Releasing water at Newt Graham Dam.

Newt Graham Recreation

Fishing and Hunting

In the bass tournament community, the McCllellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System is fondly called the “Ditch.”  The “Ditch” offers an excellent bass fishery.  In addition to large mouth and striped bass, crappie, channel cats, flatheads and sunfish are abundantly found.  With boat access anglers will find excellent cover in the feeder creeks and cutoff areas.  Just be mindful of the stumps and submerged logs along the way.

The Government boundary along the Navigation Channel is relatively narrow, so hunting opportunities are restricted by the type of weapon that can be used.  All public hunting lands in the lock 18 pool are managed by the Corps; however, State hunting regulations apply. State hunting and fishing licenses are required. 

Camping and Picnicking

The Corps manages 2 areas on the Newt Graham pool:  Bluff Landing and Highway 33 Landing.  Camping is allowed in Bluff; however, Highway 33 Landing is restricted to boat launching/day use.  Camping in undesignated areas is prohibited.  Camping and day use fees are collected by self deposit at Bluff Landing.  The boat ramp at Highway 33 Landing is free. 

Locking Procedure

 1.     Head your boat directly for the lock, not the spillway section.
 2.     Signal for lockage by pulling the designated chain located near the ends of the approach walls.
 3.     Before entering the lock, take position behind any vessels that precede your boat.
 4.     Life jackets are mandatory during the entire locking procedure.
 5.     Wait for the traffic signal light to turn green and for the lockmaster’s horn signal before entering the lock.
 6.     When entering and leaving the lock, travel at a reduced speed.
 7.     Carry aboard at least 50 feet of mooring line.  You will need it to tie your craft safely to a floating mooring bitt.  Do not tie to ladders or mooring posts along the wall.  Be prepared to cast off your mooring line quickly in case of an emergency.
 8.     Be alert for any vocal instructions from the lockmaster during lockage.
 9.     After the water level has been raised or lowered, wait for a horn signal before casting off and leaving the lock.
10.   Commercial traffic (barges) have priority over all other vessels.

Lockage is available to recreational vessels 24 hours a day.  However, if commercial traffic is heavy, pleasure craft may be required to wait approximately 1.5 hours or may be permitted to lock through with the commercial vessels.  Also be sure to check the Navigation Notices page for any potential closures or delays.

Sightseeing

A small visitor center is located at Lock 18.  A viewing area is available that overlooks the lock.  It’s quite a sight to witness the skill of the commercial tugboat captains as they navigate the bulky barges through the locking chamber.

Visitors interested in checking out the nearby communities can experience historic Route 66, the wonderful food and simple lifestyle of the Amish, the rich heritage and traditions of the Cherokee and Creek Nations, military history and a vast number of antique shops. 

Trails

The Jean Pierre Chouteau Trail is no longer maintained.  Please disregard any reference of this trail on other websites.