Diego Lopez, Editor
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - With late February arriving and winter starting to ease up, local fishing is shifting back toward access and opportunity. Bluewater is open again after recent ice conditions, and the Riverwalk Pond remains a convenient option in town for anyone looking to wet a line between cold snaps.
Bluewater Lake
No angler reports were submitted for Bluewater Lake during the Feb. 17–24 reporting period, but the lake remains in a much better position for visitors than it was earlier this winter.
New Mexico State Parks continues to post that Bluewater Lake is free of ice and open to recreational boating and fishing, following the earlier ice-related ramp issues.
State Parks’ most recent lake conditions update (last updated Feb. 16, 2026) listed boating conditions as excellent, with the reservoir at an elevation of 7,368.360 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 4,363 acre-feet. USGS provisional elevation readings closely match that snapshot, showing 7,368.41 feet on Feb. 16 and 7,368.36 feet on Feb. 23—a minor change that suggests the lake level has been essentially steady in elevation over the week. (USGS values are provisional and time-stamped, while State Parks postings reflect conditions at the time of their updates.)
There were no stocking reports for Bluewater Lake this week.
The most important practical takeaway for anglers is that the lake is accessible again for boating and fishing, and conditions are being reported as excellent from a boating standpoint. As always, winter and early spring can bring fast-changing weather, so visitors should use caution and check conditions before heading out.
Bluewater Lake State Park remains on winter entrance hours through March 31, with the gate open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shower facility remains temporarily closed due to lack of heat, with the closure notice posted through April 1. Fireworks are prohibited within the park, wood gathering for campfires is prohibited within state park boundaries, and OHVs/ATVs/dirt bikes are not allowed within park boundaries.
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.
Grants Riverwalk Pond No angler reports were submitted for Grants Municipal Pond (Riverwalk Pond) during the Feb. 17– 24 reporting period.
With recent winter stocking having occurred earlier this month, the pond remains a good “quick trip” option for local anglers, especially during warmer afternoon windows.
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