Cibola Fishing Report – May 28 – June 5

  • Michael Sage caught four trout using Salmon Peach PowerBait on May 26. “My pole was bending like crazy on the initial takedown, so I thought I landed a catfish or even a muskie,” he said. “It was pulling drag hard on the reel-in. The sheer girth of this fish was astonishing.” Courtesy Photo
    Michael Sage caught four trout using Salmon Peach PowerBait on May 26. “My pole was bending like crazy on the initial takedown, so I thought I landed a catfish or even a muskie,” he said. “It was pulling drag hard on the reel-in. The sheer girth of this fish was astonishing.” Courtesy Photo
  • Vicente and Victoria Parra caught a 22-inch trout and a 21-inch trout, respectively, using Orange Glitter Power-Bait on May 24. Courtesy Photo
    Vicente and Victoria Parra caught a 22-inch trout and a 21-inch trout, respectively, using Orange Glitter Power-Bait on May 24. Courtesy Photo
  • Bluewater Lake fell to 8,295 acre-feet by June 9, 2025—continuing a steady seasonal drawdown from spring levels. Despite the drop, boating remains excellent, and shoreline fishing continues to produce large trout. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake fell to 8,295 acre-feet by June 9, 2025—continuing a steady seasonal drawdown from spring levels. Despite the drop, boating remains excellent, and shoreline fishing continues to produce large trout. Courtesy Photo

    Big Trout and Bright Baits Make a Splash at Bluewater

    Diego Lopez, Editor

    Trout fishing surged this past week at Bluewater Lake, with anglers reporting very good results using Salmon Peach PowerBait, as well as steady action on spinners and Berkley Gulp Minnows.

    Some of the biggest trout catches of the spring came in just before Free Fishing Weekend, including a few in the 21 to 22inch range—a sign that despite declining water levels and no recent stockings, Bluewater is still producing strong holdover fish. One angler described the fight as feeling like he had hooked into a catfish or muskie, a reality check to just how healthy and hard fighting these trout can be.

    As of June 9, Bluewater Lake had dropped to 8,295 acre-feet, down from 8,458 acre-feet in late May. While the surface area has decreased to about 845 acres, boating conditions remain excellent, and there’s plenty of access for shoreline anglers.

    The lake has not been stocked in several weeks, and no new fish were added to Grants Municipal Pond either. However, fishing remains strong for those using bait with scent or flash. Shoreline spots near submerged brush and wind-blown edges have been particularly productive.

    Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in place at Bluewater Lake State Park. Campfires and charcoal grills are prohibited, even in developed areas. Only propane stoves are permitted, and only in cleared areas free of vegetation within a three-foot radius.

    Grants Riverwalk Pond

    No reports were submitted from anglers this week. The pond’s most recent stocking was in late May with channel catfish, which should still be present and active in the warm weather.

    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.