Bluewater Lake is Low, but Fishing and Boating are Great
BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – The final week of March brought some of the most encouraging fishing news of the season at Bluewater Lake, with multiple reports of successful catches and anglers spending serious time on the line battling tiger muskie.
Even as the lake stays open and active, several community members noted the reservoir appears lower than in recent years – an observation that matches the broader conversation Cibola County has been having about water, drought, and the start of a new recreation season.
Bluewater Lake
Bluewater Lake was busy over the weekend with numerous boats reported on the water and a steady stream of angler activity.
While most reports that reached the Cibola Citizen this week centered on strong trout fishing, there were still notable muskie reports as well. One muskie battle reported by Patrick Dyea lasted more than 20 minutes before he reeled the fish in.
According to the most recent information from Bluewater Lake State Park, tiger muskie fishing was FAIR to GOOD when using Rooster Tail lures, and FAIR to GOOD when using PowerBait.
Trout fishing was reported as VERY GOOD when using garlic cheese.
The lake remains free of ice and open to recreational boating and fishing. For current conditions, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-- 876-2391.
State Parks’ most recent posted lake conditions update (last updated March 16, 2026) lists boating conditions as excellent, with the reservoir at an elevation of 7,368.050 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 4,248 acre-feet. USGS provisional elevation readings show 7,368.06 feet on March 24 and 7,367.84 feet on March 31, a drop of 0.22 feet over the week.
New Mexico State Parks reports boating at Bluewater Lake is EXCELLENT.
Visitors should also note that Stage II fire restrictions are in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park.
These restrictions prohibit building or using fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, or wood stoves – including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas – and also prohibit fireworks and many other high-risk activities. State Parks notes that certain LPG/liquid-fuel devices that can be turned on and off may be allowed only under specific cleared-area conditions.
The park continues to emphasize safety, including wearing life jackets when in or around the water.
As boating activity increases across New Mexico, State Parks is also encouraging residents to take advantage of free boating safety courses offered statewide through its NASBLA-approved “Boat New Mexico” program. Officials have emphasized that many accidents involve inexperience or unnecessary risk, and that cold-water conditions and sudden weather changes can create dangerous situations even outside mid-summer. Course details and upcoming class dates are available through the state’s boating safety page.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
No angler reports were submitted for the Grants Riverwalk Pond this week.
Still, the Riverwalk remains one of the easiest places in Grants for a quick outing – whether you’re fishing or simply enjoying the park. Riverwalk Park’s ponds and walking paths sit in a highly walkable area near local stops that make a casual afternoon easy to turn into a full downtown loop, including nearby food trucks with local restaurants La Ventana and Surf Shack Pizza just down the street, downtown also features the New Mexico Mining Museum, the Double Six Art Gallery, and adjacent parks and public spaces.
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, especially with warmer weather on the horizon.
As your community newspaper, the Cibola Citizen looks forward to receiving and publishing local photos and stories from the lake and pond. Send your catches, conditions updates, and fishing stories to editor@cibolacitizen.com.