BLUEWATER LAKE, N.M. – The final fishing report of September brings a quieter bite at Bluewater Lake, but a small change in lake elevation gives us something new to watch as fall settles in. Tiger muskie fishing was reported as slow this week, the Harmful Algae Bloom Warning Advisory remains in place, and no stocking was reported. At the same time, USGS data showed a slight week-toweek rise in lake elevation after months of gradual decline.
Bluewater Lake
According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, fishing for tiger muskie was SLOW when using swimbaits. No stocking was reported at Bluewater this week.
Bluewater Lake remains under a Harmful Algae Bloom Warning Advisory.
New Mexico State Parks continues to post that Bluewater Lake is experiencing a blue-green algae bloom and advises visitors that algae is present in the water. Visitors should avoid visible algae, keep pets away from affected areas and use caution when swimming or recreating near the shoreline.
State Parks’ most recent posted lake conditions, last updated Sept. 21, 2026, listed boating conditions as EXCELLENT, with the reservoir at 7,364.200 feet (MSL), a surface area of 300 acres and an estimated volume of 3,008 acre-feet.
USGS provisional elevation readings show Bluewater at 7,364.15 feet on Sept. 22 and 7,364.26 feet on Sept. 29, an increase of 0.11 feet over the week. That is a small rise, but it stands out after the steady downward trend tracked through much of the summer.
No closures were posted this week. Visitors should remember that OHVs, ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed within park boundaries. Fireworks are always prohibited at Bluewater Lake State Park, and wood gathering for campfires is prohibited within state park boundaries.
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 remain in effect through Oct. 30, with the park open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are available through Reserve America at 877-664-7787.
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
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