If you plan to catch your own minnows, the following rules apply: Minnow traps cannot exceed 24 inches in length, with the opening of the trap no larger than 2 inches in diameter. The minnows will go in the trap but aren't smart enough to get out. All are poor or illegal to use as bait. Participant. Minnow Trap Bait and Placement: The best type of traps to be used when fishing for Minnow fish is the torpedo-shaped traps. Minnows are as effective as ice fishing bait as they are for summertime fishing. To place the bait into the trap, you’ll need to open it by separating the two sides of the trap (probably with a latch or a slide open). Minneapolis MN. The trap only takes a few minutes to put together and is completely reusable for years of budget-friendly fishing. SETTING YOUR MINNOW TRAP To use your trap, add some bread or cracker bits through the funnel (B). Usually the only thing that you will catch in a minnow trap in Vermilion is Rusty Crayfish,small perch, or very small panfish. And if your local bait shop has closed down for the season, or if you just want to save some money, catching your own minnows is always an option. But, before you head to a near lake to start your fishing adventure, you need to obtain some supplies and equipment. Most commercial traps available come in torpedo shapes that possess funnel openings on both ends. Try modifying the trap by closing one end using pliers and plastic ties or strings. Once the minnows start feeding we put about half a handfull in the trap (tube style with two funnels that you can buy at most bait & tackle stores) and hang the trap so the top of the hole is right at the surface. Close one of the ends of your trap. Beaver ponds and creeks produce the best bait. I get that i can't catch them with a hook and line, but I found a minnow trap thing that uses just a soda bottle and some bait, and if that's a good trap (if you know what trap i'm talking about) what bait should I use. Minnows collected from public waters cannot be sold. Tie it securely to a dock or tree. Also, you must keep your minnows alive for extended periods of time to place them on your hook. Minnows make for excellent bait for fishing. Doing so isn’t that hard and expensive. Here are some steps for placing bait in your minnow trap: >>> Best minnow traps. After this, it becomes a waiting game. A slice of bread torn into pieces about the size of a marble or a little smaller or coarsley crushed saltines usually work. Andrew Pansch wrote: May 7, 2020 at 10:25 pm #1940773. If there are minnows in my lake (which im pretty sure there are minnows in almost every lake), how do I catch them. The screen type traps work pretty well. Minnows catch a wide variety of fish from pike and walleye to crappie and trout. Since you can trap minnows from the lake you can actually keep those minnows alive a bit better by using one of those and throwing it out further. Sink the trap in your favorite pond or lake for a few hours, preferably overnight. When your minnows are still alive, it will ensure you that you will catch more fish. Additional waters may be included if found or suspected to be affected by the VHS virus. Use bread, dog food, and white Styrofoam packing peanuts as bait. tindall. These are very commercial, and you’ll find them available at any fish store. You might also attract the odd crayfish. It is illegal to use or possess minnow nets or traps on waters closed to minnow harvest. Instead of buying them, you can catch your own minnows by making a trap out of common household items. I don't think this would work on other ponds unless you were feeding them like he does. I actually use a small minnow trap. No person may harvest minnows from these waters, except that suckers may be harvested but may not be transported away live. Posts: 918. Wait five minutes and you have about 1/2 a lb. Minnows may be collected any time through the year if you have a valid sport fishing license.