Cibola Fishing Report – May 20 – 27

  • Bluewater Lake: Charles Cissna caught a trout using Salmon Peach Glitter PowerBait as part of a trip for the Albuquerque North Valley Senior Fishing Club on May 19. The group caught 19 fish in total, with most measuring between 14-16 inches long. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake: Charles Cissna caught a trout using Salmon Peach Glitter PowerBait as part of a trip for the Albuquerque North Valley Senior Fishing Club on May 19. The group caught 19 fish in total, with most measuring between 14-16 inches long. Courtesy Photo
  • Bluewater Lake dropped to 8,633 acre-feet by May 27, 2025, marking a nearly 1,650 acre-foot decline since the start of April. Boating access remains excellent, but shoreline conditions may continue to shift with falling water levels. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake dropped to 8,633 acre-feet by May 27, 2025, marking a nearly 1,650 acre-foot decline since the start of April. Boating access remains excellent, but shoreline conditions may continue to shift with falling water levels. Courtesy Photo
  • The channel catfish is a hardy, bottom-feeding fish commonly stocked in New Mexico’s community ponds during the summer. Known for its whisker-like barbels and strong fight, it’s a favorite among anglers using bait like stink bait, chicken liver, or worms. Courtesy Photo
    The channel catfish is a hardy, bottom-feeding fish commonly stocked in New Mexico’s community ponds during the summer. Known for its whisker-like barbels and strong fight, it’s a favorite among anglers using bait like stink bait, chicken liver, or worms. Courtesy Photo

    Trout Season Slows, but Stories Keep Reeling in at Bluewater

    Fishing for trout at Bluewater Lake has started to taper off as water temperatures rise and fish settle deeper into the lake. Anglers reported slow to fair action this past week, with Salmon Peach Glitter PowerBait offering the most luck.

    Among those who made the most of the changing season was Charles Cissna, who landed a solid trout during a trip with the Albuquerque North Valley Senior Fishing Club on May 19. The group reeled in 19 trout, with most measuring between 14 to 16 inches—a testament to the consistent size of Bluewater’s spring stock.

    No tiger muskie catches were reported this week, but anglers are reminded that early morning and dusk remain the best windows for targeting these elusive fish.

    Spring Season Snapshot

    As spring comes to a close, here’s a look back at the most successful baits and tactics reported so far this season at Bluewater: PowerBait in various colors — Green, Garlic, Rainbow Glitter, Orange, and most recently, Salmon Peach — led the way for trout.

    Spinners and lures like Rooster Tails, Kastmasters, Rapalas, and Pistol Petes helped many anglers limit out earlier in the spring.

    For tiger muskie, unusual choices like Garlic PowerBait, Orange Fire Balls, waterdogs, and soft plastic swimbaits like Savage Gear Lizards produced several confirmed catches.

    Despite the slower bite in recent weeks, boating and shoreline conditions remain excellent.

    Bluewater Lake held 8,633 acre-feet of water as of May 27, and the New Mexico State Parks Division continues to report 945 surface acres of accessible water at an elevation of 7,377 feet.

    Stage II Fire Restrictions are still in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park. All open flames— including campfires and charcoal grills—are prohibited. Propane stoves are allowed only in cleared areas free of vegetation within a three-foot radius.

    Looking ahead, mark your calendar for Free Fishing Weekend, coming June 7 and 8. During those two days, no license is required to fish in New Mexico, making it the perfect opportunity to bring family or friends out for their first cast.

    Grants Riverwalk Pond

    No angler reports were received this week for the Grants Riverwalk Pond.

    Recently restocked, the Grants Riverwalk Pond received 133 channel catfish on May 22. These 18-inch fish came from a private hatchery and should provide some fun warm-weather action for local anglers willing to stop by with stink bait, chicken liver, or worms.

    Reminder to Anglers:

    Help us celebrate Cibola’s fishing culture! Share your photos and reports by emailing editor@ cibolacitizen.com or contribute directly to the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to support the state’s weekly report.