California Grunion

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — endemic to California and Baja California. Found exclusively on sandy beaches from San Francisco south to Baja California. Famous for their predictable beach spawning runs — the only fish in North America that spawns entirely on land. A unique and beloved California natural phenomenon.

Preferred Water Temperature: 58°F–68°F. Spawn on sandy beaches during nighttime high tides from March through August, with peak runs in April and May. Predictable to within hours based on moon phase and tide charts — CDFW publishes annual run schedules.

Size & Weight: Typically 5–7 inches. A small, slender silvery fish. Grunion runs are a beloved California tradition — families gather on beaches at night to catch them by hand during the legally designated open seasons.

Best Lures: N/A — caught by hand during spawning runs on the beach.

Best Baits: N/A — Grunion may only be caught by hand during designated open seasons (no nets or hooks). Check CDFW for current year run schedule and seasons. Fishing license required for adults. A wonderful family beach experience unique to California.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — endemic to California and Baja California. Found exclusively on sandy beaches from San Francisco south to Baja California. Famous for their predictable beach spawning runs — the only fish in North America that spawns entirely on land. A unique and beloved California natural phenomenon.

58°F–68°F. Spawn on sandy beaches during nighttime high tides from March through August, with peak runs in April and May. Predictable to within hours based on moon phase and tide charts — CDFW publishes annual run schedules.

Best Lures: N/A — caught by hand during spawning runs on the beach. Best Baits: N/A — Grunion may only be caught by hand during designated open seasons (no nets or hooks). Check CDFW for current year run schedule and seasons. Fishing license required for adults. A wonderful family beach experience unique to California.

Typically 5–7 inches. A small, slender silvery fish. Grunion runs are a beloved California tradition — families gather on beaches at night to catch them by hand during the legally designated open seasons.