BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Mid-December delivered one of the stronger winter fishing updates of the season at Bluewater Lake, with anglers reporting solid action for both trout and tiger muskie despite cold conditions.
Fishing was rated FAIR to GOOD this week, highlighted by a Dec. 13 outing in which anglers caught and released eight trout and two tiger muskies using 6th Sense spinners.
The report offers further confirmation that Bluewater’s winter fishery remains active, particularly for anglers willing to work artificial lures. Spinner-style baits continue to perform well as fish hold in deeper, colder water, and the mix of trout and tiger muskie activity underscores the lake’s diversity even late in the year.
Water levels at Bluewater continued their slow, seasonal decline.
New Mexico State Parks last reported the reservoir at 4,559 acrefeet on Dec. 8, with a surface area of roughly 455 acres and an elevation of 7,368.89 feet above sea level. More recent provisional data from the U.S. Geological Survey measured Bluewater Lake at 4,541 acre-feet on Dec. 19. The steady drop remains consistent with winter conditions, limited inflow, and ongoing drought across the region.
Despite the decline, boating conditions remain rated EXCELLENT, with ample access across the main basin.
Seasonal hours remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park, with gates open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 31. Rangers continue to remind visitors to wear life jackets, monitor the weather closely, and prepare for rapidly changing winter conditions. One temporary closure is in place: the shower facility is closed due to a lack of heat and is expected to remain unavailable through April 1.
No other closures have been reported, and standard park restrictions remain in effect, including the prohibition on fireworks, firewood gathering, and off-highway vehicle use within park boundaries. Campers and anglers can continue to make reservations through Reserve America at 877-664-7787, and the park’s EV charging station remains available during operating hours.
In town, no angler reports were received this week from the Grants Riverwalk Pond.
As winter deepens, Bluewater Lake continues to reward persistence, whether through a surprise muskie strike or steady trout action on spinners.
Anglers are encouraged to share their photos, stories, and fishing reports with the Citizen at editor@ cibolacitizen.com, helping document the full arc of the season across Cibola County.