Fishing Report – April 28 – May 5

  • Elias Maes holds up one of his rainbow trout after reaching his limit on April 26 at Bluewater Lake. Kastmasters and Rapalas proved to be the winning combination for this successful morning outing. Courtesy Photo
    Elias Maes holds up one of his rainbow trout after reaching his limit on April 26 at Bluewater Lake. Kastmasters and Rapalas proved to be the winning combination for this successful morning outing. Courtesy Photo
  • Ava G. shows off a healthy rainbow trout caught on April 24 at Bluewater Lake. She used PowerBait to land this fish during a fun afternoon of shoreline angling. Courtesy Photo
    Ava G. shows off a healthy rainbow trout caught on April 24 at Bluewater Lake. She used PowerBait to land this fish during a fun afternoon of shoreline angling. Courtesy Photo
  • Kaylub Sanchez poses with one of two rainbow trout he caught using PowerBait on April 24 at Bluewater Lake. Courtesy Photo
    Kaylub Sanchez poses with one of two rainbow trout he caught using PowerBait on April 24 at Bluewater Lake. Courtesy Photo
  • Bluewater Lake continued its seasonal drawdown through late April and early May 2025. Water levels fell from 10,280 acre-feet on April 1 to 9,705 acre-feet by May 5, reflecting steady spring usage and natural declines. Despite the drop, lake access and fishing remain strong heading into peak season. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake continued its seasonal drawdown through late April and early May 2025. Water levels fell from 10,280 acre-feet on April 1 to 9,705 acre-feet by May 5, reflecting steady spring usage and natural declines. Despite the drop, lake access and fishing remain strong heading into peak season. Courtesy Photo

    Trout Still Active as Bluewater Lake Levels Drop

    Trout fishing remains steady at Bluewater Lake, though lake levels continue their seasonal decline heading into May. Anglers reported good action throughout the past week, with PowerBait, Kastmasters, and Rapalas producing solid results.

    Among those taking advantage of the spring bite were Ava G. and Kaylub Sanchez, who each caught two trout using PowerBait on April 24. On April 26, Elias and Estevan Maes caught their limits of rainbow trout while using Kastmasters and Rapalas. 'Mid-morning was the best action,' Jason Maes reported.

    Fishing for tiger muskie was not featured in this week’s angler reports, but trout remain active and accessible for shoreline anglers, particularly during the cooler parts of the day.

    Water conditions continue to change as spring advances. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Bluewater Lake held 9,784 acre-feet on May 3, dropping to 9,705 acrefeet by May 5. Despite the gradual decline, there is still plenty of water to support fishing and boating, although shoreline access may shift in some areas as water levels recede.

    Fresh Trout for Grants Riverwalk Pond

    While we received no angler reports from the Grants Municipal Pond this week, the pond was restocked on April 29 with 98 rainbow trout averaging 10.1 inches.

    This restock of fish came from the Red River Trout Hatchery, and local anglers can expect trout to remain active for at least a few weeks, especially during the morning and evening hours.

    Reminder About Fire Restrictions and Access

    As reported last week, Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park. Campfires and charcoal grills are not allowed at this time, and only propane or liquid fuel stoves are permitted in designated, cleared areas.

    Despite recent moisture, fire officials remind the people of Cibola that the county remains in an active drought disaster declared by the USDA.

    Boaters are also encouraged to be mindful of changing lake levels when using ramps and beach launch sites. Shoreline launching spots may become more limited as the lake continues to recede. 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.