Chris Amstutz has owned the White River Bait and Tackle for nearly 25 years. As far as he’s concerned, the Williams Dam area is the best trophy-class flathead stretch on the river.

“The area below the dam is the best spot,” he said. “A lot of big flatheads are taken here.”

Amstutz recommends fishing over the railing on the catwalk with a 1-ounce weight and as big a bluegill as you can get. When the sinker hits the river bottom, lay the rod butt down with the tip over the rail. This will raise the sinker and bait off the bottom to just the right height.

Another hotspot at the Williams Dam is by the metal retaining wall. Gary Amstutz, Chris’ son, caught a 62-pound flathead off the wall with a big sunfish on 100-pound-test line and a 9/0 hook.

These cats are aggressive. One angler Amstutz knows consistently takes big flatheads on deep-diving Rapalas. Another angler used a goldfish to catch a 6-pound channel cat and before he could reel it in, a 48-pound flathead swallowed most of it headfirst.

The White River is another great float-trip destination. Beginning at Lawrenceport, the sandbars serve as feeding areas by hungry channels and the occasional whopper-sized flathead. The put-in point is at the SR 37 Bridge in Lawrenceport.

The U.S. 50/SR 37 access site is south of Bedford; a paved ramp is available.

The next stop is the Williams Dam, where camping and excellent catfish angling are available. From the Williams Dam downstream to Shoals, a float trip is an all-day affair. Start south of the dam at the Williams Dam State Fishing Area on SR 450 at the paved ramp and campgrounds. It can be tough going because of the shallow water.

The annual summer Catfish Festival in Shoals hosts an open tournament.

For additional information, contact the DNR at Avoca by calling (812) 279-1215 or the White River Bait and Tackle at (812) 388-7362.