Bluewater Lake

Boat Ramps: 2
Access Points: 3
Species: 8

Bluewater Lake is a popular fishing destination located in western New Mexico, known primarily for its tiger muskie fishery. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish actively manages this reservoir as part of its conservation efforts to control undesirable fish species. Tiger muskies, which are extremely piscivorous (fish-eating), have been introduced to significantly decrease populations of unwanted goldfish and white suckers. This management approach has not only achieved its ecological goals but has also created a unique and popular fishing opportunity for anglers seeking trophy-sized predatory fish.

New Mexico licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Bluewater Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 1

Rainbow Trout3,300 fish · 11.4 inNov 3, 2026

Source

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Bluewater Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Bluewater Lake Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Bluewater Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New Mexico licenses and regulations

New Mexico Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New Mexico Fishing License

While fishing in New Mexico, anglers 12 years and older must possess a valid New Mexico Fishing License or Game-hunting & Fishing License. Licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 of the following year. A New Mexico Fishing License is not required on tribal reservations and private Class-A lakes.

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New Mexico Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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New Mexico Stream Access Laws

Criminal trespass consists of knowingly entering or remaining upon posted private property without possessing written permission from the owner or person in control of the land. The provisions of this subsection do not apply if: 1) the owner or person in control of the land has entered into an agreement with NMDGF granting access to the land to the general public for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing; or 2) a person is in possession of a landowner license given to him by the owner or person in control of the land that grants access to that particular private land for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing. It is unlawful to knowingly enter upon any private property to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

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Take Bluewater Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Bluewater Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Bluewater Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.