No catches reported as Bluewater advisories and low water levels continue
BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – After several quieter weeks at Bluewater Lake, late August catches show that fish are still being landed at Bluewater even as the school year, late-summer conditions and the ongoing blue-green algae notice appear to have slowed the number of reports coming in.
Bluewater Lake
At Bluewater Lake State Park, fishing for catfish was reported as SLOW when using liver and hot dogs, while fishing for tiger muskie was reported as VERY GOOD when using rainbow-pattern Strike King lures.
No stocking was reported at Bluewater this week.
New Mexico State Parks continues to post that Bluewater Lake is experiencing a blue-green algae bloom. Visitors should be aware that algae is present in the water and should swim or recreate at their own risk. Visitors should avoid water that looks scummy, discolored, thick like paint or has algae collected along the shoreline. Pets should be kept away from visible algae, and untreated lake water should not be consumed.
State Parks’ most recent posted lake conditions, last updated Aug. 31, 2026, listed boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,364.480 feet (MSL), a surface area of 306 acres and an estimated volume of 3,060 acre-feet.
USGS provisional elevation readings show Bluewater at 7,364.44 feet on Sept. 1 and 7,364.36 feet on Sept. 8, a drop of 0.08 feet over the week. That is a small change, but it continues the gradual late-summer decline tracked in recent reports.
No closures were posted this week. Stage II fire restrictions remain posted as 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, open-flame work and offroad vehicle use. Wood gathering is prohibited within state park boundaries, and OHVs, ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed in the park.
Reservations are available through Reserve America at 877-664-7787. For current conditions, visitors can check Bluewater Lake State Park’s webpage or call 505-876-2391.
Grants Riverwalk Pond
There were no reported catches at the Grants Riverwalk Pond this week, and no stocking was reported.
The pond remains a convenient in-town option for residents looking for a short fishing trip, walk or evening visit to the Riverwalk area.
Share Your Fishing Story
Courtesy Photo
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
Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo