Tiger Muskie fishing continues as school begins
BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – August opened with Bluewater Lake still offering fair-togood tiger muskie fishing, even as summer conditions continue to shape the experience for anglers and visitors. The lake remains under a blue-green algae bloom notice, Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect, and water levels continue the gradual decline that has been visible throughout the summer.
Bluewater Lake
At Bluewater Lake State Park, fishing for tiger muskie was reported as FAIR to GOOD when using jointed minnow Rapala lures. For current conditions, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391.
The lake is under a blue-green algae bloom notice. New Mexico State Parks has posted that algae is present in the water and that visitors should swim or recreate at their own risk. As a practical reminder for lake visitors, avoid water that looks scummy, discolored, thick like paint, or has algae gathered along the shoreline. Visitors should also keep pets away from visible algae and avoid drinking untreated lake water.
New Mexico State Parks’ most recent posted lake conditions, last updated July 27, 2026, listed boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,365.070 feet (MSL), a surface area of 326 acres and an estimated volume of 3,262 acre-feet.
USGS provisional elevation readings show Bluewater at 7,365.19 feet on July 28 and 7,365.06 feet on Aug. 4. That marks a drop of 0.13 feet over the week.
Visitors should also remember that Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park. Under those restrictions, visitors may not build or use fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves, including in developed campgrounds or picnic areas. Restrictions also apply to fireworks, smoking, certain equipment use, openflame work 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.
State Parks continues to remind visitors to wear life jackets when in or around the water. Bluewater Lake also has an EV charging station, and seasonal hours are in effect. From April 1 through Oct. 30, the park’s posted hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m Reservations are available through Reserve America at 877-6647787. No closures were posted this week.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
There were no reported catches at the Grants Riverwalk Pond this week. The pond remains a convenient intown option for residents looking for a short fishing trip, walk, or evening visit to the Riverwalk area.
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 as summer fishing patterns settle in. 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