Old River Control

The Old River Control structures are operated to maintain the distribution of flow between the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River, and also prevent the Atchafalaya River from capturing the flow of the Mississippi River. The Old River Control project consists of several large engineering structures. These structures include the Old River Low Sill and Overbank Structures that began operation in 1962; the Old River Lock completed in 1963; and the Auxiliary Structure built in 1986. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages approximately 3,000 acres in fee and an additional 250,000 acres of easements within the Old River Control project areas. The fee lands are located in Concordia, Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana Parishes in the vicinity of Old River Lock and the Old River Control structures. The easement lands are located in a number of parishes and stretch from the latitude of the Old River Control structures to U.S. 190, between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. 

The public is allowed access on the 3,000 acres of fee-owned land only provided their activities do not interfere with the operation and maintenance of the project. Maps depicting the location of these fee-owned lands can be viewed and printed by clicking on the links provided. 
These lands and waters provide opportunities for fishing, crawfishing, hunting, dog training, camping and wildlife watching. The lock area contains two boat launching sites and a primitive campground, managed entirely by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Old River Control area contains a boat launch on the Mississippi River at Knox Landing. A Park Ranger is on-site to provide visitor assistance and manage the project's natural resources. The project ranger’s office is located at the Auxillary Structure at Old River Control.

Recreational Opportunities

Posted Rules & Restrictions

Posted Restrictions

Old River Hunting Seasons 2008-2009

Old River Lock and Old River Control Maps

Color Photographic Map-Lock Area 

Black & White Line Map-Lock Area

Color Photographic Map-Control Area 

Black & White Line Map-Control Area

 
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Updated  September 11, 2008