When the Fish Come to You – California Grunion Runs Start Soon

Grunion run on a moonlit beach. photo by D. Alps, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

The grunion are coming! These iconic California fish are known for their amazing late-night mating ritual on the sands of Southern California beaches. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 2023 schedule of expected California grunion runs is now available online.

Grunion are unique in that they leave the ocean and spawn on the beach each spring and summer. This occurs as the nights’ high tides fall following the full and new moons.

Please note that if you plan to take grunion, new regulations went into effect June 1, 2022.

New Recreational Grunion Regulations Starting June 1

Grunion run. CDFW photo

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife would like to inform all who fish for or collect California grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) that the California Fish and Game Commission has recently adopted new grunion sport fishing regulations.

2021 Schedule of Expected California Grunion Runs Available, Input on Grunion Fishing Sought

Southern California grunion run
photo by K. Walker

The 2021 schedule of expected California grunion runs is now available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website. If attending a grunion run, please follow current Covid-19 health guidelines and check with city or county authorities for information about potential beach closures.

CDFW Questionnaire to Gather Grunion Hunter Knowledge

California grunion spawning on a sandy Southern California beach

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) would like to hear from California grunion hunters! A new questionnaire is available on the CDFW website to capture grunion hunters’ input. Your participation can help CDFW to better understand the recreational fishery.

2020 California Grunion Run Schedule Now Available

California grunion come ashore to spawn on a Southern California beach
photo by heather, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Editor’s Note: Many local authorities have temporarily closed access to beaches due to public safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check with city or county authorities for information about specific beaches.

The 2020 schedule of expected California grunion runs is now available on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Grunion are famous for their spawning behavior. From March through August, these fish surf the waves