Why do Grunions spawn on the beach?

Grunion reproduce by coming completely out of the water to lay their eggs on sandy beaches. Shortly after high tide, af- ter the new or full moon, sections of these beaches may be covered with thousands of fish dancing about on the sand. Some of the largest, most consistent grunion runs occur in Orange County.

Where can I find Grunions?

California grunion are small, silvery fish found only along the coast of Southern California and northern Baja California. Most people would be unaware of their existence were it not for the unique spawning behavior of these fish.

What are the best days to find grunion?

Grunion runs may occur anytime from the night of highest tide throughout the descending series of high tides. Runs are most likely to occur on the second, third, fourth, and fifth nights following the night of the new or full moon. Generally, the third and fourth nights are best.

Where do Grunions live?

Grunion, also called California grunion, (species Leuresthes tenuis), small Pacific fish of the family Atherinidae (order Atheriniformes). The species is found in the Pacific Ocean along the western coast of the United States.

How do grunion babies make it back to the sea?

The baby grunion wait for the next cycle of high tides to take them back out to sea. That typically means a two-week wait. When the high tides do return, the grunion get swept out by the waves. The cold seawater is the signal to hatch.

Which is the best beach to watch Grunion Run?

For all who want to casually have a chance at seeing a grunion run, simply walk any flat and sandy beach and maybe you’ll get lucky. Mission and Coronado are both easy access beaches. Similarly, if you do not plan to catch Grunion, and solely want to observe, La Jolla Shores is a great choice too.

When do Grunion come to the beach in California?

See our map of grunion run beaches in California. These slender, silvery fish have some unique mating behaviors: when spawning season comes, typically March through September, masses of grunion will swim onto the sandy shores at night.

Where to go for a grunion run in San Diego?

The best beaches to witness a grunion run in San Diego are as follows. Coronado Beach (including the Strand and even IB) is good, Mission Beach is reliable, and I’ve been hearing really good things about a couple beaches up in Oceanside.

Where to see grunion run fish in California?

In general, these unique fish can be found during their spawning times at many beaches from the San Diego area up to the San Luis Obispo County coast. They’ve even been seen at beaches near San Francisco and Marin County. See the beach list below which is ordered south to north.