When setting your lines in Conway, use a depth-sounder if possible to help you place them near the juncture of deep and shallow water -- along a flat near an underwater creek channel, across the end of an inundated pond (there are several here) or maybe near a long, sloping point. Big cats of all types travel through these zones when moving between resting and feeding areas.

Small bluegills and big shiner minnows are top-choice baits because they are tempting morsels for all kinds of cats. Baitfish are the primary forage of both blue and flathead catfish, and while others baits may be effective at times, baiting with live fish is the only logical choice for anglers hoping to catch truly big cats.

Lake Conway is served by a dozen or so bait shops providing fishing supplies, boat and motor rentals, picnic grounds, camping areas and restaurants. There are numerous boat ramps around the lake where anglers can launch for no charge or for a small fee. Motels and restaurants are available in Conway, three miles to the north. For a map and additional information, visit the AGFC Web site, www.agfc.com .

BEST BET FOR BANK-FISHING
When many think of catfishing, they conjure up visions of a barefoot angler in overalls asleep under a shade tree with a line tied to his toe. The image may not be entirely accurate, but many people still prefer to fish for cats from a cool, comfortable spot on shore. Bank-fishing opportunities have expanded tremendously during recent years as the AGFC has constructed numerous fishing piers on Arkansas’ public fishing waters. These long wooden piers provide great places for catfishing, and because many are wheelchair accessible, they are among the best places for handicapped people to try their hand at the sport.

Most people still prefer a shade-tree fishing spot, though, and my choice for the top bank-fishing hotspot reflects this preference. Robe Bayou at Dagmar Wildlife Management Area is shaded by a cuff of huge cypress trees. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the state, and there are numerous clearings along its length where an angler can perch in a lawn chair on shore and cast for channel and flathead cats.

Robe Bayou (“Robe Lake” as it’s known locally) is impounded with a small dam and covers approximately 150 acres in the portion of the WMA north of Interstate 40. A gravel road runs right alongside the bayou, permitting easy access, but it does make things a bit dusty when traffic is heavy. The best time to fish is at night, when traffic tapers off to a minimum and the lake’s numerous channel cats start feeding. You can set a tent up right at lakeside in eight primitive campsites and sit by the campfire while you wait for a hefty cat to take your offerings. If you can tolerate the mosquitoes and don’t mind the absence of modern facilities, it’s a great place for a getaway.

To reach Robe Bayou, enter Dagmar WMA from U.S. Route 70, about six miles west of Brinkley. A WMA sign marks the turn onto a gravel road that forks a short distance off the highway. The left fork leads under I-40 to Robe Bayou. There is a concrete boat ramp for boating access, with fishing supplies, motels and restaurants in Brinkley. A map and additional information are available from the AGFC.