Artificial Lure here with your Lake Sam Rayburn fishing report for Wednesday, April 30, 2025.We’re hitting the tail end of spring, and Lake Sam Rayburn is fishing true to form for this time of year. Water temps are hanging around the mid-70s, sitting about a foot above pool, and the water’s got that typical East Texas stain. Sunrise is just after 6:30 a.m., and sunset’s pushing close to 8:00 p.m. No coastal tides to consider on the lake, but the rising water from recent rains has pushed fish shallow into the newly flooded cover and timber.After a cool front, the shallow bass bite has turned a bit tough, but anglers are still pulling solid fish off ledges and humps in 8 to 14 feet with Carolina rigs or big worms on a Texas rig. Don’t overlook the old timber—those bass are using any structure they can find since there isn’t much grass showing yet. Reports are steady on fish running anywhere from 3 to 6 pounds, with a few hawgs stretching 8 pounds being caught for those putting in the time[1][4][5].Crappie fishing’s been good, especially in 4 to 12 feet around trees and shallow stumps. Minnows under a cork or small jigs are your tickets to some slab action—lots of these fish are bedding and easy to grab for a fish fry[1][2]. Folks wading the stumps are getting in on some good ones, so don’t forget your boots.Catfish are shallow, especially in the creeks and up on the flats. Cut bait has been working best, and there’s steady action for channel and blue catfish, with some decent size being reported[1][2].White bass are running the points and responding well to jigging spoons. If you’re after numbers, this is your best bet right now. For lures, stick to big worms in dark colors on those deeper ledges for bass. Spinnerbaits and swim jigs in white have been hot earlier in the day in shallow water if you find any shad busting or active fish. For crappie, live minnows or baby shad jigs in chartreuse and black are putting fish in the ice chest. Catfish anglers keep throwing cut shad or punch bait.My top hot spots for today:The mouth of Buck Bay—good structure and fresh flooded cover always draws bass and crappie.Main lake humps near Harvey Creek—big bass stack here this time of year, especially on Carolina rigs and big worms.Fish the shallow creek arms if you’re after catfish or crappie; they’re loaded up from the recent spawn.Wrap up: Fish are active, the weather’s stabilizing, and there’s no better time to hit Sam Rayburn. Be safe on the water, respect fellow anglers, and keep those lines tight. This is Artificial Lure—good luck and see you at the ramp[1][2][4][5].