Trapping minnows in the winter

[B_Streich]

if anyone could give me any tips or tricks for trapping my own bait this time of year would be helpfull been tring for a few days now and nothing has been in them just looking to get some bigger bait then what i can get down at pages or whatever its called now everything they have is small 3-4 inches looking for something a little bigger thanks

[Chris Streich]

Well, Mr. Streich, i would probably tell you to talk to your cousin, the KING of trapping BIG bait. Actually i think it is all about if you have a good hole or not. I use cat food rolled up in a ball of bread. It is tough this time of year now that the streams are froze up, but it still can be done, just more work.

[Red Childress]

I had good luck trapping late-Fall bait behind Midtown Motors. As for winter stuff, I used to buy mine in Kennedy NY. Great, fresh suckers there but the max size is about 6 inches.

Nellie's Bait Pond is the name of it. They have a website as well.....Just google it.

[Katmai Kid]

I can understand your frustration. I trap bait for myself and all my fishing partners because they are having the same problem. Paying a dollar or more for one minnow is out of the question for me. I find a good spring that leads to, or is close to a big creek. The bait seems to hold good during the winter and it wont freeze. I live in the Akeley Swamp so I have several to choose from. As far as small creeks go I don't even try. Another thing I do is build a good bait tank in the spring so the bait is always handy. Try to stay out of the trout approved waters, they frown on that! Good luck!

[B_Streich]

Chris i have tried every hole behind my house and even some of the ones by ur parents and nothing think i might try to find some holes in the river by some big rocks or in the brush idk im just sick of payin for 3 dozen minnows and 3 hours into the day most are dead and they are so small but if you got a good spot tell me about it we are family and everything help out ur best cousin thanks

[Red Childress]

Are you looking for Darters or just regular creek chubs, etc.?

[Chris Streich]

Brian, most of the time this time of year the only days you will have bait in your trap is on a warmer day when we get a little thaw. One tip, if you know of any business around that has discharge water coming out and into a steam you will find bait. Cant reveal my honey holes, you know that!!!!