BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Mid-September is bringing a familiar transition to Bluewater Lake: cooler mornings, a slower pace around the shoreline, and continued opportunity for tiger muskie even as summer conditions begin giving way to fall. The fishing remains worth watching, but the most important update for visitors this week is that Bluewater is currently under a Harmful Algae Bloom Warning Advisory.
Bluewater Lake
According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, fishing for tiger muskie was GOOD when using crankbaits, frog lures and X-Raps, while fishing with swim baits was slow.
The lake is currently under a Harmful Algae Bloom Warning Advisory, which means visitors should take extra care around the water. Anglers, boaters and families should avoid visible algae and follow all posted guidance before swimming, wading or allowing pets near the shoreline.
No stocking was reported at Bluewater this week.
New Mexico State Parks’ most recent posted lake conditions, last updated Sept. 14, 2026, listed boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,364.190 feet (MSL), a surface area of 300 acres and an estimated volume of 3,005 acre-feet.
USGS provisional elevation readings show Bluewater at 7,364.25 feet on Sept. 15 and 7,364.15 feet on Sept. 22, a decline of 0.10 feet over the week.
Visitors should also remember that OHVs, ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed within park boundaries. Fireworks are always prohibited at Bluewater Lake State Park, and wood gathering for campfires is prohibited within state park boundaries.
For current conditions, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391. As September prepares to draw to a close, visitor should plan for a change in park hours as Bluewater Lake goes on Winter Hours October 30.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
There were no reported catches at the Grants Riverwalk Pond this week, and no stocking was reported.
The pond remains a convenient in-town option for residents looking for a short fishing trip, walk or evening visit to the Riverwalk area.
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 as summer fishing patterns settle in. 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