Opossums are drawn to strong, sweet, and fishy scents, and the best baits combine a lure that carries with a food they cannot resist. A good bait gets an opossum fully into the trap. Here are the baits worth using.
- Sweet and fishy baits work best for opossums.
- A dedicated opossum lure draws them in from a distance.
- Place bait deep in the trap so the opossum steps fully inside.
- Opossums are usually nomadic, so confirm the animal is denning before trapping.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlap’s Opossum Lure | Lure | Best Specific | Check price |
| Lenon’s Skunk & Opossum Super All Call | Lure | Best Lure | Check price |
| Trapper’s Choice Pecan Surprise | Food bait | Best Food | Check price |
| CZ Grain Critter Bait Predator Blend | Bait | Best Blend | Check price |
| CZ Grain Predator Critter Bait | Bait | Best Multi | Check price |
| Hawbaker Skunk & Possum Lure | Lure | Proven | Check price |
Best Specific: Dunlap’s Opossum Lure
Best Specific- Type
- Lure
- Target
- Opossums
- Form
- 1 oz
- Placement
- On or near trap
Dunlap’s Opossum Lure is a species-specific scent attractant made for opossum trapping. The concentrated lure draws opossums toward the trap with a scent they associate with food.
A dedicated opossum lure matters because generic predator baits can attract the wrong animal. This one is tuned for opossums specifically.
Best Lure: Lenon’s Skunk & Opossum Super All Call
Best Lure- Type
- Scent, bait, and lure
- Target
- Opossums and skunks
- Use
- Attract and hold
- Placement
- In or near trap
Lenon’s Super All Call is a combined scent, bait, and lure that works on both opossums and skunks. The multi-purpose formula is useful when you are not sure which animal is denning.
The strong scent carries well, drawing opossums toward the trap from a distance.
Best Food: Trapper’s Choice Pecan Surprise
Best Food- Type
- Food bait
- Target
- Opossums
- Scent
- Pecan
- Form
- 2 oz
Trapper’s Choice Pecan Surprise is a food-based trapping lure with a sweet pecan scent opossums are drawn to. The sweet scent works as both a lure and a food attractant.
It is the right choice when you want a food bait rather than a gland lure, since opossums are opportunistic feeders drawn to sweet and fatty foods.
Best Blend: CZ Grain Critter Bait Predator Blend
Best Blend- Type
- Bait blend
- Target
- Opossums, raccoons, predators
- Form
- Jar
- Placement
- In trap
CZ Grain’s predator blend is a broad bait that lures opossums, raccoons, and other animals with a scent they find irresistible. It is the right choice when several animals are active.
The broad formula means one bait handles multiple trapping situations, though it is less targeted than an opossum-specific lure.
Best Multi: CZ Grain Predator Critter Bait
Best Multi- Type
- Multi-species bait
- Target
- Raccoon, coyote, fox, skunk, opossum
- Form
- 12 oz
- Placement
- In trap
This CZ Grain predator critter bait targets raccoons, coyotes, foxes, skunks, and opossums with a single broad formula. It is the choice when you are unsure which animal is causing the problem.
The broad attractant means one jar handles several situations, which is convenient for a mixed wildlife problem.
Proven: Hawbaker Skunk & Possum Lure
Proven- Type
- Lure
- Target
- Opossums and skunks
- Form
- 1 oz
- Placement
- On or near trap
Hawbaker is a long-standing lure maker, and their Skunk & Possum Lure is a proven choice for opossum trapping. The 1-ounce jar is sized for a homeowner dealing with one or two animals.
It is a dependable opossum lure with a track record among trappers.
How to Choose an Opossum Bait
Confirm the Animal Is Denning
Opossums are nomadic and often move on within a few days. Before trapping, confirm the opossum is actually denning and not just passing through.
Placement
Place bait deep in the trap so the opossum steps fully inside. Bait near the entrance teaches the animal to eat without being caught.
Legal Note
Opossums are not protected in most states, but relocation rules vary. Check with your state wildlife agency or hire a licensed operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweet, fishy, and strong-smelling baits work best, and a dedicated opossum lure draws them in from a distance. Canned fish and sweet fruit are common DIY options.
Yes, but sweet and fishy baits are more reliable for opossums specifically. Purpose-made opossum lures are the most consistent.
Deep in the trap, past the trigger, so the opossum steps fully inside. Bait near the entrance teaches it to eat without being caught.
Opossums are not protected in most states, but relocation rules vary. Check your local rules or hire a licensed operator.
Often yes. Opossums are nomadic and usually move on within a few days if food and shelter are removed. Confirm it is denning before trapping.
