's or single spring 160's when not under water

I tried that big time one year and golly the Possums/Squirrels, etc. Maybe frigid temps would help that a bit. Did I say Possums?

Found the same scenario true in my part of Michigan. In fact I setup cameras on a couple, what I thought were good cross-over logs a few years ago because of nearby mink sign. I videoed a couple of mink using the logs through the length of that summer BUT more mink were seen going under the logs. Every frigin small animal you could think of though was using the logs way, way more often than mink!

I did find a particular log that cats & coyote wanted to use while otter trapping. This log, about 8” dia and 15’ long was laying parallel to the creek about 20’ off it. This log was just above a frozen wet spot, I mean I couldn’t slide my boot under it. One day there would be a cat track on it, 3 days later there mightn be a coyote track, and three days later maybe another cat track or coyote track all traveling in the same direction not a single animal stepped off onto the ice less than a foot below the top of the log.

if "every log" had tracks, they were most likely squirrel tracks.

Perfect crossing log is one about 1-3 inches under the water. 11/2 coil spring set on each end is a killer If it gets deep in middle just set one end
drive a number 6-8 nail on top to hold the trap. 11/2 in fence staple the chain to the log. Every catch will be drowned if any current. You will catch every mink using that creek. Lot of raccoons but no possums. Muskrats as well if any using the creek

If you find a creek without a log crossing make a couple. If you find a creek with many log crossings cut until you have only a couple. The old advice was if you find a creek without make one and if you find a creek with many make one! I however like a couple good ones for everything from fisher, bobcat, canines, coon and mink.

I gave the log crossings my best shot for mink and 'coon when 'coon still paid enough to chase. Found the time spent fartin' around with #120s looking for ideal logs was better spent on BE sets. That being said, the #220s on log crossings set up as drowning sets qualifying for the 4 day check was a definite winner.

Now . . . what did and continues to work for me are suspended #150s on mink trails on the side of a steep, sloping creek bank that is usually the outside bend of a curve in the creek/river. Takes a few squirrels, but does take mink. It's set up to tumble into the water making it qualify for the 4 day check.

Can u snare them? I’ve had success with snares and 110’s