Loring-Restoule is region known for its prolific white-tailed deer population. This winter has been very active with lots of deer sightings! Its thrilling to have wildlife come so close. Hilary is living in Port Loring at her B&B,  The Lost Fox and the deer have been draining her bird feeders.

There is nothing quite like hooking a large Northern and staring into the eye of one of our waterways top predators.  We actively promote catch & release at Pine Grove, but LOVE to receive photos of you and your catch from the Pickerel River, no matter what the size.  If Northern Pike are what thrills you...following these tips will help you reel in your own river monster.

1. Location
There are many locations along the Pickerel River that are exceptional habitat for Northern Pike. Drop off's or a shelf are key spots when searching for underwater predators. Large pike tend to hang out in deeper water near the shallows where they can wait for prey fish to move in and out of the shallow parts before they strike.

Pike are often found near weed beds or areas with logs and or driftwood where they can camouflage themselves or hide in a darkened area before propelling themselves forward to engulf prey within striking distance.

2. Prey
​When fishing for Northern Pike...the most logical place to start is to go where the fish are!  As a predatory fish, pike are found where their prey fish are. Finding prey fish depends on temperature of the water & time of year, but you can be fairly certain they will be near the rockbass, sunfish and other tasty sportfish.  When the water is warmer the prey fish spread out through shallower areas, which means the Pike can be hiding close. When the weather and water temperature cools in the fall, pike can be found in deeper water near shallows and this is where you need to find the location of the drop offs. Maps/depth finders are an asset here.

3.  Lures
a: The Dardevle spoon also called the Red Devil by some, is an iconic item for the tackle box, and one of the most famous lures of all time!  The wiggling wobbly action, combined with the colouring is hard for Northern Pike to resist.
b: Mepps Black Fury- The spinning blade and flash of colour makes this a very enticing lure for every type of fish, be it bait or sportfish.
c: The Pikie Minnow-This might be a vintage style lure, but it is one that has lasted through the ages.  Few lures are as synonymous with big lunkers as this old standby.  Northern Pike & Muskie simply cannot resist this gem.  Lure was introduced in 1919, and still carries the iconic design.  A battle scarred lure of this type is a prize possession in an anglers tackle box.
d: Buzzbait- This gurgling surface bait may have been designed for bass, but not many Northern Pike can resist the action of this lure. 

Live bait are also a very popular way to lure this predator.​

4. The Strike
Some speak of letting the bites develop as pike test your lure, while others are firmly in the camp of setting the hook firmly as soon as you get a bite.  The challenge is that you do not want the pike to actively swallow your lure as it makes it far more difficult to remove treble hooks that have gone deeper than the pikes throat.

5. Handling/Release
Fish gloves & long needle nose pliers, are essential for your angling kit.  Northern Pike can have a slimy feel and you do not want them hurt if they are thrashing around.  Minimal handling, and removing lures in the water make it less stressful for catch & release. Be mindful that pike have very sharp teeth and can easily cause damage to fingers.  If taking a photo of your big catch it is best to hold them up, rather than string them up, and get them back in the water asap to fight another day.

Its that time of year again...our final trade show of the season!  Pine Grove Resort will be at Wooftstock again this year. Woofstock® is the largest outdoor festival for dogs in North America.
Woofstock is located at Woodbine Park in Toronto Saturday May 28 & Sunday May 29 from 10am-6pm

If you are in the GTA & love dogs...this is a festival you do not want to miss!  Drop by our booth & say Hello!

Pine Grove Resort has a booth at these two shows.  Drop by and say "hello" if you are in the area...we are running some great show only specials!  

The Award Info:  
In our industry we have many fine people who work hard to make their own businesses successful by providing a quality product to guests.  They treat guests as friends while making a successful living for themselves and we all benefit from these individual efforts because our industry, as a whole grows and prospers.  These individuals are the backbone of our industry and there are currently more than 1300 of these people in Nature and Outdoor Tourism in Ontario.
Sometimes someone comes along who does all of that and more.  These are people who see a larger picture than their own individual businesses.  They see a role for our particular industry within the larger world of Tourism in general.
They see an expanding spider web of goals and principles that will grow, not just the bottom line but the intrinsic value of Tourism.  These people also have an awareness of the stewardship responsibilities involved in our businesses so that growth will occur in thoughtful and sustainable way.
They become Champions for Tourism.
I am happy to present this award to Hilary Chambers from Pine Grove Resort and Cottages in Port Loring who sits on our NOTO board of directors as Vice-President and is also on the Board of Directors for RTO 12, Explorer’s Edge.  

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The Explorers' Edge Fall Fuel & Fun Package is back!! Book 2 nights' accommodation before Sept. 17, 2015 for a stay at Pine Grove Resort, between Sept. 18 and Nov. 30 and you can then register for 1 of 500 packages that include a $50 gas card and $50 in cash vouchers to spend at participating attractions, restaurants and shops throughout the region.
 $100 in your pocket and there's no catch! For package details visit www.explorersedge.ca/fuelandfun

We have decided to try showing our availability online.  There are sure to be a few glitches, but we are hoping this will give prospective guests an idea of what openings we have ready to book.   We are working within the limitations of the program, so you will notice a few differences in pricing.  The system books on a per night rate.  If you book with us for our regular Saturday-Saturday stay, you essentially receive 2 nights free.  (This is not reflected in the quote that the system, will give you when you fill out a reservation request form.)
Please note that filling in the reservation request form is not a booking until you hear back from us with confirmation of your booking and we have received your deposit.
To check out this new reservation inquiry system visit: Availability on our website.

This has been the best year yet for moose sightings!  While the Loring-Restoule region is mostly known for our white tailed deer, we do also have frequent sightings of moose.  Our guests have enjoyed their encounters and often send us pictures of these majestic animals.  When you visit our region, don't forget your camera or smart phone, you never know what could pop up when walking on our nature trails or driving along Hwy 522.