BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Mid-June brought one of the more interesting fishing reports of the season at Bluewater Lake, with local anglers reporting strong tiger muskie action even as the state’s broader report described the bite as slower. The difference is a good reminder that fishing reports are snapshots: one angler may find the right lure, location and timing while others work the same water with less success. This week, orange spoons, Kastmasters and swimbaits all made their way into the conversation.
There was no fresh stocking reported this week in Cibola County waters.
Bluewater Lake
At Bluewater Lake State Park, tiger muskie fishing was reported as VERY GOOD to the Cibola Citizen when using an orange Daredevil spoon and a silver Kastmaster. That local report stood out against the latest New Mexico Department of Game and Fish note, which described tiger muskie fishing as SLOW by anglers using a rainbow trout swimbait along the rocks.
Fishing for catfish was reported as FAIR to GOOD
when using cut bait, and catfish fishing was FAIR when using using hot dogs. For current conditions, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505876-2391.
On lake conditions, the most recent State Parks update available continued to list boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,366.750 feet (MSL), a surface area of 373 acres and an estimated volume of 3,738 acre-feet as of the May 18 posting. USGS provisional elevation readings show Bluewater at 7,366.21 feet on June 9 and 7,366.02 feet on June 16, a drop of 0.19 feet over the week. That continues the gradual decline we have tracked through late spring and early summer, but boating conditions remain usable and active.
Visitors should also remember that Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park.
Campfires or solid-fuel fires, including charcoal, coal or wood stoves are banned. Restrictions also apply to fireworks, smoking, and off-road vehicle use. Wood gathering is prohibited within state park boundaries, and OHVs, ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed in the park.
As always, visitors are encouraged to wear life jackets when in or around the water.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
At the Grants Riverwalk Pond, fishing for bluegill was reported as EXCELLENT when using garlic Powerbait The Riverwalk Pond was last stocked with fish on May 14, receiving 209 trout.
The Riverwalk continues to be a reliable in-town option for families, youth anglers and anyone looking for a quick evening fishing trip without making the drive to Bluewater.
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