Category: Events
Sign-Up For The 2026 Poker Run
We are now registering entrants for the 2026 Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Poker Run.
Here’s how it works:
- The cost is $20.00 for adults and $5.00 for youths aged 15 and under
- Fish as many of the top ten streams of the Laurel Highlands Trout Trail as you can and take a “selfie” at the Trout Trail sign for each stream you visit
- email your photos to us at info@forbestrailtu.org and include a description of your trip
- The more streams you visit, the more raffle tickets you earn
- You will receive one raffle ticket for entering, an additional ticket for fishing 3 streams (2 tickets total), another ticket for fishing 5 streams (3 total tickets), another for fishing 7 streams (4 total tickets), two more for fishing all 10 streams (total of 6 tickets)
- Participation dates are from April 4, 2026 to July 31, 2026
- Deadline for photo submission is August 4, 2026
- Prize drawings will be held after the August 4 deadline
- Three prizes will be awarded in each of the Adult category and Youth category
- Winners will have their choice of cash or a gift certificate to PA Fly Co, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop or Werry’s Provision
- Open to all licensed PA anglers and youth (flies & artificial lures where required)
- A minimum of 20 adult entrants is required
- This is not a fund raiser, all registration fees go into the prize fund
- Fly fishing is not required
- Mail your check to: FTTU, PO Box 370, Youngstown, PA 15696. Include name(s) of entrants, address, phone number, email and note on your check “2026 FTTU Poker Run”
- Registrations will be accepted until July 31, 2026
- You can download an entry form by clicking here – Poker Run Entry Form
How to find the Top Ten Streams and their signs
You can find a complete list of the streams and their locations as well as the location of each sign by visiting the Laurel Highlands Trout Trail website at:
Scroll down on the Poker Run page and here you will find detailed directions to the streams and locations of the signs including GPS coordinates.
As seen in the photo, the signs are light green and mounted on a dark green post.
You can also download a Laurel Highlands Trout Trail brochure with a map.
Most streams have two signs. The exceptions are Clear Shade Creek and the Stoneycreek River. See the instructions for these streams on the Poker Run Page of the Trout Trail website.
Good luck on your adventure in the Laurel Highlands!
Questions? email us at info@forbestrailtu.org
What a Fantastic Day at Our Fly-Tying Workshop!
Raffle Winners
Here are the winning numbers from tonight’s raffle drawing.
1361
3654
4926
3509
1511
0980
3123
2729
3242
We sold 872 tickets and drew 9 prize winners. The winners have their choice of a $250.00 gift certificate to Werry’s Provisions, or $250 in cash.
If you have one of the winning numbers, you should have already been contacted. If you have a voice mail from us, call us back and we can arrange to send you your prize.
Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated making this another successful fund raiser!
Military Veterans and First Responders Relax with Day of Trout Fishing
Over 40 military veterans, first responders and guests spent Saturday, October 4th enjoying the mountain air and sunshine as they fished and reacquainted with old friends. This was the seventh, annual fishing event sponsored by Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) and hosted by their partner, Kingston Veterans Sportsmen Club.
Saturday’s weather was picture perfect for the anglers…but maybe too sunny for the trout. Still, anglers landed several trout, a few catfish and plenty of bluegills. “That’s my biggest fish of the day for me!” yelled veteran Taz Bey who has participated in several of the events. Actually, the catfish she caught was one of the largest fish for anyone on Saturday. “I’ll be back again next year. It’s just nice to be out here with my family and friends.”
National TU introduced the program of fly fishing to veterans many years ago to bring the therapeutic healing of fly fishing to our nation’s heroes. First responders were added a few years back and the program is now called the TU Service Partnership honoring those who have served their country and communities. TU is very grateful that Kingston Sportsmen agreed to partner with them again this year. Their manicured club grounds provide ADA access to their lake, pavilion and restroom facilities. Benjamin Gess from Troop 305 finished his Eagle Scout project at 9 PM the evening before. It’s an ADA access floating, fishing dock. “It’s been almost three years since I first came up with the design.” noted Benjamin. “I wanted it ready for the veterans and first responders today”.
The morning air was cool, which was perfect for fishing. With the leaves just starting to show some fall color, and the smell of a campfire in the background, everyone was in the mood to welcome in the new season. But within a couple hours the sun was high, the air and water were warming up, and the trout quit biting.
This event takes place annually, usually the first Saturday in October, at Kingston Veterans Sportsmen Club east of Latrobe. Registered veterans and first responders spread out around the lake and started catching fish immediately. Kingston had stocked trout just days before. The lake holds trout, catfish, bass and panfish which provided action for the anglers until early afternoon.
The other partners in this annual event were Scout Troops 465 and 305. They start the event posting colors then invite veterans to participate in retiring worn American flags. The U. S. flag code requires that when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. The Scouts and veterans join in a solemn and dignified ceremony complete with patriotic music in the background. Everyone we spoke to expressed their appreciation for the event and how they enjoy seeing the Scouts in uniform learning at an early age about serving community and country. The Scouts prepared a grilled lunch for over 100 participants.
