Minnow Traps Advice

I went to Bass Pro Shops a few weeks ago and decided to buy a minnow trap. I've been moving towards more fresh water fishing this year to expand my horizons. So far it has been a combination of frustration and fun, but more of the latter.

Ok to the point.

Has anyone used minnow traps in the delta or lakes? What is a good bait to load up the traps with?
So far, from internet searches: Cat/Dog Food, bread and crackers are the top choices. My first experience with the Minnow trap didn't go well. Loaded it up with hotdog buns and even tried Doritos. Yeah...NADA.

I've also read a few things about catching shad at Clearlake.

Any advice and schooling is welcomed.

seriously...  I`ve used kibble( I  have 3 dogs) ..tied it to a stump or pier post.. leave it ...come back later and found some nice minnows ..tomatoe/tomato..never tried in a river though

I have killed it with just a slice of bread. So many minnows I had to let most go. That was in sierra lakes, Tahoe etc. I dropped a trap the other day and nothing. I think the water is just too cold right now, at least up there.

I have killed it with just a slice of bread. So many minnows I had to let most go. That was in sierra lakes, Tahoe etc. I dropped a trap the other day and nothing. I think the water is just too cold right now, at least up there.

wheat ,white , rye ? 

I have killed it with just a slice of bread. So many minnows I had to let most go. That was in sierra lakes, Tahoe etc. I dropped a trap the other day and nothing. I think the water is just too cold right now, at least up there.

wheat ,white , rye ? 

Cheap wheat.

Just get 2 wire mesh waste baskets from the 99c store n zip tie them together make that funnel at the ends with an opening. Extra paracord to tie them off. I use em for bullheads n mudsuckers. They work for all baitfish I assume.

I found a few ancient cloth netting minnow traps a local garage sale years ago. Was up at Trinity lakes a few years back  and some pesky otters destroyed one and managed to pull the rope loose on the second and it sank into the depths. Tie your traps to something solid..

I know where to catch big minnows in SJ.  Let's make sure  your trap works! 

I know where to catch big minnows in SJ.  Let's make sure  your trap works!

PM me hommie. I want some of them minnows. 

As a rule, the minnows need to be caught in the body of water they are fished in to avoid transporting invasive species. This is VERY important and should be adhered to if you care anything about your fisheries. Hopefully you do care....

Dried dog food has always worked for me.
When you drop your trap, it's best to drop it on the shady side of a rock if possible.

I've lost three minnow traps over the few months period when I tried catching my own bait...I don't remember catching any minnows.  I've since given up on it for now but nothing worked for me, bread white and wheat, dog food, cat food, human food...nada.

Dry dog food mixed with blood works great!

Anyone had any luck with these at the Port? I keep trying but have never got a damn thing..

Old cocktail shrimp. Or.. wait for it...
Lockeford sausage! Seriously.