February is starting to bring a little momentum back to local fishing – not necessarily through big catch reports, but through something just as important for Cibola County anglers: access.
After weeks of winter restrictions, Bluewater’s conditions have shifted, and the lake is moving into a more workable stretch for anyone hoping to get back on the water.
Bluewater Lake
There were no angler reports submitted for Bluewater Lake during the Feb. 11–16 reporting window, but the biggest update this week came from New Mexico State Parks: Bluewater Lake is now free of ice and is open to recreational boating and fishing, according to a notice posted Feb. 12.
For readers who have been waiting out the ice-related ramp issues, that’s a meaningful change—and a good reminder that conditions can turn quickly this time of year.
A couple of ongoing reminders remain in effect at the park.
The shower facility is still temporarily closed due to lack of heat, with the closure notice posted through April 1. The park continues to emphasize safety, including wearing life jackets when in or around the water. Bluewater also has an EV charging station, and the park is operating under winter hours through March 31, with the gate open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lake-level readings suggest the reservoir has been fairly steady in elevation during this stretch.
USGS provisional elevation data showed Bluewater at 7,368.44 feet on Feb. 9 and 7,368.41 feet on Feb. 16 – a very small change that reflects stable conditions in terms of elevation.
For current conditions, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391. Camping reservations are available through Reserve America at 877-664-7787. Fireworks are prohibited in the park, wood gathering for campfires is prohibited within state park boundaries, and OHVs/ATVs/dirt bikes are not allowed within park boundaries.
Grants Riverwalk Pond At Grants Municipal Pond (Riverwalk Pond), the most recent fishing report remains the Jan. 29 note, which described trout fishing as FAIR to GOOD using PowerBait.
The bigger news this cycle is stocking.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocking report shows the Riverwalk Pond was stocked on Feb. 11, 2026 with 102 triploid rainbow trout from the Lisboa Springs Trout Hatchery, totaling 43 pounds (listed at about 10-inch class fish).
For local anglers, that means fresh trout are in the water downtown for anyone with a valid license.
Share Your Fishing Story
Readers can help strengthen these reports and build a running record of fishing at Bluewater Lake and the Riverwalk Pond. As winter begins to loosen its grip, we look forward to more photos and stories from the lake and pond. The Cibola Citizen is happy to publish photos and short reports from local anglers. Send your catches, conditions updates, and fishing stories to editor@cibolacitizen.com.