New Rio Hondo fishing, camping park open to public

RIO HONDO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a decade long project, the Spotted Sea Trout Park in Rio Hondo is officially open to the public.

The park is an upgraded version of the previously named Boat Ramp Park, located just north of the vertical lift bridge that crosses the Arroyo Colorado.

City Administrator Ben Medina said the park features new amenities such as a pavilion, walking trail, exercise stations and a brand new pier for people to fish the Arroyo Colorado. The boat ramp also underwent renovations and will include RV and camping sites.

The city of Rio Hondo launched a soft opening for the park two weeks ago. Medina said in that time, the pier has seen lots of people every weekend.

"It's usually very well attended and very well utilized. Many people are very happy to come and enjoy the park and fish in the pier," he said.

The renovations and expansion of the Boat Ramp Park was a project that began 10 years ago and cost $1.2 million.

“The park got bigger. We bought an additional three acres of land," Medina said. "Little by little it took a long time for the city to acquire those properties but with the foresight of the commission and every year allocating funds to enlarge this park, we finally completed and bought all the necessary land.”

Medina said the pier is an attraction that will benefit people who don't have access to the Arroyo Colorado.

“There’s no other free fishing pier in the area. It will bring people to Rio Hondo who don’t have easy access to the Arroyo. It will be a great attraction for the community and surrounding communities as well," he said.

The park will also include a kayak launch and a trail connecting it to Harlingen parks.

Medina said while using the boat ramp is currently free, they will begin charging once the park undergoes its official grand opening.

The park will have a $5 daily entry fee and recreational vehicle parking spaces will cost $30 per day, or $200 per week for a maximum of two weeks.

The grand opening is set to take place Thursday, March 6.