CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - As February turned into March, fishing in Cibola County took another step toward spring.
Bluewater Lake is OPEN and ICE-FREE, which is the biggest practical change from earlier in the season, and even when reported catches were limited, anglers were back on the water casting for tiger muskie.
Bluewater Lake
There were no reported catches at Bluewater Lake during the Feb. 25–March 3 window, but anglers did get out and cast their lines while targeting tiger muskie. The most recent update from Bluewater Lake State Park reported that fishing for tiger muskie was SLOW when using lures.
The lake is currently free of ice and open to recreational boating and fishing, which is a significant update for anyone who has been waiting out winter conditions.
Anglers looking to battle trout will be pleased with a stocking report received Feb. 20.
Bluewater Lake was stocked on Feb. 16, 2026, with 5,618 triploid rainbow trout from the Red River Trout Hatchery, totaling 2,650 pounds (listed at about 10.5 inches). That is a substantial plant and a helpful sign for trout anglers heading into the early spring transition.
Boating conditions were listed as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at an elevation of 7,368.360 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 4,363 acre-feet.
USGS provisional elevation readings show Bluewater Lake at 7,368.36 feet on Feb. 23 and 7,368.28 feet on March 2, a small dip of 0.08 feet over that period. In practical terms, that suggests the lake level has remained fairly steady while staying accessible for boating and fishing.
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 that 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. The park continues to emphasize basic safety, including wearing life jackets when in or around the water.
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
There were no angler reports and no new stocking reported for Grants Municipal Pond (Riverwalk Pond) during the Feb. 25–March 3 window.
The Riverwalk Pond received trout stockings earlier this year, including 102 triploid rainbow trout on Feb. 11, following earlier winter stockings around the turn of the year and mid-January.
Even during quieter weeks, those earlier stockings keep the pond in play for local anglers looking for a short trip close to home.
Share Your Fishing Story
Community members can strengthen these reports and help build a running record of fishing at Bluewater Lake and the Riverwalk Pond. As your community newspaper, the Cibola Citizen looks forward to receiving and publishing local photos and stories from the lake and pond. The newspaper is happy to publish your stories and photos.
Send your catches, conditions updates, and fishing stories to editor@ cibolacitizen.com.