BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – After several quiet weeks at Bluewater Lake, things came back to life on September 20 when Jeremy Pitts landed a 37-inch tiger muskie using a jointed minnow lure. “Fishing has been very slow for a few weeks,” he said, “so I was extremely happy for this one.”
Though most anglers reported slow conditions for tiger muskie throughout the week, Pitts' impressive catch is a reminder that the big ones are still lurking in the depths. Anglers using jointed lures and larger baits may still find luck, especially near dusk or in cooler morning waters.
As of September 26, the lake volume stood at 4,914 acre-feet, continuing the slow seasonal drawdown that has defined much of the summer. Boating conditions remain excellent, with plenty of open water for casting lines or trolling from a kayak. For the latest updates or to plan your visit, call 505-876-2391 or visit the Bluewater Lake State Park webpage.
While there have been no new fish stockings reported in recent weeks, Bluewater Lake saw several significant stocking efforts earlier this year.
Throughout the spring and early summer, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocked the lake with thousands of triploid rainbow trout sourced from both state hatcheries and private contractors. These fish, known for their size and strength, were typically released in batches ranging from 400 to over 1,000 fish at a time, with some shipments weighing several hundred pounds.
The final known stocking took place in mid-June, and since then, the lake has relied on its natural predator- prey balance—particularly with tiger muskie, which are not stocked annually but remain the lake’s most sought-after sport fish.
As fall progresses and temperatures cool, anglers may still find lingering rainbows in deeper water, while tiger muskie continue to dominate the shoreline hunt.
Stage II Fire restrictions are set to expire on Sept. 30.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
There were no new stockings reported this week, and no catches submitted from Grants Riverwalk Pond.
However, the Riverwalk did receive a notable channel catfish stocking earlier this month, and fall has historically brought a second wave of angler activity. We encourage residents to give the pond a try and send in their photos.
Share Your Fishing Story
As fall approaches, we’ll continue to track updates from both bodies of water and report any new
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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.