CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Memorial Day weekend brought classic late-May conditions to Cibola County’s waters: more boats on Bluewater, more people outside, and plenty of bird activity at both the lake and the Riverwalk. While the bite at Bluewater was reported as slow, the Riverwalk Pond produced strong reports for bluegill – good news for families and anyone looking for an easy, in-town fishing option.
Bluewater Lake
At Bluewater Lake State Park, fishing reports leaned SLOW during the May 20–25 window.
Fishing for trout was reported as slow when using corn and PowerBait, and fishing for catfish was also slow when using hot dogs. Even with the slower bite, several people reported strong boating activity on the lake, along with crane sightings.
New Mexico State Parks’ most recent posted lake conditions listed boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,366.800 feet (MSL) and an estimated volume of 3,814 acre-feet. USGS provisional elevation readings showed 7,366.72 feet on May 19 and 7,366.57 feet on the morning of May 26, a decline of 0.15 feet over the week – consistent with the gradual step-down pattern the Cibola Citizen has been tracking this spring.
Visitors should also remember that Stage II fire restrictions remain in effect at Bluewater Lake State Park. That means campfires, solidfuel fires (including charcoal, coal, or wood stoves) are banned at the lake, and additional restrictions apply to fireworks, smoking, certain equipment use, and offroad vehicle use.
As always, visitors are encouraged to wear life jackets when in or around the water. For current conditions, anglers can visit Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
The Grants Riverwalk Pond delivered one of the more upbeat fishing notes of the week.
Fishing for bluegill was reported as EXCELLENT when using PowerBait and GOOD when using corn. Memorial Day weekend also brought beautiful weather and plenty of bird sightings around the pond and downtown parks—good conditions for an easy evening trip, especially for families and younger anglers.
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