Category: Trout Trail
Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Poker Run
Announcing the first annual Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Poker Run!
Here’s how it works:
- Fly-Fish all 10 of the top ten Laurel Highlands Trout Trail streams
- Take a photo of participants at each of the Top Ten Stream signs and submit the photos to us at info@trouttrailtu.org
- Participants submitting all ten photos will be included in a drawing for the prizes
- Adult prize is a Douglas ERA fly rod with Cheeky Preload 375 reel with line and backing
- Youth prize is a Echo Gecko youth outfit with rod, reel and line ready to fish
- Registration fees are $20 for adults and $5 for youth 15 and under
Visit the Laurel Highlands Trout Trail website laurelhighlandstrouttrail.org for all the details and locations of the LHTT top ten streams and signs.
- The Poker Run goes from April 6th to July 31
- Photo submission deadline is August 7, 2024
Download the Flyer: Poker Run Flyer
Download the Rules and Registration Form: Poker Run Rules and Registration
Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Signs Installed
Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited began installing signage along trout streams that are highlighted in the Laurel Highlands Trout Trail (LHTT) project. Seen in the photo at the tailrace of the Yough Dam are (L-R) Larry Myers, Ron Rodgers and Ron Miller. Two signs will be installed on each of the ten streams by various TU Chapters. LHTT is a product of Chestnut Ridge, Forbes Trail, Ken Sink, Mountain Laurel and Penns Woods West chapters. The intent is to assist anglers find premier trout streams to fish in the Laurel Highlands. And in the process by purchasing meals, tackle, gas and lodging, they are helping to drive the local economy. The project was funded via grants from Go Laurel Highlands and Penns Woods West TU. Visit www.laurelhighlandstrouttrail.com for more information.
Grant Provided for Laurel Highlands Trout Trail
The Penn’s Woods West Chapter of Trout Unlimited presented a $3,900 check to fellow Forbes Trail Chapter for an ecotourism project called “Laurel Highlands Trout Trail”. The purpose is to guide fly fishers to premier trout streams in the Chestnut and Laurel Ridges region of southwest Pennsylvania. The streams will be selected by experienced fly fishers from several TU chapters. All streams will be within what is designated the Laurel Highland Landscape by the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It’s an opportunity to share their favorite fishing spots with fellow anglers, while helping small support businesses in the region such as tackle shops, restaurants, gas stations and motels.
The other TU chapters participating in this initiative are Chestnut Ridge, Ken Sink and Mountain Laurel. The group will also partner with University of Pittsburgh Johnstown (UPJ), Business School under the direction of Dr. Skip Glenn. UPJ initially helped design a web site and in the second phase will help develop a marketing plan and brochure for the initiative.
In spring 2022, volunteers will install interpretive signs in parking areas along all of the selected streams to identify them as part of the Trout Trail. QR codes on the signs will direct readers to a web site where more detailed information about the Trout Trail and TU chapters can be found.
The original Laurel Highlands Trout Trail project was initiated in 2012 in partnership with the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, and the local Chambers of Commerce. A website and promotional brochure were developed but the initiative was not being financially maintained by the partners. Forbes Trail TU eventually bought the intellectual properties of the initiative. With the assistance of UPJ in the spring of 2021, the web site message and technology were re-visioned toward trout fishing ecotourism focused on the coldwater conservation and outreach missions of Trout Unlimited. That web site can currently be accessed via www.forbestrailtu.org and clicking on the link at the top of the home page.
For more information about Forbes Trail Chapter activities, and to view photos of recent events, visit our web site at www.forbestrailtu.org Additional information about Penns Woods West Chapter activities and events can be found on their web site at. https://pwwtu.org.
