River Otter
Lontra canadensis
All species
A large, valuable water furbearer taken in bodygrip and foothold sets on runs and latrines.
Typical Size
10 – 30 lb
Prime Season
Dec – Feb
Overview
River otters are powerful semi-aquatic weasels that travel long stretches of waterway. Where seasons and quotas permit, they're taken with bodygrip sets in runs and footholds at latrines and crossovers. Most states require tagging.
Identification
- 10-30 lb long, muscular, streamlined body
- Dense dark-brown fur with a paler throat
- Thick tapered tail and fully webbed feet
- Travels in loping bounds with a humped back on land
Habitat
Rivers, large streams, lakes, and coastal marshes with fish and cover. They use bank dens, beaver lodges, and undercut banks.
Field Sign
Latrine sites with fishy scat on points and banks, slides into the water, rolling stations, and webbed five-toed tracks.
Behavior
Highly mobile and playful, following waterways and returning to established latrines and crossovers — the key locations for sets.
Best Sets
Bait & Lure
Largely location-driven blind sets, though otter/fish lure at latrines can help. Reading sign matters far more than bait.
Fur Handling
Skin cased, flesh the heavy fat and muscle, and stretch. Otter fur is dense, durable, and valuable; most states require pelt tagging.
