Season Change Brings Trout Surge and Winter Hours to Bluewater
BLUEWATER LAKE , N.M. – The seasons have changed, and so have the hours at Bluewater Lake State Park.
Starting Nov. 1 to Mar 31, the park will be open from 7am to 5pm for recreational purposes.
Anglers reported GOOD fishing for trout, especially when using PowerBait. Cooler water temperatures and recent trout stockings earlier in the month appear to be sustaining steady activity, giving local and visiting anglers something to look forward to before winter hours begin.
While there have been no new reports of tiger muskie catches in recent days, trout fishing remains accessible along the shoreline.
Although no new stockings occurred this week, the effects of the large rainbow trout deliveries earlier in October are still visible, with many fish likely still active in the lake.
Since spring, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish—primarily through the Red River Trout Hatchery—has stocked triploid rainbow trout at multiple points, with each delivery averaging between 1,500 and 4,000 fish.
The largest single stocking event took place on October 20, when more than 4,294 trout were released into the lake, followed by another 1,557 the next day. These fall stockings are particularly important, as they coincide with the lake’s cooling temperatures, which are ideal for trout activity. Earlier fall deliveries also included 4,148 rainbow trout on October 9, making October one of the most heavily stocked months of the year.
All trout released into Bluewater this year have measured around 10 to 10.5 inches, making them catch-ready for most anglers, especially those fishing with PowerBait or similar lures. These consistent stocking efforts— combined with the lake’s manageable size and shoreline accessibility— make Bluewater a great destination for both seasoned fishers and families alike.
Trout behavior often improves during this time of year, as shorter days and cooler nights enhance feeding conditions.
As of October 31, lake elevation stood at 4,763 acre-feet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Water levels continue their seasonal decline after a brief rise earlier in the month. Bluewater Lake remains in EXCELLENT boating condition, with a current surface area of approximately 483 acres and an elevation of 7,369.59 feet above sea level. The most recent volume update from the New Mexico State Parks system (dated October 13) placed the lake at around 4,834 acre-feet—very close to the USGS reading.
Grants Riverwalk Park
No reports were received from Grants Riverwalk Park this week, and there were no new stocking announcements for the pond. With fall settling in and winter hours on the horizon, fishing activity may slow temporarily before picking back up in late November and December.
As always, the Cibola Citizen welcomes your stories, photos, and fishing reports. Whether you’re reeling in a lunker or enjoying a quiet afternoon by the water, your experience helps us tell the story of the season. Send your submissions to editor@cibolacitizen.com .