Thousands of trout headed for Offutt Lake lost when delivery truck overturns

A significant incident occurred on Tuesday when a fish stocking truck from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife overturned while en route to Offut Lake, resulting in the loss of over 7,500 fingerling rainbow trout. This incident not only delayed the stocking project intended to attract outdoor enthusiasts for Black Friday but also raised concerns about local fishing opportunities. Authorities, including the Sheriff’s Office and local fire crews, responded promptly, treating the driver, a WDFW employee, for minor injuries. Despite the substantial fish loss, the department successfully delivered 2,000 trout to Offut Lake shortly after and is actively planning to replace the lost stock. The roadway was closed for about three hours as tow vehicles cleared the scene and removed the trout from the road.

While the investigation into the cause of the truck's overturning is ongoing, no other vehicles or individuals were involved. This event underscores the complexities of wildlife management and the logistical challenges faced by fish and game departments during peak recreational periods, reminding us of the importance of timely and safe transportation in these efforts.