13,109 Trout Stocked at Bluewater Lake
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - Mid-March brought the kind of momentum anglers like to see at Bluewater Lake: fresh stocking, successful trout reports, and steady access as the lake stays open and prepares for extended hours. While over at the Grants Riverwalk Pond things remained quiet this week.
Bluewater Lake
A pair of local reports highlighted trout success at Bluewater during the last week as New Mexico State Parks lists the fishing at Bluewater as GOOD.
One catch report noted a successful trout catch using a green, yellow, and orange Kastmaster. Another report came in from fisherwoman OraNell Mirabal, who said she caught five trout and said, “I’ve never caught a fish this big before.” Together, the reports show that the trout bite is active, and that proven hardware and classic presentations are producing fish.
Recent stocking adds even more reason for optimism at Bluewater.
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocking information shows Bluewater Lake received two separate trout stockings on March 10 from the Red River Trout Hatchery: 3,500 triploid rainbow trout at about 10 inches (1,400 pounds) and 9,609 triploid rainbow trout at about 7.3 inches (1,535 pounds).
That’s a combined 13,109 trout delivered in a single day at Bluewater Lake – exactly the kind of boost that can improve fishing for shore anglers and boaters alike.
State Parks continues to note that Bluewater Lake is free of ice and open to recreational boating and fishing, and the latest posted conditions continue to list conditions for boating as EXCELLENT.
The most recent State Parks lake conditions update available (last updated March 2, 2026) lists the reservoir at 7,368.240 feet (MSL) with an estimated volume of 4,319 acre-feet. USGS provisional elevation readings show the lake at 7,368.27 feet on March 9 and 7,368.09 feet on March 16, a change of -0.18 feet over the week. That’s a modest dip in elevation and fits the gradual week-to-week movement seen through the season.
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 continues to emphasize safety, including wearing life jackets when in or around the water. Bluewater has an EV charging station on site.
For current conditions, visitors can check 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
There were no reported catches and no new stocking updates for Grants Municipal Pond (Riverwalk Pond) during the March 11–16 period.
Share Your Fishing Story
Community members can strengthen these reports and help build a running record of fishing at Bluewater Lake and the Riverwalk Pond.
As your community newspaper, the Cibola Citizen looks forward to receiving and publishing local photos and stories from the lake and pond. Send your catches, conditions updates, and fishing stories to editor@ cibolacitizen.com.