988 Tiger Muskie Released to Bluewater Lake, New Statues Near Riverwalk
BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – Bluewater Lake’s summer story continues to be a mix of steady fishing opportunity, low-water concerns and long-term investment in the lake’s tiger muskie population. This week’s fishing report remained fair to good for trout and tiger muskie, while new stocking information shows nearly 1,000 young tiger muskies were added to Bluewater Lake on June 24.
Bluewater Lake
At Bluewater Lake State Park, fishing for trout and tiger muskie was reported as FAIR to GOOD when using PowerBait.
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocking report shows Bluewater Lake was stocked June 24, 2026, with two groups of young tiger muskies from another state agency. The first stocking included 296 tiger muskies, and the second included 702 tiger muskies, for a combined 998 tiger muskies placed into Bluewater Lake. The fish were listed at about 4.7 inches.
For anglers, this is important, but it is not the same as a trout stocking that produces immediate fishing action. These tiger muskies are small and are part of the longer-term fishery at Bluewater. Still, the stocking is meaningful because tiger muskie are one of the lake’s signature fish, and continued stocking helps support future seasons for anglers willing to chase one of the most exciting catches in Cibola County.
New Mexico State Parks’ most recent posted conditions, last updated June 15, 2026, listed boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,365.840 feet (MSL), a surface area of 350 acres and an estimated volume of 3,500 acre-feet. USGS provisional elevation readings show Bluewater at 7,365.78 feet on June 23 and 7,365.60 feet on June 30, a drop of 0.18 feet over that stretch.
Visitors should also remember that Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park.
Under these fire 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.
New Mexico State Parks 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 877664-7787. Grants Riverwalk Pond
The Grants Riverwalk Pond remains one of the most accessible fishing spots in Grants, especially for families, youth anglers and anyone looking for a short outing close to home. While no detailed catch report was available this week, recent reports have consistently pointed to bluegill activity at the pond, making it a good place for young anglers to get bites and build confidence.
The Riverwalk is also more than a fishing stop. The park includes the pond, gazebo, art spaces, a beautiful amphitheater area and walkable access through one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces.
Across Route 66 at the artesian well, visitors can also see a new set of statues honoring New Mexico’s fallen firefighters and police officers.
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