TPWD, City of Hidalgo Team up to Expand Fishing Opportunities
Aug. 16, 2022
Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030
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AUSTIN — City of Hidalgo, using grant funding provided through a partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), has completed a series of projects to improve fish habitat and fishing access at Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Channel. The site is located directly adjacent to the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center.
This project is one of 21 funded through the Habitat and Angler Access Program that was launched in 2021 to expand angling opportunities and improve fish habitats. The city of Hidalgo received a grant to enhance fish habitat and improve shoreline angling access at the historic Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Channel site. The grant provides funds for the construction of a T-head fishing pier and an additional fishing dock, plus fish habitat structures and a pond aeration system. Earlier this summer, TPWD stocked several retired Florida largemouth bass broodfish from A.E. Wood State Fish Hatchery in San Marcos with plans to add 3,000 bluegill this fall.
“This project is a partnership with the City of Hidalgo and TPWD and highlight’s the Habitat and Angler Access Program,” said Greg Binion, Inland Fisheries Corpus Christi District Supervisor. “We are excited to be in partnership here in the Rio Grande Valley with the City of Hidalgo.”
Renovations to an existing fishing dock and installation of the aeration system have already been completed. This video produced by the City of Hidalgo showcases the progress made on the project. It also provides information on other planned improvements, including installation of a T-head pier and the addition of fish habitat structures.
The Old Hidalgo Pumphouse project highlights just one of the many partnerships and initiatives TPWD Inland Fisheries is engaged to improve fish habitat and angling opportunity throughout the Rio Grande Valley area.
“We are looking forward to bringing outdoor experiences to the local communities and hopefully get more youth engaged in fishing. There is abundant opportunity for folks to come spend some family time outdoors and catch a fish.”
HAAP, which launched in June 2021, is primarily funded by revenues from freshwater fishing license sales. HAAP supports projects to restore and enhance fish habitat in Texas’ public inland waters as well as develop, enhance, and increase shoreline fishing access. The TPWD Inland Fisheries Division is dedicated to improving fishing opportunities throughout the state.
For more information about the HAAP, visit the TPWD HAAP Page.