Bodygrip (Conibear)
Conibear Drowning Set
All sets
A highly effective, lethal underwater set utilizing large body-grip traps for aquatic furbearers.
Beaver Muskrat River Otter
Where to Set
Set in deep, narrow channels, dive holes under the ice, or bottom edges where beaver or otter travel. Look for pinch points between lodges and feed beds. The water must be deep enough to completely submerge the large trap.
How to Build It
- 1Compress the heavy trap springs using setting tools and engage the safety hooks.
- 2Position the trap in the targeted underwater run, dive hole, or channel using an H-stand or crossed poles.
- 3Weave guiding sticks tightly on either side of the trap to prevent the animal from swimming around it.
- 4Remove the safety hooks carefully only after the trap is fully stabilized and positioned.
- 5Anchor the trap chain to a solid, immovable stake or drag to prevent loss of the trap and catch.
Bait & Lure
Fresh willow or poplar branches (for beaver) or fish/crayfish oil (for otter), though often used as a blind set.
Gear & Traps
220 or 330 Body-grip trap (Conibear), safety setters, safety grip, heavy trap stakes or H-stands.
Best Conditions
Excellent for winter trapping under the ice or late fall deep-water trapping.
Safety & Legal
Large body-grip traps provide instant dispatch but are dangerous, so always use safety setters and keep them fully submerged to avoid non-target dogs. Adhere to your state's trap check intervals and firmly attach your metal trapper ID tag. Never set 330-sized traps on dry land or near public trails.