BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – As May continues to warm up, fishing in Cibola County is settling into that earlysummer rhythm: some days are productive, some are slow, but there’s always someone on the water giving it a try. This week brought a quieter bite at Bluewater Lake, but the Grants Riverwalk Pond was busy thanks to a fresh trout stocking.
Bluewater Lake
New Mexico State Parks reported that fishing for channel catfish, chubs, and trout was SLOW this week when using hot dogs. For current conditions and updates, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391.
State Parks’ latest posted lake conditions listed boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,366.960 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 3,867 acre-feet. USGS provisional elevation readings show 7,366.92 feet on May 12 and 7,366.72 feet on the morning of May 19, a decline of 0.20 feet over the week. That’s still gradual movement, but it continues the steady spring drop we’ve been tracking since March.
Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park. In practical terms, that means no campfires or solid-fuel fires (including charcoal, coal, or wood stoves), and additional restrictions apply for fireworks, smoking, and certain equipment use. New Mexico State Park requires visitors to wear life jackets when in or around the water.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
There were no reported catches from the Grants Riverwalk Pond this week, though some anglers were experimenting with cheese as bait.
The bigger update for Riverwalk anglers is stocking: the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocking report shows Grants Municipal Pond (River Walk Pond) was stocked on May 14, 2026 with 209 triploid rainbow trout from the Red River Trout Hatchery, totaling 100 pounds (listed at about 10.6 inches).
Share Your Fishing Story
Community members can strengthen these reports and help build a running record of fishing at Bluewater Lake and the Riverwalk Pond, especially with warmer weather on the horizon. As your community newspaper, the Cibola Citizen looks forward to receiving and publishing local photos and stories from the lake and pond. Send your catches, conditions updates, and fishing stories to editor@cibolacitizen.com