Reports continue to filter in of blue cats over 70 pounds, and the outlook for record-class fish--those surpassing the 100-pound mark--is brighter now than at any time in the last 30 years. Here are our top picks for blue cats right now.

Cape Fear River, North Carolina--Ed Davis, who caught the former North Carolina record blue cat and holds a handful of line-class world records says this river can produce a 70-pound blue any month of the year. The stretch between Fayetteville and Elizabethtown is particularly good. Information: Riverside Marine, 910/483-1649. Accommodations: Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, 910/483-8133.

Cumberland River, Tennessee--Fishing heats up on the headwaters of Lake Barkley when the water temperature falls into the 30F range. Guide Jim Moyer says any day between December and April could yield 10 blue cats weighing 250 pounds. And a 70-pounder is always possible. February is his pick for the top month. Guide:Jim Moyer, 931/358-9264. Information: The Busy Bee, 931/827-2755. Accommodations: Clarksville Chamber of Commerce, 931/647-2331.

James River, Virginia--Guide Jimmy Weir says several 60-pound fish have been caught here in the last two years, and a 70-pounder is imminent. Fishing's good all year, but July and November are the best months for trophies. Guide: Jimmy Weir, 757/464-1112. Accommodations: River's Rest Hotel & Marina, 804/829-2753.

Keystone Reservoir, Oklahoma--Anglers take dozens of 50- to 70-pound fish here every year. The best fishing begins when water levels begin rising in early April and lasts through the end of the spawn in early June. The fall bite is relatively unexplored. Information: Woody's Bait & Tackle, 918/245-8491. Accommodations: Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, 918/585-1201.

Lake Texoma, Oklahoma-Texas--Blue cats are present in numbers and tremendous size--surpassing 100 pounds. The best fishing--October through mid-April--coincides with the top striper season. Guide: Tim Hall, 903/786-2748. Information: Damsite Bait Shop, 903/465-0165. Accommodations: Denison Chamber of Commerce, 903/465-1551.

Lower Otay Reservoir, California--A former 85-pound 14-ounce state record blue cat was caught here a few years ago, topping a long list of record-class blues. The fish, stocked in 1985 at about one pound, according to San Diego Lakes biologist Larry Bottroff, are growing as much as 10 pounds per year, but aren't reproducing. Without additional stocking, this trophy fishery will disappear. Information: Bob's Bait & Tackle, 619/420-1999. Accommodations: Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, 619/420-6602.

Mississippi River, Arkansas-Tennessee--The 116-pound 12-ounce blue cat all-tackle world record blue cat was caught near West Memphis, Arkansas, in 2001, but even larger fish probably remain. Fish in the 60- to 80-pound class also are caught during March and April below Dam #2 on the Arkansas River, near its confluence with the Mississippi. Guide: James Patterson, 901/383-8674. Information: Wild Goose Grocery, 501/548-2775. Accommodations: Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce, 501/535-0110.

Ohio River, Indiana-Kentucky--Blue cats in the tailwaters below the Cannelton, Newburgh, Uniontown, and Smithland dams in southern Kentucky average about 6 pounds, but 20- to 40-pounders are common. Late summer through early fall is best for numbers, but late fall through early winter probably is better for big blues. Information: Frank Miller & Son Bait, 502/683-3479. Accommodations: Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, 502/926-1860.

Osage River, Missouri--A recent survey of blue cats below Truman Dam revealed numbers and average size increasing. Twenty-pound fish are common, and 40- to 50-pounders are possible, especially during early spring and late fall. Information: The Station, 816/438-7664. Accommodations: Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, 816/438-5922.

Santee Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina--The reigning champion of blue cat fisheries, Santee Cooper offers the opportunity for numbers and lots of big fish. January through March are best. Guides: Don Drose, 803/478-2536; Joe Drose, 800/858-7018. Information: Santee Cooper Information Line, 800/925-2537. Accommodations: Santee Cooper Country, 800/227-8510.

Wheeler Lake, Alabama--The former all-tackle world-record blue cat (111 pounds) was caught here in 1996. Top spots on this Tennessee River reservoir include the Guntersville dam tailrace, the Conagra grain loading docks, and the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant water discharge. Lots of fish to 30 pounds, and 60-pounders are caught year round. Information: Gray's Tackle, 205/383-2716. Accommodations: Decatur Chamber of Commerce, 205/353-5312.