CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Fishing roared back to life last week with solid action for tiger muskie.
Anglers reported success using spinnerbaits, especially in the cooler hours of the morning and just before dusk. On June 25, Jared Fishburn landed a striking tiger muskie using a spinnerbait — proof that the toothy predators are still active in the heat of summer. No new stocking was reported at Bluewater Lake, and trout catches have tapered off since the last stocking in late spring.
Fishing conditions in Bluewater State Park were rated: GOOD.
Meanwhile, lake elevation continues to drop, reflecting persistent dry conditions and ongoing water demand. As of July 8, Bluewater's volume sits at 7,251 acre-feet, a steep decline from more than 10,000 acre-feet in early spring. This is the lowest elevation recorded by the Cibola Citizen since the newspaper began monitoring in April. As of June 30, Bluewater Lake State Park rates boating conditions: EXCELLENT.
Visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391 for more information on access and safety.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
No angler reports came in for Grants Riverwalk Pond this week, but stocking crews were active.
On June 26, the pond received 133 channel catfish from a private hatchery, each averaging 18 inches in length and totaling 221 pounds. This marks the first warmwater stocking of the summer and brings the total fish stocked at the Riverwalk this year to over 4,100. Even with the heat, these hardy catfish should provide good opportunities for shore fishing in the early morning and late evening.
Reminder to Anglers
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