Cibola Fishing Report – August 31 to September 6

  • The chart illustrates the full trajectory of the lake’s dramatic seasonal drawdown— falling from over 10,000 acre-feet in early spring to just 5,065 acre-feet by early September. Diego Lopez - CC
    The chart illustrates the full trajectory of the lake’s dramatic seasonal drawdown— falling from over 10,000 acre-feet in early spring to just 5,065 acre-feet by early September. Diego Lopez - CC
  • While no local catches were reported this week, the Cibola Citizen honors Lincoln Berg, age 4 who caught his first fish – a trout – using Orange PowerBait while fishing with his family near Windy Bridge on Aug. 29 in the Pecos River. Courtesy Photo
    While no local catches were reported this week, the Cibola Citizen honors Lincoln Berg, age 4 who caught his first fish – a trout – using Orange PowerBait while fishing with his family near Windy Bridge on Aug. 29 in the Pecos River. Courtesy Photo

    CIBOLA COUNTY As Labor Day weekend arrives and students settle into the new school year, fishing activity has slowed across Cibola County, with no new reports coming in from Bluewater Lake or Grants Riverwalk Park.

    The most recent fishing update, received on August 21, noted strong tiger muskie action on Whopper Ploppers, with slower results on light blue spinners.

    In March, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish released thousands of fish into the lake, including 3,209 rainbow trout averaging 10.2 inches, along with another 3,295 trout at just under 10 inches. These early-season stockings were designed to give anglers plenty of action along the banks, and they did—reports of successful trout fishing came in regularly through April and May.

    But the real prize for many has come in the form of catfish.

    Alongside the trout, Bluewater was stocked with over 5,900 channel catfish, a mix of mature fish and younger stockers, ranging from 8.8 to 14.8 inches. This gave the lake a strong mid-season boost, supporting the transition into warmer temperatures when trout activity tends to taper off.

    Despite the lack of reported catches, Bluewater Lake continues to see change.

    According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the lake’s volume dropped again, falling to 5,065 acre-feet as of September 5. That’s nearly 200 acrefeet lost in less than a week, continuing the steady seasonal decline seen throughout the summer. Water levels are now at their lowest point of the year, though boating conditions remain excellent, and the lake’s surface area still spans over 500 acres.

    While the State Forester officially eased fire restrictions on state lands, Bluewater Lake State Park remains under Stage II Fire Restrictions through the end of September. This means:

    • Campfires, charcoal grills, and wood stoves are prohibited

    • Propane and LPGfueled devices may be used—but only in barren, cleared areas

    • Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or developed sites Other year-round rules remain in effect: no fireworks, no wood gathering, and no OHVs or ATVs within park boundaries. Fall park hours will soon take effect as the season turns.

    Grants Riverwalk Pond

    Though no new fishing reports were submitted from Grants Riverwalk Park, the pond quietly received a fresh delivery of fish on August 28.

    According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, a private hatchery stocked the pond with 133 channel catfish, each measuring about 18 inches long and weighing in at a total of 221 pounds.

    This marks the second catfish stocking at the Riverwalk this summer, part of an ongoing effort to keep the pond stocked and accessible for anglers of all ages. While the cooler months tend to slow down fishing activity, the recent stocking could help spark renewed interest as Autumn weather settles in.

    Reminder to Anglers

    As fall approaches, we’ll continue to track updates from both bodies of water and report any new stocking plans or fishing activity. Until then, anglers are encouraged to send in photos, reports, or fishing stories to editor@cibolacitizen.com. Whether you're landing a muskie or just spending a quiet morning at the lake, your experience helps us reflect the rhythm of the season here in Cibola County.