When it comes to trout, the primary targets here during the winter season are lake trout and, more recently, rainbows, but some of the bigger lakes are producing lakers into double digits and rainbows into the 5-pound class, and there are lots of them.

For the past couple of winters, Lake Winnisquam has been a hotbed of activity. The lake offers lake trout and rainbows, and if this year is anything like last year, it will be difficult to find a bad place to fish. The rainbows are running up to 20 inches, with some larger specimens possible.

According to Don Miller, a Region 2 fisheries biologist with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, sandy beaches and gravelly shorelines are always good bets, and water 10 to 20 feet deep is generally enough.

Both shores of the northern half of the lake, from about Swain State Forest on the east shore (accessible via the Meredith Road out of Laconia) south to Black Brook Station WMA on the west shore, offer some of the best rainbow water, although good fish are apt to be picked up anywhere on the lake.

"There seemed to be a super abundance of lake trout last winter," Miller said, "with 14- to 19-inch fish making up much of the catch."

It is not unusual for anglers to pick up a few lake trout from 8 to 10 pounds during the winter season, and larger specimens are possible. Drop-offs running down the middle of the lake in water 40 to 50 feet deep are good places to look for lakers. Swedish Pimples or small bucktail jigs with a piece of cut bait work best.

Expect to see concentrations of shacks spread across the lake, especially Mosquito Bridge and Mohawk Island on the south end, at the mouth of the Winnipesaukee River where it flows into the lake, and off the Belmont town beach. The minimum length limit on lake trout is 18 inches.

For information on lodging and other services in the area, contact the Greater Laconia Chamber of Commerce by calling (800) 531-2347.

For the past few years, the state has been stocking Winnipesaukee each May with fish averaging around 12 inches, and by the time the ice-fishing season begins, a good percentage are in the 16- and 17-inch range, Miller said. Rainbows of 18 inches have been nothing unusual lately, with some running 4 and 5 pounds.

This winter, expect much of the same once ice sets in. This is generally no problem because some of the best rainbow hotspots traditionally freeze earlier than the main lake. This includes Wolfeboro Bay, easily reached via Route 28 from the north or south and parts of Alton Bay, accessible from Route 28A on the east side or routes 11 or 11D on the west.

Considering rainbows seem to prefer sand or gravel bottoms, many of the beaches on the west shore should be explored, too. This would include West Alton, Spring Haven, Lake Shore Park, Leavitts Shore, Gilford Beach and Ellacoya State Park. All are easily accessible along Route 11.

Set up in to 5 to 10 feet of water, and try chumming with salmon eggs before going over to shiners or smelt, the smaller the better. Keep in mind that ice-fishermen are restricted to two lines, but it pays to spread out over a large area by drilling a dozen holes and changing locations from time to time.

For more information on fishing New Hampshire's central lakes, contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in Concord at (603) 271-3211 or explore their Web site at www.fish@wildlife.state.nh.us. Reports are posted weekly and can be a great source of updated information on ice conditions and hotspots.

For information on lodging and other services in the area, contact the Lakes Region Association by calling (603) 774-8664, or visit their Web site at www.lakesregion.com.