BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Early December brought a quiet week to Bluewater Lake, with no new angler reports received and cold weather settling over the shoreline.
The most recent fishing update continues to be the Nov. 6 observation, when catfish were biting SLOW to FAIR on chicken liver near the dam. As temperatures drop and fish hold deeper in the water column, anglers venturing out this week should be prepared for slower action and winter conditions.
Even without new reports, activity beneath the surface has changed significantly.
On December 2, the Red River Trout Hatchery delivered one of the largest trout stockings of the year, releasing 29,965 triploid rainbow trout into Bluewater Lake. These fish averaged 3.8 inches, smaller than typical catchable stockers, but an important long-term boost for the lake’s trout population.
Winter stockings like this one help sustain the fishery into the coming year as the young trout grow and disperse throughout deeper parts of the reservoir.
Water levels at Bluewater continue their slow seasonal decline.
While New Mexico State Parks last reported the lake at 4,664 acre-feet in mid-November, the newest provisional data from the U.S. Geological Survey show storage at 4,593 acre-feet as of December 5.
The lake has fluctuated around the 4,580– 4,600 acre-foot range throughout the first week of December, reflecting minimal inflow and stable winter evaporation. Boating conditions, however, remain rated excellent, with roughly 466 surface acres still accessible.
Seasonal hours remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park, with gates open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 31.
Rangers continue to remind visitors to wear life jackets around the water and to plan for rapidly dropping temperatures during early mornings and evenings. No closures have been reported, and standard restrictions remain in place, including the bans on fireworks, firewood gathering, and off-highway vehicle use within the park.
Camping reservations for Bluewater Lake may be made through Reserve America at 877-6647787. The park’s EV charging station also remains available for visitors.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
Across town, the Grants Riverwalk Pond saw no new angler reports this week.
The pond did receive a small stocking just before Thanksgiving, but cooler weather and shorter days have kept fishing activity to a minimum.
Whether you’re testing your luck at the dam or enjoying a peaceful winter morning at the Riverwalk, we encourage anglers to continue sharing their catches and experiences. Photos and reports can be emailed to editor@cibolacitizen.com to be featured in future editions of the Cibola Fishing Report.