BEST BIG RIVER
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River along Arkansas' eastern border has churned out giant catfish since settlement, including several monsters during the past decade. On August 3, 2001, while fishing the river at West Memphis, Charles Ashley Jr. of Marion boated a 116-pound, 12-ounce blue cat, a fish that for a time was the all-tackle world record. In addition, trotliners and netters have landed at least four 100-pound-plus blues -- a 116.5-pounder in 1995, a 102-pounder in 1999, a 121-pounder in 2000 and a 127-pounder in 2001. Many hardcore catmen insist that 150-pounders inhabit the river.

The Mississippi harbors giant flatheads, too. Twenty- to 40-pounders are common as costume jewelry at a flea market, while 50- to 70-pounders are caught daily in summer. Channel cats also are abundant. Anglers often catch dozens up to 15 pounds in one night.

Fishing anywhere on the river from Blytheville to Eudora could produce the catch of a lifetime. Giant cats hold near structure such as channel drop-offs, humps, holes, outside bends and logjams. Proven hotspots include the Memphis/West Memphis stretch and downstream confluences with large tributaries such as the St. Francis, White and Arkansas rivers.

Use extreme caution here. The Mississippi is dangerous and unpredictable. Barge traffic is heavy. Floating debris rips motors from transoms and capsizes the foolhardy. Show respect, or the river will eat you alive. Use a large boat and reliable motor. Wear a lifejacket and kill switch.

Access areas are scarce. Locals typically fish several miles then return to their launch site. Arkansas landings include Sans Souci near Osceola, 8th Street in West Memphis, Peters Island in Lee County, St. Francis north of Helena, and Panther Forest north of Lake City. The Arkansas Outdoor Atlas shows all of them. For guided catfishing, call Mississippi River Guide Service, (901) 383-8674, www.bigcatfishing.com.

BEST SMALL RIVER
Little River
In the southwest quadrant of the state, the Little River is one of the best catfishing waters. This stream, which now is divided by the impounded waters of Lake Millwood, has been churning out big channel, blue and flathead catfish for decades.

The stretch below Millwood dam has produced several true trophy catfish, including a 100-pound-plus blue cat taken by a local angler, and a former state record flathead catfish that weighed 67 pounds. You might fish here on a weekday and not see another angler, but don't come ill-prepared. There are some serious cats here, and you'll never land one unless you're using heavy line, big terminal tackle and a super-tough rod-and-reel rig. Access is good from Highway 32 a few miles east of Ashdown.

The Little River above Millwood harbors monster cats as well. Blue cats and flatheads often fall for shad gizzard baits. Channel cats prefer big night crawlers. Drift-fishing and still-fishing both are productive, so try what suits you and get ready for action.

Two accesses in Little River County will get you started: the Wilton Landing/Highway 71 access on the upper end of Millwood north of Wilton, and the Patterson Shoals access north of state Highway 234 west of Wilton.

(Editor's Note: An autographed copy of Keith Sutton's latest book, Catfishing: Beyond the Basics, can be ordered by sending a check or money order for $24.05 -- includes shipping and Arkansas sales tax -- to C&C Outdoors, 15601 Mountain Dr., Alexander, AR 72002.)