Retired Largemouth Broodstock Headed To Community Lakes

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries Division will stock several retired Florida largemouth bass broodfish into three Rio Grande Valley community fishing lakes in June. Dean Porter Park Resaca in Brownsville, Town Lake at Fireman’s Park in McAllen and the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Channel in Hidalgo will receive these special fish.

The broodfish, adult bass that average more than four pounds, are coming from their former home at the A.E. Wood State Fish Hatchery in San Marcos and are expected to provide excellent fishing opportunities and rewarding catches to anglers. In addition, the broodfish will add outstanding Florida largemouth bass genetics to these popular fishing destinations.

“We are excited to bring these extraordinary fish to these local communities and are committed to improving freshwater fishing in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Greg Binion, Inland Fisheries Corpus Christi District Supervisor.

Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Channel will also receive 3,000 bluegill this fall. A popular prey of largemouth bass, the bluegill will offer additional food for the largemouth bass and offer additional fishing opportunities for anglers. The City of Hidalgo received a Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP) grant to enhance fish habitat and improve shoreline angling access at the historic Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Channel site. The grant funding will enable the construction of a T-head fishing pier and an additional fishing dock, plus fish habitat structures and a pond aeration system.

The program, which launched in June 2021, is primarily funded by the purchase of freshwater fishing licenses. 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 in the valley and throughout the state.