We thank our event sponsors…Westmoreland Case Management, Fish USA, Home Depot, Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Bent Rod Bait & Tackle, JTK Outdoors and TU members.
Registration Now Open for Veterans and First Responders Fishing Outing
The 2025 event is on for Saturday, October 4th. To register fill out and submit the form available on the Veterans Page.
Summer Picnic
The 2025 FTTU Summer Family Picnic was held Saturday, June 28th. There were 82 in attendance. We had a gourmet lunch prepared by Chef Dan Ferguson, a FTTU member and Director and there was a nice selection of raffle prizes.
I addition, we honored Angie Schultheis for her outstanding volunteer work in taking over the Education Committee, the busiest part of the chapter’s work this year.
County Commissioner and FTTU member Doug Chew offered a few words to the guests, praising our chapter’s work in the county.
Commissioner Chew said that after attending our 50th anniversary banquet in 2023, he was so impressed with our chapter that he immediately signed up as a new member after the banquet!
Thank you to all who attended and to our prize donors for making this a memorable event.
The 2025 Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Poker Run is Here!
Sign up for the Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Poker Run! The more streams you visit, the greater your chance to win. For all the details, list of streams, and location of all the LHTT signs, visit the LHTT website:
Military Veterans and First Responders Enjoy Day of Trout Fishing
Mist lifts off the lake in early morning
Saturday, October 5th turned out to be a perfect fall day on the lake…and this time the fish cooperated! The morning air was cool, which was perfect for fishing. With the leaves just starting to show some fall color, and the smell of a campfire in the background, everyone was in the mood to welcome in the new season.
This was the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) sixth annual fishing event for military veterans and first responders. The event took place at Kingston Veterans Sportsmen Club east of Latrobe. Many of the veterans attending had participated in every event since TU began the program in 2018. Forty-seven registered veterans and first responders spread out around the lake and started catching fish immediately. Kingston had stocked trout just days before. The lake holds trout, catfish, bass and panfish which provided action for the anglers until early afternoon.
Everyone we spoke to expressed their appreciation for the event and how they enjoy, not just the fishing, but the camaraderie of spending a day in the mountains with friends and fellow service providers. Some took their angling very seriously working multiple rods. Others used the opportunity to learn how to use a fly rod for the first time with the help of a TU mentor. And a few simply enjoyed some R & R in lawn chairs along the lake soaking up the sights and sounds.
National TU introduced the program of fly fishing to veterans many years ago to bring the therapeutic healing of fly fishing to our nation’s heroes. First responders were added a few years back and the program is now called the TU Service Partnership honoring those who have served their country and communities. Many of TU’s 400 local chapters nationwide, have started programs like this. TU is very grateful that Kingston Sportsmen agreed to partner with them again this year. Their manicured club grounds provide ADA access to their lake, pavilion and restroom facilities. The perfect setting!
The other partner in this annual event is the Scouts of Troops 465 and 305. They start the event posting colors then invite veterans to participate in retiring worn American flags. The U. S. flag code requires “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” The Scouts and veterans join in a solemn and dignified ceremony complete with patriotic music in the background.
The other service the Scouts provide is lunch for over 100 veterans, first responders and volunteers. “They have made this a simple turnkey operation” noted Larry Myers, president of Forbes Trail TU. “We tell the Scouts how many will be in attendance, they buy and prepare the food, then hand us the bill making our job so much simpler”. “More importantly, the veterans appreciate the Scouts being involved. This is another opportunity for the Scouts to serve their community and to honor those who have served their country.”
“For the past several years the Boy Scouts of Troop 465 have been honored to team up with the folks from Trout Unlimited and Kingston to spend a day recognizing our veterans and first responders” said Scout Leader Mark Menanno. “One of the talents of our troop is cooking. We enjoy the challenges of cooking for a large group and the Scouts enjoy all their interactions with the veterans and first responders.”
We thank our event sponsors… Fish USA, Home Depot, four local Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Westmoreland Case Management and Bubba’s Kitchen and Bar.
Larry,
I would like to thank you, as well as all involved with you for a great day.
The fishing was fun. The fact that you had some bait available was a plus.
The food was good and plentiful. If anyone left hungry, it was their fault. The addition of the homemade items was very thoughtful. The baked beans, the sauerkraut, the fried onions all added to the day and proved your commitment to Veterans and First Responders.
The door prizes were such a nice touch. I couldn’t believe how many you offered. The extra drawing for the Scouts was an added bonus and proof of your thoughtfulness.
I can’t think of anything you overlooked. Everyone was friendly and walked around speaking to everyone, ensuring a good day was being had and nothing was needed.
Please thank everyone sincerely for me. The time and planning you all put in to make the day so successful did not go unnoticed.
It will be my pleasure to spread the word for next year!!
Deb Krall, AF Veteran
2024 Vets & First Responders Fishing Day Registration Open
Our 6th annual Veterans and First Responders Fishing Day will be on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Kingston Sportsman’s Club near Latrobe, PA.
The event is free to all military veterans and first responders but you must register in advance.
See the Veterans Page for more details and to register.
2024 FTTU Summer Picnic
Trout cake from the Pie Shoppe
