The City of Hidalgo, using grant funding provided through a partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, has completed a series of projects to improve fish habitat and fishing access at Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Channel. The site is directly adjacent to the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center.

This project is one of 21 receiving funds through the Habitat and Angler Access Program. The initiative began in 2021 to expand angling opportunities and improve fish habitats. The grant provides funds to Hidalgo for the construction of a T-head fishing pier and an additional fishing dock. It will also fund 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.”

Improving Angling Opportunities

Renovations to an existing fishing dock and installation of the aeration system are already complete. A video produced by the City of Hidalgo showcases the progress of the project. It also provides information on other improvement plans, 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,” said Binion. “There is abundant opportunity for folks to come spend some family time outdoors and catch a fish.”

HAAP primarily receives its funds via 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 dedicates itself to improving fishing opportunities throughout the state.