Cibola Fishing Report – June 14–20

  • This chart shows the steady drop in Bluewater Lake’s water level from early April to late June 2025. The lake’s volume has fallen from over 10,000 acre-feet in April to just under 7,830 acre-feet as of June 23. As temperatures rise and drought conditions persist, monitoring lake elevation is important for anglers, boaters, and state officials alike. Courtesy Photo
    This chart shows the steady drop in Bluewater Lake’s water level from early April to late June 2025. The lake’s volume has fallen from over 10,000 acre-feet in April to just under 7,830 acre-feet as of June 23. As temperatures rise and drought conditions persist, monitoring lake elevation is important for anglers, boaters, and state officials alike. Courtesy Photo
  • Victoria Parra, age 10, of Las Cruces, caught a 21-inch rainbow trout on May 24 Courtesy Photo
    Victoria Parra, age 10, of Las Cruces, caught a 21-inch rainbow trout on May 24 Courtesy Photo
  • Vicente Parra, age 13, caught a 22-inch rainbow trout right after using PowerBait on May 24 Courtesy Photo
    Vicente Parra, age 13, caught a 22-inch rainbow trout right after using PowerBait on May 24 Courtesy Photo

    Trout Fishers Were the Winner this Week

    Anglers continue to find success at Bluewater Lake this week, especially those using PowerBait, which has proven to be a top performer for hungry trout.

    Recent catches include several impressive rainbows reeled in by young anglers last week—just one sign that the fishery remains strong.

    While fishing was very good, the lake itself continues to tell a quieter story. On June 19, the reservoir volume sat at 8,033 acre-feet. By June 23, it had dropped again— this time to 7,829 acrefeet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The decline is part of a steady seasonal drawdown.

    No new fish were stocked at Bluewater Lake this week, and the last confirmed trout stocking occurred in early May, part of a spring cycle that brought several thousand rainbow trout into the lake. Altogether this season, more than 11,000 trout have been stocked in Bluewater— a key reason the fishing has remained solid even as water levels decline.

    Bluewater Lake Boating conditions remain excellent, and the surface area is still holding at 845 acres.

    Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in effect across the park. Campfires, charcoal grills, and wood stoves are strictly prohibited, though gaspowered cooking devices may be used in cleared areas. These restrictions are expected to remain in place through July 1.

    Grants Riverwalk Pond

    We received no new angler reports from the Riverwalk this week, but the pond remains a reliable spot for casual fishing in town.

    While there hasn’t been a recent trout stocking, the last confirmed delivery occurred in early April, when the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish stocked 1,200 rainbow trout. That brings the total stocked this year to just under 4,000 fish, split across multiple springtime deliveries.

    Cooler morning hours may still offer the best chance for bites as daytime temperatures climb.

    Reminder to Anglers

    Help us celebrate Cibola’s fishing culture! Share your photos and reports by emailing editor@ cibolacitizen.com, or contribute directly to the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to support the state’s weekly report.