Fishing Report – April 9 – 16

  • Chance Benton, a teen cancer survivor from Albuquerque, caught seven trout and this tiger muskie using hot dogs and worms on April 3. “He played hooky from work,” Stacey Turpen said. “Beautiful lake, beautiful time and well worth the day off.” Courtesy Photo
    Chance Benton, a teen cancer survivor from Albuquerque, caught seven trout and this tiger muskie using hot dogs and worms on April 3. “He played hooky from work,” Stacey Turpen said. “Beautiful lake, beautiful time and well worth the day off.” Courtesy Photo
  • Bluewater Lake water volume over time. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows a gradual decline in lake elevation through the first half of April 2025, with total volume dropping from 10,280 acre-feet on April 1 to 10,160 acre-feet by April 15. These levels remain healthy and continue to support excellent shoreline access and strong fishing conditions. Courtesy Photo
    Bluewater Lake water volume over time. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows a gradual decline in lake elevation through the first half of April 2025, with total volume dropping from 10,280 acre-feet on April 1 to 10,160 acre-feet by April 15. These levels remain healthy and continue to support excellent shoreline access and strong fishing conditions. Courtesy Photo

    Trout and Tiger Muskie Biting Big at Bluewater

    CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Spring fishing is in full swing at Bluewater Lake, where anglers are reeling in impressive hauls of both rainbow trout and the elusive tiger muskie. Conditions have remained excellent, with anglers reporting very good success using an unlikely duo of bait: hot dogs and worms.

    Among those finding success this past week was Chance Benton, a teen cancer survivor from Albuquerque who fished Bluewater on April 3. Benton landed seven trout and a massive tiger muskie, drawing the attention of fellow anglers around the lake. “He played hooky from work,” said family friend Stacey Turpen. “Beautiful lake, beautiful time and well worth the day off.” His photo, featured in this week’s edition, captures the excitement and power of a spring bite in Cibola County.

    Benton's success is proof of the lake's dynamic fishery. While tiger muskie are catch-and-release only at Bluewater, their size and fight offer an unforgettable challenge. The lake’s trout population remains strong as well, bolstered by recent stocking and the cool water temperatures that keep fish active and near the surface.

    According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Bluewater Lake held approximately 10,220 acre-feet of water on April 11, with a slight drop to 10,160 acre-feet by April 15. These levels remain healthy for the season and continue to support excellent shoreline access and consistent fish activity.

    Grants Riverwalk Pond Restocked

    The Grants Municipal Pond was stocked again on April 10, receiving 99 rainbow trout from the Red River Trout Hatchery. The fish averaged 10.4 inches in length and totaled 45 pounds. While we haven’t received any angler reports from the pond this week, the recent stocking should ensure solid chances for a family- friendly day on the water.

    Make the Most of Spring

    Anglers across the county are encouraged to make the most of the midspring fishing window, when trout are most active and easily reached from shore. Bait trends over the past month at Bluewater Lake now include:

    • Hot dogs

    • Nightcrawlers

    • Rooster Tail spinners • Orange butterfly lures

    • Garlic-Scented PowerBait

    • Chartreuse Power Eggs

    • Chrome Kastmasters With the water warming gradually and stocking still underway, this is shaping up to be one of the best spring fishing seasons Cibola has seen in years.

    Reminder to Anglers

    We’d love to include your photos and stories in our upcoming editions. Send your best catches and fishing reports to editor@cibolacitizen. com, or share your experience with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to help maintain accurate statewide updates.