BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Bluewater Lake saw an important change this week as winter conditions tightened their grip on the reservoir, but cold conditions didn’t keep anglers out of Cibola County’s Bluewater Lake.
Bluewater Lake
New Mexico State Parks posted that Bluewater Lake is temporarily CLOSEDTO BOATING after extreme temperatures caused ice to form around the main boat ramp. Park officials are asking visitors to refrain from going out onto the lake at this time.
Fishing activity was limited this week, but one angler report did come in from Bluewater during the Jan. 6–12 period. Angler Dwayne Harrison reported catching a large tiger muskie while using a Rooster Tail lure on an ultralight rod with eightpound line.
State Parks’ fishing note for the week also described tiger muskie fishing as FAIR to GOOD
when using Rooster Tail lures.
The latest State Parks conditions update for Bluewater (last updated Jan. 5, 2026) lists the reservoir at an elevation of 7,368.660 feet (MSL) with an estimated volume of 4,474 acre-feet and a surface area of 447 acres, with boating conditions listed as CLOSED. USGS provisional reservoir storage data later showed Bluewater at 4,470 acre-feet on Jan. 12, 2026, essentially matching the State Parks estimate and indicating the lake level remains relatively steady.
Bluewater Lake State Park remains on winter entrance hours through March 31, with the gate open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shower facility remains temporarily closed due to lack of heat, with the closure notice posted through April 1.
Fireworks are prohibited within the park, wood gathering for campfires is prohibited within state park boundaries, and OHVs/ATVs/dirt bikes are not allowed within park boundaries.
For current conditions, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391. Camping reservations are available through Reserve America at 877-664-7787.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
In Grants, no angler reports were submitted for Grants Municipal Pond (Riverwalk Pond) during the Jan. 6–12 reporting period.
Help improve these reports and be part of history at Bluewater Lake and Riverwalk Pond. The Cibola Citizen is happy to publish photos and reports of a good time at the lake and pond, send us your experiences and catches to editor@cibolacitizen.com