BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – The Thanksgiving stretch at Bluewater Lake was a quiet one, with no new angler reports coming in as November came to a close.
The most recent fishing update remains from earlier in the month, when, on Nov. 6, catfish were described as biting SLOW to FAIR on chicken liver near the dam. As colder temperatures settle in and fish hold deeper, anglers heading out should be prepared for a patient bite and chilly conditions on the water.
Even as the fishing reports slow down, the lake itself continues to change.
According to New Mexico State Parks, Bluewater Lake was holding about 4,664 acrefeet of water as of Nov. 17, with an elevation of 7,369.14 feet above sea level and roughly 466 surface acres open to anglers and boaters. Provisional data from the U.S. Geological Survey show a further gradual decline, with storage slipping from 4,640 acre-feet on Nov. 24 to 4,612 acre-feet by the morning of Dec. 1.
The trend reflects the usual late-fall pattern of reduced inflow and ongoing evaporation, even as air temperatures cool.
Despite lower water, boating conditions at Bluewater remain rated EXCELLENT and the main basin continues to offer ample room for fishing, kayaking, and late-season outings.
Seasonal hours are now in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park, with gates open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through March 31. The park also provides an EV charging station for travelers. Rangers continue to stress safety first, asking visitors to wear life jackets in or near the water and to be mindful of rapidly changing weather.
There are no closures reported at this time. Long-standing rules remain in place: fireworks are always prohibited inside the park; gathering wood for campfires is not allowed within park boundaries; and OHVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes are not permitted. Those looking for off-road riding options are encouraged to use designated areas in the Cibola National Forest. Campers and anglers can continue to make reservations through Reserve America by calling 877-664-7787.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
Across town at the Grants Riverwalk Pond, there were no angler reports over the past week, but the water did receive a fresh boost just before the holiday.
On Nov. 24, the Lisboa Springs Trout Hatchery stocked the Riverwalk with 102 triploid rainbow trout, averaging about 10.7 inches in length and totaling 50 pounds.
With cooler weather and lighter crowds, the newly stocked trout make the pond an appealing option for a quick afternoon trip, especially for those using light tackle with PowerBait or small spinners along the bank.
Whether you’re reeling in a heavyweight from the dam or enjoying a quiet morning at the Riverwalk, your stories help us capture the full season on the water. Anglers are encouraged to send photos and fishing reports to editor@cibolacitizen.com for future editions of the Cibola Fishing Report.
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