BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Winter may be settling across Cibola County, but Bluewater Lake proved this week that the season still has life left in it. After several quiet weeks with no angler updates, the Citizen received a welcome message from Brian Adams, who braved the cold and found exceptional success on the water.
Adams and his fishing buddy, Bob, reported what may be one of the most productive outings of the month: “We caught and released 23 rainbows ranging in size from 10 to 13 inches using small black Pistol Pete flies,” Adams wrote. “Overall, we had a great day being the only boat on the lake.”
As a result of this success, fishing at Bluewater Lake is rated: FAIR.
Their experience reinforces what many winter regulars already know— Bluewater may be cold and still this time of year, but the trout can be remarkably active when conditions align.
Water levels continued their gradual seasonal decline this week. While State Parks last reported the lake at 4,616 acre-feet in late November, the latest U.S. Geological Survey reading from December 12 shows the reservoir at 4,563 acrefeet. The daily fluctuations remain small, and the downward trend reflects the persistent drought and minimal inflow highlighted in this week’s Water Monitoring Report.
Despite lower water, boating conditions remain EXCELLENT, and with fewer anglers on the lake, those venturing out by boat are finding plentiful room to fish.
Seasonal hours remain in effect at Bluewater Lake, with the park open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 31.
Rangers continue to urge visitors to wear life jackets when on a boat, monitor the weather, and prepare for cold, fast-changing conditions. The park reports no closures or changes to long-standing restrictions, including the ban on fireworks, firewood gathering, and off-highway vehicle use inside park boundaries.
Campers may continue making reservations through Reserve America at 877-664-7787.
In addition to Adams’ report, Bluewater Lake continues to benefit from this winter’s steady stocking schedule. Earlier this month, nearly 30,000 young trout were released into the lake by the Red River Trout Hatchery, one of the largest single stockings of the year.
While those fish will take time to grow, the most recent statewide stocking report shows continued activity across New Mexico, with multiple ponds, rivers, and drains – including the Grants Riverwalk Pond – receiving trout.
Locally, the Riverwalk was stocked with 99 triploid rainbow trout on December 9, though no angler reports from the pond were received this week.
Taken together, the fresh stockings and the firsthand success reported by Adams and Bob reflect a bright note as Bluewater heads into the final weeks of the year. From spring’s fast bite to the heavy tiger muskie action of summer, from the dramatic seasonal drop in water levels to the surge of trout stockings in fall, 2025 has been a remarkable and dynamic year on the lake.
Even now, on cold December mornings when most anglers stay home, the fishery continues to reward those who make the trip.
As always, anglers are encouraged to share their photos, stories, and fishing updates with the Citizen at editor@cibolacitizen.com. Your reports help tell the full picture of Bluewater Lake and fishing across Cibola County.