CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – With summer winding down and schools back in session, Bluewater Lake saw a quieter week on the water.
There were no new angler reports submitted during this stretch—perhaps a sign that the early morning fishing lines have given way to school buses and routine. But even so, the lake continues its seasonal transformation.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Bluewater’s elevation dropped again, measuring just 5,158 acre-feet as of September 2—a continuation of the decline that’s persisted since spring. This marks the lowest volume of the year so far, with more than half the lake's water volume lost since April.
Despite the drop, boating conditions remain excellent, with the surface elevation still high enough for small watercraft to launch and navigate safely. On August 25, the lake held a surface area of 523 acres.
The Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in place through September 30, prohibiting all campfires and most open flames, while allowing propane devices in cleared areas. Visitors are also reminded that fireworks, OHVs, and wood gathering remain prohibited, and park hours will soon begin to transition to their fall schedule.
Bluewater Lake saw a robust mix of trout and catfish stocked in the early and mid-season months. The standout stocking event came in mid-March, when the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish released: • 3,209 rainbow trout at 10.2 inches
• 3,295 rainbow trout at 9.7 inches
• 2,288 channel catfish averaging 14.8 inches
• 3,700 smaller catfish at 8.8 inches These early-season stockings helped fuel a productive spring, with multiple trout reported caught through April and May, followed by some strong tiger muskie action in late summer. While trout action has slowed during the hotter months, Bluewater remains a unique location for anglers chasing trophy-size predators.
Grants Riverwalk Park
With no recent reports from Grants Riverwalk Pond either, this week provides a good moment to reflect on the stocking season so far—one that brought a solid effort to both waters: Over at Grants Riverwalk Pond, smaller but meaningful stocking efforts supported the community's family-friendly fishery. The latest came on July 31, when a private hatchery delivered 110 channel catfish averaging 18 inches and weighing a total of 183 pounds.
Earlier in the spring, the pond was also stocked with several hundred rainbow trout, giving young anglers plenty of opportunities to reel in their first fish of the year.
Reminder to Anglers
As fall approaches, we’ll continue to track updates from both bodies of water and report any new stocking plans or fishing activity. Until then, anglers are encouraged to send in photos, reports, or fishing stories to editor@cibolacitizen. com. Whether you're landing a muskie or just spending a quiet morning at the lake, your experience helps us reflect the rhythm of the season here in Cibola County.