Well into its first week of the year, lowland lake fishing season began with a calm start.

For South End fishing guru Bob Crouch, this season started with an unexpected silence from his end as the angling expert at Sebo’s in Bayview.

“Not a single person has come in and said anything about what they’ve caught,” he said Thursday afternoon.

Crouch explained sometimes the fish are hard to catch when the water is still cold earlier in the season.

Many people came into the store on opening day, April 26, and were excited to cast their first line for one of the more than 15,000 stocked rainbow trout in Deer, Lone and Goss lakes.

Customers have taken to the traditional bait of marshmallows, trout eggs, power bait, trolling spoons and rooster tails, he said.

“All sorts of regular old stuff that usually works,” Crouch said.

Crouch typically sees a lot of fishing customers return during the first week to share stories.

“Sometimes with no warm weather before opening day the fish don’t bite because the water is still cold,” he said.

On the lakes a handful of fishing enthusiasts have staked their spot on the water and are waiting.

Kirkland resident Robert McLee had a satisfying morning May 1 fishing on Lone Lake.

“I had some good fishing, it was a pretty good day,” he said.

McLee visits the island for its prime fishing every few weeks. This trip he caught some rainbow trout but threw them back.

On Thursday, a dozen people were on the Bayview-area lake, and McLee expected to see more as the weather gets warmer.

“It’s just starting to get good, the water is starting to be the right temperature,” he said. “It will get better and improve throughout the month.”

Everett resident John Payton traveled to fish and camp on the lake after spending some time in Anacortes at Heart Lake.

This was his first time at Lone Lake, but he has frequently fished Deer Lake in Clinton. He visited to fish for the triploids, a faster and thicker fish, and because the lake requires selective gear for sport fishing.

“I’m looking forward to catching bigger fish on this rare nice day,” he said.

Kids Fishing Derby

The season continues with the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club’s annual Kids Fishing Derby from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10 on Lake Albert in Maple Glen. Proceeds from the event, which is open to the public, benefit the Holmes Harbor Scholarship Fund.

The derby is open for children ages 14 and under. The lake will be stocked with rainbow trout and prizes will be given for the largest fish. Bring fishing gear and bait; hot dogs and drinks will be provided. For more information call 360-221-8494.