BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – The first week of April brought the kind of activity that signals the start of the warm-season fishing routine in Cibola County: campers at Bluewater, more anglers on the shoreline, and a busy weekend in Grants’ downtown parks.
Catch reports were limited this week, but conditions and sightings at Bluewater gave anglers plenty of reason to keep making the drive.
Bluewater Lake
Bluewater Lake saw lots of activity over the holiday weekend.
Several campers stayed the night at the lake, and multiple reports came in of “jumping fish” Saturday morning. Visitors also reported seeing American White Pelicans resting on the water the morning of Saturday, April 4.
Despite the crowd, reports of caught fish were limited this week.
The most recent guidance from New Mexico State Parks described tiger muskie fishing as SLOW to FAIR when using Rooster Tail lures, and fair to good when using PowerBait.
Trout fishing was reported as VERY GOOD when using garlic cheese.
No new stocking was reported at the lake during this period.
For current conditions, anglers can visit the Bluewater Lake State Park webpage or call 505-876-2391.
New Mexico State Parks’ most recent posted lake conditions update lists boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at an elevation of 7,367.730 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 4,135 acre-feet.
USGS provisional elevation readings show 7,367.85 feet on March 30 and 7,367.70 feet on the morning of April 6, a drop of 0.15 feet over that stretch. In practical terms, the lake has continued its gradual seasonal decline while remaining open and usable, and the two sources are telling a consistent story about conditions. The lake has noticeably receded from the lowest point of the concrete boat dock.
Visitors should also remember that Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park. These restrictions prohibit fires (including charcoal, coal, and wood stoves), along with fireworks and other high-risk activities. The park notes that certain LPG/liquid-fuel devices that can be turned on and off may be allowed only under strict cleared-area conditions.
As always, State Parks encourages visitors to wear life jackets when in or around the water.
As of April 1, Bluewater Lake is on seasonal summer hours. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. until October 30.
Grants Riverwalk Pond There were no reported catches from the Grants Riverwalk Pond this week, but the downtown parks were active. The weekend brought an Easter egg hunt and plenty of families in the area. The City of Grants also celebrated a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile, announcing the funding will be used to beautify the Riverwalk and the amphitheater area where the Riverwalk Pond runs.
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, especially with warmer weather on the horizon.
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.