Winter rains are giving Clear Lake a timely lift heading into fishing season. The lake has climbed to 6.3 feet, rising more than two feet since early fall. Experts say that fresh water fuels the food chain, bringing in bait fish and setting up prime bass conditions. Clear Lake’s reputation as the nation’s top bass fishery is once again drawing anglers from across the country. The timing lines up perfectly with the start of the WON Bass Winter Open this week.