Fishing Report – April 17 – 23

  • Bluewater Lake elevation continues a gradual seasonal decline, falling from 10,280 acre-feet on April 1 to 10,030 acre-feet by April 21, 2025, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Despite the dip, water levels remain sufficient for active spring fishing and shoreline access. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake elevation continues a gradual seasonal decline, falling from 10,280 acre-feet on April 1 to 10,030 acre-feet by April 21, 2025, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Despite the dip, water levels remain sufficient for active spring fishing and shoreline access. Courtesy Photo
  • Martin Vargas caught a trout using Garlic PowerBait on April 3. “Went with some buddies and on my first cast, the trout hit it right at the top of the water – pure luck,” he said. “It gave an amazing fight. I got my whole limit wrapped up in one fish. Great day!” Courtesy Photo
    Martin Vargas caught a trout using Garlic PowerBait on April 3. “Went with some buddies and on my first cast, the trout hit it right at the top of the water – pure luck,” he said. “It gave an amazing fight. I got my whole limit wrapped up in one fish. Great day!” Courtesy Photo
  • Irene Owensby caught four trout using a red Rooster Tail on April 10. “I hooked a 22-inch rainbow and three smaller ones,” she said. “I watched the eagles catch fish, also. Take your kids fishing – great lake.” Courtesy Photo
    Irene Owensby caught four trout using a red Rooster Tail on April 10. “I hooked a 22-inch rainbow and three smaller ones,” she said. “I watched the eagles catch fish, also. Take your kids fishing – great lake.” Courtesy Photo
  • Ralph Joseph Rael caught a tiger muskie and several trout using Yellow PowerBait from the shore on April 5. Courtesy Photo
    Ralph Joseph Rael caught a tiger muskie and several trout using Yellow PowerBait from the shore on April 5. Courtesy Photo

    Trout Action Steady, Tiger Muskie Active at Bluewater Lake

    Spring fishing remains productive at Bluewater Lake, with anglers reporting fair to good trout action and a noticeable uptick in tiger muskie activity. While the bite has cooled slightly compared to earlier weeks, anglers using Garlic PowerBait and red Rooster Tails continue to find success from shore. Those targeting tiger muskie have also had good luck using Yellow PowerBait, proving once again that these apex predators aren’t immune to the classic trout offerings.

    Among this week’s featured anglers are Martin Vargas, who caught a hard-fighting trout on April 3 using Garlic PowerBait; Irene Owensby, who hooked a 22-inch rainbow and three smaller trout on April 10 with a red Rooster Tail; and Ralph Joseph Rael, who landed a tiger muskie and several trout using Yellow PowerBait from the shoreline on April 5. Their photos and full quotes are featured in this week’s print edition.

    While fish are still biting, Bluewater Lake is gradually receding.

    According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the lake held 10,100 acre-feet of water on April 18, with a drop to 10,030 acre-feet by April 21. The decline in volume is typical for this time of year but could affect shoreline access and fish concentrations in the coming weeks.

    There have been no new stockings at either Bluewater or Grants Municipal Pond this past week. However, recent fish plants and sustained cool water temps are keeping the trout population active and available for anglers willing to put in the time.

    Visitors to Bluewater Lake State Park should note that the shower house and comfort station are temporarily closed for repairs through April 30. Additionally, Stage I Fire Restrictions are now in effect. Open flames—including campfires and charcoal grills— are not permitted outside of State Park-provided grills and stoves located in developed areas. Devices powered by liquid petroleum or LPG fuel are allowed, but only in spaces cleared of flammable materials within a three-foot radius.

    Riverwalk Pond Quiet

    We did not receive any angler reports from the Grants Municipal Pond this week.

    The pond was last stocked on April 10, and while conditions remain favorable, community reports help us understand how the fish are biting. If you head out and have luck, let us know!

    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.