Helen June (Burg) Pike age 91 of Sparta passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020 into the presence of her Lord. She was born May 9, 1929 in Cedar Springs, MI the daughter of Edgar and Elsa (Rector) Burg. She had worked alongside her husband on the farm and took care of the home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert of 50 years and an infant son. Surviving are her children, Norman, William, Marsha, Jay, John (Rhonda) and Peggy; grandsons, Russell (Keesha) and Ross; special granddaughter, Jessica; and great-grandchildren. She was also preceded by a brother, George Burg and a sister, Bessie Russell. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. The family will greet friends and family Saturday, October 10 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Dan VanBelzen officiating. Interment Idlewild Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Snow Bible Church.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

Most anglers consider winter the best time to catch a trophy-sized pike, but following a few key pointers can make summer pike fishing worthwhile.

When it’s very warm out think about where pike will hide places with cooler water. These spots include along the thermocline, where coldwater streams/rivers flow into lakes, or around springs.

Look for water bodies that aren’t densely populated with pike so those present may have a chance to grow fairly large. Also consider locations that have special regulations (size limits).

Lastly, focus on water bodies that have a good pike forage base, particularly other species that prefer cooler water.

Mya Hendges shows off her sunfish

The children of Rick and Amber Hendges, of Solon Township, have been reeling in some nice catches. 

Mya Hendges, age 9, caught this nice sunfish while fishing with her grandparents in Trufant. 

Hunter Hendges caught a pike.

Hunter Hendges, age 11, caught this pike while fishing in Trufant at his great-grandma’s house. 

Kylee Hendges, age 6, caught this nice blue gill while fishing with her grandparents in Trufant. Kylee loves to fish. She baits her own hook and even takes her own fish off!  

Kylee Hendges is proud of her blue gill.

Great job, Mya, Hunter, and Kylee! You made the Post Catch of the Week!

It’s back—get out those cameras!

It’s that time of year again when anglers big and small like to tell their fish tales! Send us a photo and story of your first, best, funniest, biggest, or even your smallest catch. Include your name, age, address, and phone number, along with the type and size of fish, and where caught.  We can’t wait to hear from you! Photos published as space allows. Photos/stories may be sent by email to news@cedarspringspost.com with Catch of the Week in the subject line, or mail to: Catch of the Week, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

A good spring catch.

This Saturday, April 30, marks the opening of the inland walleye, pike and muskellunge seasons in the Lower Peninsula. Are you ready to try your hand at northern pike fishing?

Northern pike like to spend their time in the weedy shallows of both the Great Lakes and inland waters. In rivers they can be found around log jams or fallen timber. They are often taken with live bait (such as large minnows) or different kinds of artificial lures.

When fishing for northern pike, many anglers like to use a six to eight-inch wire or steel leader directly in front of hook or lure. Pike have large, deep mouths with extremely sharp teeth. They are known to engulf the entire bait or lure and sever the fishing line with their teeth when it is attached directly to the hook or lure. This leaves the angler watching as the fish swims away with their offering.

Some well-known northern pike waters include Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River and drowned river mouths along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Want to learn even more about northern pike in Michigan at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Northern Pike

Where to find northern pike in Michigan

Most places in the state are seeing pretty cold temperatures, but despite that fishing for northern pike will continue to pick up. Pike are extremely popular during the ice fishing season but are readily available throughout much of the year.

There are many notable northern pike fisheries located throughout Michigan, including on Muskegon, Portage and Manistee lakes and also Michigamme and Houghton lakes. But this species can be found in many lakes and virtually all larger rivers in the state.

Please note there are many regulations for northern pike regarding minimum size and possession limit. Be sure to read up on this species in the 2014 Michigan Fishing Guide. Access it online at http://www.eregulations.com/michigan/fishing/general-hook-line-regulations/

Since they were not able to obtain a turkey hunting license, Anthony and Linda Savickas decided to take their sons, Ian and Tyler, pike fishing in Mecosta County in early May. It turned out to be a good choice. Tyler, 16, caught this northern pike, which weighed in at 20 pounds and 43-1/2 inches. His parents had it mounted for him, with friends and relatives pitching in to help create a nice keepsake for him.

Way to go Tyler, you made the Post Catch of the Week!

Are you looking for a cure to what ails you? Need some good news for a change? The good news is that everyone wins when you buy a subscription to the Cedar Springs Post!
This week, we drew the names of two lucky winners, who each won four tickets to see the Lipizzaner Stallions this Sunday at VanAndel arena! The winners are:
•    Daniel and Donna Clark, of Cedar Springs
•    Helen Pike, of Sparta
Congratulations to our winners! And it’s not too late for the rest of our readers to subscribe and be entered to win some great prizes from area businesses! See the entry form on this page for details.

Thank you to all of this week’s subscribers!

Daniel & Donna Clark
Mary & Dennis Menke
Fred & Carollee Gunnell
Rex Nielsen

Lee Ann Eary

Patricia & David Eary
Harold & June Middleton
Anne Heath
Annetta Fisk
Cheryl Rose
Robert & Jean Snow
Robert Ruwersma
Rosemary & Michael Gray
Marilyn & Carl Neff, Jr.
George & Eldona Allington
Joanne Furhoff
Kim Gillow
William & Ruth Stalhood
Delores Rau
Dwight & Josephine Jamison
Freda & Eugene Naffziger