The Claiborne Parish Lunker Program was initiated by the Claiborne Parish Watershed District in 2022.

The goal of the Claiborne Parish Lunker Program is to encourage the return of trophy fish to the lake by rewarding anglers a replica bass for catching and releasing their Lunker back to the lake.

CPWD hopes it will spawn and produce more potential lunkers and continue to grow and be caught again by another angler. To qualify for a Lunker Bass replica, the fish must be weighed, registered, and released alive by CPWD or its representative. CPWD provides an angler a free fiberglass replica for any bass weighing 10 pounds or more, provided the following rules are met: 

• The bass must be caught in Lake Claiborne and weigh a minimum of 10.00 lbs.
  
• Fish must be caught by sporting means, i.e. a fishing pole, rod, reel and line, or other form of sport fishing tackle. Fish caught by hand, hand lines, set lines, trot lines,  net, trap, seine, or snagging are not eligible.
  
• Fish must be weighed on an ASGS approved scale at a CPWD Official Weigh Station or an approved tournament scale.
  
• At weigh-in, the angler must present a valid fishing license or approved exemption.
  
• A designated witness at the weigh station must attest to the weight.
  
• Angler must release the live fish to a weigh station employee.
• If the fish dies prior to release, the angler will be notified, it will be returned to him/her, and CPWD will not award a replica.

Handling Tips

• Keeping your lunker alive is critical. Handle it carefully and go to a weigh station ASAP.
• Always wet your hands before handling and transferring the fish.
  
• Avoid holding the fish vertically by the lower lip.  Use one hand to firmly grasp the lower jaw and the other to support the weight just behind the belly. Or, use a knotless, fine mesh, soft net or plastic weigh bag to transfer the fish.
  
• Try not to hold the fish out of water longer than 30 seconds.
  
• Transfer the fish to a well-aerated live well or aerated cooler, out of direct sunlight.
  
• Go immediately to a CPWD Weigh Station.