Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) Fish Stocking
Montana · 1958–2013 on record
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) was last stocked July 14, 2013 with Arctic Grayling. Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) has 12 stocking records on file, spanning 1958–2013, with about 83,820 fish stocked over that period.
When Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) is stocked
Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) is typically stocked in summer, most often in July — 5 stocking events in that peak month.
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake)
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Montana.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake), they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) was last stocked July 14, 2013, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid Montana freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase Montana license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by Montana fish & wildlife agency.Official Montana regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.Trout Thermal Advisory: When water temperatures rise above 68°F (20°C), released trout face severe mortality from thermal exhaustion. Target warmwater species or fish early in the morning when lakes and streams warm up.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake):
Stocked Trout Tactics
Use light 4–6 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Float scented dough bait (PowerBait) 12–18" off bottom using a sliding slip-sinker rig with a size 14–16 treble hook. For active casting, throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz inline spinners (Panther Martin, Rooster Tail) or small spoons (Kastmaster) along drop-offs.
Arctic Grayling Profile Tips
A popular dry-fly target in Montana and Utah's high-country waters, prized for its willingness to rise.
Cutthroat Trout Profile Tips
Known for being relatively easy to catch on dry flies, making it a favorite of western fly anglers; many subspecies are managed under catch-and-release rules to protect native populations.
Recommended Tackle for Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake)
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Berkley PowerBait Floating Trout Dough
Hatchery-raised trout are conditioned to pelleted scents; scented dough floated 12–18 inches off bottom consistently triggers strikes.
Panther Martin Classic Teardrop Inline Spinner
The heavy convex blade spins instantly upon retrieval, sending vibration through the water that triggers aggressive reaction bites along drop-offs.
Sliding Sinker & Treble Hook Rigging Kit
Sliding egg sinkers allow cautious trout to run with bait without feeling line drag, while size 14–16 treble hooks keep dough bait securely pinned.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake), freshest activity first.
Fire Lake
7 mi2 species · 15 records
Last stocked August 2025
Bramble Creek Lake 39
6 mi1 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2024
Swamp Lake
1 mi3 species · 13 records
Last stocked July 2021
Bramble Creek Lake 40
5 mi2 species · 5 records
Last stocked July 2021
Great Falls Creek Lake, Lower
5 mi2 species · 9 records
Last stocked June 2020
West Boulder Lake
1 mi2 species · 7 records
Last stocked July 2019
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2013 | Arctic Grayling | 7,500 | 1.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 14, 2013 | Arctic Grayling | 725 | 6.5" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2012 | Arctic Grayling | 750 | 5.3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 9, 2012 | Arctic Grayling | 15,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| July 28, 1992 | Arctic Grayling | 3,970 | 0.9" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 5, 1985 | Arctic Grayling | 900 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 16, 1979 | Cutthroat Trout | 20,000 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 17, 1977 | Cutthroat Trout | 3,850 | 2" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Show 4 more stocking records →
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 25, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 11,625 | 4" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 16, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 2,500 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| August 25, 1970 | Cutthroat Trout | 7,000 | 3" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
| September 10, 1958 | Golden Trout | 10,000 | 1" | Montana fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) last stocked?
According to Montana fish & wildlife agency, Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) was last stocked July 14, 2013 with Arctic Grayling.
What fish species are stocked in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake)?
Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) is stocked with Arctic Grayling, Cutthroat Trout, and Golden Trout.
What time of year is Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) stocked?
Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) is typically stocked in summer, most often in July.
How often is Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) stocked?
Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) is stocked intermittently — 12 recorded stockings between 1958 and 2013.
How many fish have been stocked in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake)?
About 83,820 fish have been stocked in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) across 12 recorded events since 1958, per Montana fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake)?
Fish stocked in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) average about 2.7 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake)?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid Montana freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from Montana fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.
How do you catch stocked trout in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake)?
Freshly stocked trout in Kaufman Lake (Falls Creek Lake) typically respond well to floating dough bait (such as PowerBait) floated 12–18 inches off bottom on light 4–6 lb leader, live nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small inline spinners or spoons retrieved along shorelines and drop-offs.