BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Late fall has settled in at Bluewater Lake, and fishing has slowed a bit as water levels continue their gradual drop.
The most recent New Mexico Game & Fish report, from Nov. 6, noted SLOW to FAIR catfish action for anglers using chicken liver near the dam. Bites have been sporadic, but patient anglers are still finding opportunities in deeper water close to the structure.
According to the latest update from New Mexico State Parks, reservoir storage at Bluewater sat at 4,667 acre-feet as of Nov. 10, with a surface area of about 466 acres and an elevation of 7,369.17 feet above sea level. Despite the lower water, boating conditions remain rated EXCELLENT, giving anglers good access to the main basin and remaining coves.
Park officials remind visitors that seasonal hours are now in effect:
• Nov. 1–March 31: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bluewater Lake also offers an EV charging station, and staff continue to emphasize basic safety: wear a life jacket when in or near the water, watch the weather, and check in with rangers for the latest conditions.
There are no closures currently posted at the park. Long-standing restrictions remain in place:
• Fireworks are always prohibited.
• Wood gathering for campfires is not allowed within park boundaries.
• OHVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes are not permitted inside the state park; riders are encouraged to use designated routes on nearby Cibola National Forest lands.
Bluewater is also hiring: the State Parks Division has posted an opening for a Law Enforcement Park Ranger at Bluewater Lake State Park, with applications accepted through Dec. 13 via the State Personnel Office job listings.
For campsite reservations, anglers can contact Reserve America at 877664-7787. Grants Riverwalk Pond
Closer to town, the Grants Municipal Pond received a fresh boost for fall anglers. On Nov. 10, the Lisboa Springs Trout Hatchery stocked the Riverwalk with 100 triploid rainbow trout, averaging 10 inches in length.
No angler reports were submitted this week, but the new trout—combined with cooler weather—should make the pond a good option for a quick after-school or weekend outing. Light tackle with PowerBait or small spinners remains the go-to setup for most shoreline anglers.
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