Cibola Fishing Report – July 5–11

Mixed Results as Summer Continues
  • The water volume at Bluewater Lake has fallen to just over 7,000 acre-feet, down from more than 8,000 acre-feet in early June, according to provisional data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. While boating conditions remain good, anglers and visitors should keep an eye on fire restrictions and lake conditions throughout the summer. Courtesy Photo
    The water volume at Bluewater Lake has fallen to just over 7,000 acre-feet, down from more than 8,000 acre-feet in early June, according to provisional data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. While boating conditions remain good, anglers and visitors should keep an eye on fire restrictions and lake conditions throughout the summer. Courtesy Photo
  • Rose Sanders caught two channel catfish — a 15incher and an 18-incher — as well as an 18-inch carp using worms on July 2. Courtesy Photo
    Rose Sanders caught two channel catfish — a 15incher and an 18-incher — as well as an 18-inch carp using worms on July 2. Courtesy Photo
  • Casey Jim caught four catfish using worms on July 2. Courtesy Photo
    Casey Jim caught four catfish using worms on July 2. Courtesy Photo

    Fishing at Bluewater Lake has entered the heart of summer with mixed results.

    Anglers targeting catfish reported slow to fair activity, with worms and PowerBait producing a few solid bites. One local pair, Rose Sanders and Casey Jim, proved that patience pays off. Rose landed two healthy channel catfish (15 and 18 inches) and an 18-inch carp, while Casey brought in four channel cats, all on worms, on July 2. Meanwhile, tiger muskie activity picked up again in early July, with several anglers reporting success using spinnerbaits as of July 3.

    Fishing conditions at Bluewater Lake are rated: FAIR TO GOOD

    Behind the scenes, the lake continues to tell its own story.

    Reservoir storage dropped from 7,140 acrefeet on July 10 to 7,013 acre-feet as of July 14, reflecting ongoing seasonal drawdown during the hot, dry summer. The lake remains well below full capacity, a reminder of how every inch of elevation impacts shoreline access, fish activity, and long-term planning for the park.

    Despite seasonal drawdown of the lake, boating conditions at Bluewater Lake remain: EXCELLENT.

    Stage II Fire Restrictions remain at Bluewater Lake State Park, according to officials at the park, this means: “Visitors MAY NOT: Build, maintain, attend, or use a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove INCLUDING fires in developed campgrounds or picnic area. Smoke, EXCEPT inside a vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of vegetation and flammable materials. Possessions, discharge, or use of any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. Operate a chainsaw or other equipment. Weld or operate a torch or device with an open flame. Possess or use a motor vehicle off of the road, EXCEPT when parking in an area that is within 10 feet of the road with no vegetation, or parking overnight in a campground or trailhead. Operate or use an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arrester. Use explosives.”

    For more information or to plan your trip, visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391.

    Grants Riverwalk Pond

    We had no reports from anglers this week and no new fish stocking to report. The last stocking at Riverwalk Pond was on June 26, when 133 channel catfish averaging 18 inches were released by a private hatchery.

    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.