The numerous creek and river channels crisscrossing Millwood’s bottom are topnotch flathead fishing spots, as are the old lake beds -- Horseshoe, Mud, Bee, Yarborough, Clear and Beard’s -- that were inundated as Millwood filled. With a bottom contour map and fish-finder, pinpointing these areas is easy.

Another first-rate fishing area is the Little River just below the dam. This tailwater has produced numerous trophy flatheads, including a former state-record 67-pounder in 1980.

LAKE CONWAY
Few bodies of water in the United States churn out the number of monster flatheads produced by central Arkansas’ Lake Conway. This 6,700-acre Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lake off Interstate 40 just west of Little Rock is the largest ever constructed by a state wildlife agency. Its waters are shallow, heavily timbered throughout, rich in shad and sunfish, and full of huge logjams and deep holes -- in other words, prime habitat for giant flatheads.

Scores of 30- to 60-pound Conway flatheads are taken every year, some by anglers fishing for other species, some on trotlines and a few by rod-and-reel anglers who enjoy the challenge of battling big cats in heavy timber. Serious local catmen believe that 100-pounders swim here, but the dense timber makes it almost impossible to land one. Small live sunfish are the leading bait choice.

Because most Conway flathead aficionados are secretive about the location of their favored honeyholes, it can be hard for a first-timer to locate an area harboring big flatheads. The best way to do this is to obtain a map of the lake from one of the local docks showing the location of old lakes inundated when Conway was filled. Flatheads prefer the sanctuary these deep areas offer. Adams Lake, Greens Lake, Cub Pond, Round Pond, Gold Lake, Goose Pond and Holt’s Lake are also excellent locations.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
The Mississippi River has always been a mother lode of giant flatheads. Yet, with the exception of a few hard-core commercial fishermen, the river’s flathead population has been virtually untouched by catfish anglers. The river is big and dangerous, so few catters are willing to tackle it.

Several 50- to 70-pounders are taken every year, but so far, no angler has managed to bring in a 100-pound-class fish. They’re out there, and sooner or later some knowledgeable catter will show one to the world.

Trotlines provide the best means for tackling giant Mississippi flatheads. Most local ‘liners set several short lines (10 to 15 hooks) perpendicular to the bank near prominent structure (outside river bends, river-bottom scour holes, log piles, etc.). Goldfish are the bait of choice, because they remain lively for a long time and are highly attractive to big flats.

The trotline stagings (short lines to which the hooks are tied) should be attached to the main line with swivels to prevent big cats from rolling the rig and tangling it. It’s also imperative to carry a big sturdy landing net.

If you choose to fish with rod and reel, carry sturdy saltwater tackle. Record-class flatheads are always a possibility, so most savvy catters spool their reels with 100-pound-test line at least. Long fiberglass rods (10-foot-plus) provide the leverage needed to subdue a big cat, and sturdy level-wind reels with a low retrieve ratio (5:1 or less) make fighting trophies less wearisome.

Among the best fishing areas are where big-river tributaries join the Mississippi. Junctures offering good possibilities include the White/Mississippi juncture, the Arkansas/Mississippi juncture and the St. Francis/Mississippi juncture.

ST. FRANCIS RIVER
This broad bottomland river forms the border between Arkansas and the west side of Missouri’s boot heel. Continuing south through east Arkansas’ delta, the St. Francis passes Lake City, Trumann, Marked Tree, Parkin, Forrest City and Marianna before spilling into the Mississippi River just north of Helena. Two public recreation areas on the river -- St. Francis Sunken Lands and St. Francis National Forest wildlife management areas -- offer access for a first-rate flathead fishing junket.