Releasing a Western Fence Lizard

We have a Western Fence Lizard that we've kept for a few months now. It's an adult male and did an amazing job of becoming acclimated to captivity.

We have been talking about letting it go. It lived at grandma's house and was seen very regularly in the back yard. So the question of where to release isn't an issue.

I was wondering when the cut off would be for letting it go before we should just wait until the spring. My worry is if we release him too late he won't be able to get ready for winter. We live in Northern California and the temperatures are fairly moderate but it's still a concern.

He's pretty decent size so I'd imagine him to be at least a year old now. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Having gotten a horned lizard/toad...
You need to get him out now so he can get his weight up for hibernating during the winter.
You may not know when to lower the temps or raise them for winter/spring.
I can't release mine as I am in WI. and I can't get her sent to a rescue due to the need for next day shipping that can't seem to happen for less than 50 plus dollars...
Carol

We are going to release the little guy in two weeks. I don't think fattening up will be a problem though, if anything we over feed the lizard. :D