Cibola Fishing Report – November 1–10

  • Bluewater Lake: Jeremy Pitts caught an 11-pound catfish using chicken livers near the dam around 1 p.m. on Nov. 1. “We got a few bites, but this was the keeper,” Jeremy said. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake: Jeremy Pitts caught an 11-pound catfish using chicken livers near the dam around 1 p.m. on Nov. 1. “We got a few bites, but this was the keeper,” Jeremy said. Courtesy Photo
  • Bluewater Lake keeps easing down. USGS reservoir data show a steady slide from a brief mid-October bump near 4,900 acre-feet to 4,695 acre-feet by the morning of Nov. 11. The saw-tooth line reflects daily fluctuations, but the overall trend is a clear late-fall drawdown driven by evaporation and limited inflow. Even with lower storage, boating remains open and trout action has held up thanks to October stockings. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake keeps easing down. USGS reservoir data show a steady slide from a brief mid-October bump near 4,900 acre-feet to 4,695 acre-feet by the morning of Nov. 11. The saw-tooth line reflects daily fluctuations, but the overall trend is a clear late-fall drawdown driven by evaporation and limited inflow. Even with lower storage, boating remains open and trout action has held up thanks to October stockings. Courtesy Photo

    BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – As fall settles deeper into Cibola County, Bluewater Lake continues to provide steady action for anglers targeting both trout and catfish.

    Jeremy Pitts had a successful outing near the dam on Nov. 1, reeling in an 11-pound catfish using chicken livers just after 1 p.m. “We got a few bites, but this was the keeper,” Pitts said of the catch. His catch marked one of the largest reported in recent weeks.

    According to the latest New Mexico Game & Fish update, trout fishing remains GOOD, with consistent bites reported by anglers using Power-Bait. Cooler water temperatures, combined with recent rainbow trout stockings in October, continue to support trout activity along the shorelines.

    Meanwhile, fishing for catfish has ranged from SLOW to FAIR, with liver-based baits showing the most success near deeper waters like the dam.

    As of Nov. 10, reservoir elevation at Bluewater Lake was measured at 4,695 acre-feet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Water levels continue their seasonal descent, down from 4,791 acre-feet reported by New Mexico State Parks on Oct. 20. Boating conditions remain EXCELLENT, with a current surface area of approximately 479 acres and an elevation of 7,369.48 feet above sea level.

    Seasonal Hours Now in Effect at Bluewater Lake

    Park hours at Bluewater Lake changed on Nov. 1, shifting to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through March 31.

    EV charging, boating access, and other amenities remain available. Visitors are reminded to wear life jackets and observe posted safety restrictions.

    No closures are currently reported at the park. However, fireworks, campfire wood gathering, and off-road vehicle use remain prohibited.

    Grants Riverwalk Park

    No fishing reports were received from the Riverwalk Pond this week.

    Stocking Update

    While there have been no new stockings so far in November, Bluewater Lake remains well supplied with rainbow trout from the heavy fall deliveries in October. Over the course of that month, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocked nearly 10,000 triploid rainbow trout from the Red River Trout Hatchery, with the largest single release bringing more than 4,200 fish on October 20.

    The timing of these fall stockings coincided perfectly with cooler weather, helping establish a healthy and active population of trout as the lake transitions into its winter season.

    Most of the trout were around 10 inches in length, making them ideal for shoreline anglers using PowerBait or small spinners. With water temperatures now dipping into prime trout range, those October releases are continuing to deliver results well into November.

    Share Your Fishing Story

    Whether you’re hauling in a heavyweight or enjoying a quiet morning with a line in the water, we want to hear from you. Send your photos, reports, and stories to editor@cibolacitizen. com. Your stories help us tell the full picture of fishing in Cibola County.