FISHING -- Avondale Lake is being stocked with rainbow trout this season to give North Idaho anglers a new winter fishery.

Avondale Lake has been a popular panfish ice fishery close to the urban centers of Hayden and Coeur d’Alene. This year, the winter fishing experience for perch and bluegill is being enhanced with rainbow trout planted in September.

The rainbows ought to help provide more consistent fishing success through the winter, said Rob Ryan, Fish and Game Department fisheries biologist.

"This lake gets too warm in summer months to support a trout fishery, but does offer suitable conditions during winter," he said.

Avondale Lake often freezes adequately to allow a safe ice fishing experience. It was iced over this weekend, but there's no report yet on the thickness of the ice for angler safety. 

"Anglers should always use caution when venturing out on the ice to fish," Ryan said.

• See a video and tips on ice fishing safety.

Avondale Lake is privately owned. Public parking and access is allowed across from the clubhouse at the Avondale Golf Club. Anglers must  respect private property owners around the lake while fishing in order to keep the public fishing opportunity open, he said.