William O. Huske Dam

WELCOME
The Wilmington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes you to William O. Huske Lock and Dam on the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. Wm. O Huske Lock and Dam is located at Tolars Landing, approximately 17 miles south-southeast of Fayetteville, NC. Wm. O. Huske lock and dam is accessible to public use via connecting road SR 1355 to North Carolina State Road 87.

History and Purpose of the Lock and Dam
William O. Huske is the third of three lock and dams that form the major features of the Corps of Engineers project, entitled, "Cape Fear River, North Carolina above Wilmington." The project has an authorized deep channel of 8 feet; However, during the spring and summer, the channel may be slightly lower. This channel runs from Navassa to Fayetteville, a river distance of 111 miles. The project also provides for a dredged channel 25 feet deep from Wilmington to Navassa.

Wm. O. Huske lock and dam was constructed in 1935. The lock chamber is 40 feet by 300 feet with a total lift of 9 feet. The lower pool is at elevation +23 feet and the upper pool is maintained at elevation +32 feet.

Public Use and Recreation

The Corps of Engineers, in implementing a policy of multiple use of lands and waters under its jurisdiction, has provided recreational facilities at Wm. O. Huske Lock and Dam. Facilities available include paved roads, a concrete boat-launching ramp, comfort station, water fountains, picnic tables, charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, and canoe access steps. Facilities are available free of charge and are open 24 hours a day , 7 days a week. No camping or overnight facilities are provided.

Fishing
Fishing is a favorite activity at Wm. O Huske Lock and Dam. The river contains a variety of fish species but the most closely associated with this project is the American or white shad, striped bass, and very large catfish. The American shad is primarily an ocean fish that enters fresh water and moves upstream to spawn. The spawning run usually occurs in spring. Three state and world records have been given for fish caught in this area. Most recently, in 1994, world and state records were awarded for a 69 pound flathead catfish and a 78 pound 8 ounce blue catfish caught here in the Cape Fear River.

Lockage Schedule
Recreational:

PLEASE CALL AHEAD

Monday - Friday..........8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays..........CLOSED

Commercial:

Open year round (on demand)..........24 hours/day

Rules Required for Lockage Appointments

1. A minimum of three vessels requesting the same upstream/downstream lockage.

2. Forty-eight hours notice is required to ensure that personnel will be available to assist in lockages and to furnish river conditions.

3. Appointments must be made by 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

National Water Safety Program

Safety Rules
1. Keep to the west bank at all approaches to lock chambers.
2. All persons must remain in or on vessels being locked.
3. Life jackets must be worn at all times during lockage.

Canoe portage facilities are available on the west bank.

For More Information...

You may also contact the Lock and Dam Office at (910) 483-7746, Cell (910) 874-0883, or you may write to:
Lockmaster
Wm. O. Huske Lock and Dam # 3
1248 Bill Hall Road
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306

Email