GRANTS, N.M. - Early February kept Cibola County in a steady winter fishing pattern: fewer new reports coming in, colder conditions limiting access at Bluewater, and quiet weeks in town at the Riverwalk Pond. With no reported stocking at either location this week, the best approach for anglers is to lean on the most recent bite updates, keep an eye on safety conditions, and fish the warmest part of the day when possible.
Bluewater Lake
Bluewater Lake State Park did not post a new fishing report during the Feb. 3– 10 window.
The most recent report remains Jan. 15, when trout fishing was FAIR to GOOD using cheese PowerBait.
Bluewater remains a mixed fishery, and that’s part of what makes it special. Depending on the season and conditions, anglers can expect opportunities for stocked and holdover trout, and Bluewater is also known locally for its tiger muskie, which draw anglers looking for a true “one bite could change your day” kind of fish.
The most important update for visitors remains safety and access. State Parks continues to list Bluewater Lake as temporarily CLOSED to boating due to extreme temperatures creating ice around the main boat ramp.
On lake conditions, the most recent State Parks update available (last updated Jan. 26, 2026) lists boating conditions as closed, with the reservoir at 7,368.520 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 4,422 acre-feet. More recent USGS provisional reservoir storage data shows the lake at 4,415 acrefeet on Feb. 3 and 4,393 acre-feet on the morning of Feb. 10, a decline of 22 acrefeet over the week.
That gradual drop fits the winter trend seen over the past several reports, while the more immediate factor for anglers remains the ice-related closure at the ramp. For the record, USGS values are provisional and time-stamped, while State Parks postings reflect conditions at the time of the park update.
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 that 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. The park also continues to emphasize basic safety, including wearing life jackets when in or around the water.
For current conditions, visitors can check the Bluewater Lake State Park webpage or call 505-876-2391. Camping reservations are available through Reserve America at 877-664-7787.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
At the Grants Riverwalk Pond, the most recent report was received Jan. 29, when trout fishing was FAIR to GOOD using PowerBait. This week showed trout activity in the Riverwalk.
The Riverwalk Pond is a straightforward, familyfriendly trout spot when fish are in the water, and it’s often where local anglers go for a quick evening trip without the drive. When conditions are right, anglers can generally expect rainbow trout and the occasional surprise from urban wildlife nearby – the pond is one of the few places where you can fish while also keeping an eye out for ducks and herons.
Readers can help strengthen these reports and build a running record of fishing at Bluewater Lake and the Riverwalk 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.