BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Mid-April has brought steady springtime activity across Cibola County’s local fishing spots, with wildlife sightings continuing at Bluewater Lake and the first notable “intown” catch report of the season at the Grants Riverwalk Pond.
Angler reports suggest the trout bite is holding, while tiger muskie remain in play for those willing to test the weight of their lines.
Bluewater Lake
Bluewater Lake produced another week of strong wildlife viewing alongside fishing activity.
Community members reported multiple bald eagle sightings as well as cranes near the lake. Anglers reported trout fishing was FAIR to GOOD.
New Mexico State Parks’ most recent fishing guidance reported tiger muskie fishing was FAIR to GOOD when using Rooster Tail lures. For the latest conditions, visitors can check the Bluewater Lake State Park webpage or call 505-876-2391.
On lake conditions, State Parks’ most recent posted numbers (last updated March 30) continued to list boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with a reservoir elevation of 7,367.730 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 4,135 acre-feet. USGS provisional elevation readings show 7,367.56 feet on April 13 and 7,367.40 feet on April 20, a decline of 0.16 feet over the week. That’s a modest drop, consistent with the gradual spring trend the newspaper has been tracking in recent reports.
Visitors are reminded that Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park. That means campfires and solid-fuel fires (including charcoal, coal, or wood stoves) are banned, and additional restrictions apply for smoking, and certain equipment use. Fireworks are always banner at Bluewater Lake.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
The Grants Riverwalk Pond saw a welcome sign of local action this week, with one report of a bluegill caught at Riverwalk Park, along with a few additional bites reported.
There was no stocking reported during the April 15–21 window, but the most recent documented stocking at the Riverwalk Pond earlier this year occurred on Feb. 11, when the pond received 102 triploid rainbow trout.
Even when new stocking is paused, the Riverwalk can still produce fish – especially as water temperatures begin to rise and panfish become more active.
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