Grunion Hunting by Moonlight

August 13, 2009

Question: For a couple of years now I have been trying to witness a really good grunion run but I always seem to miss them. Can you tell me where to go and which beaches have been having good grunion runs this year? I don’t want to keep any of the fish. I just want to take my son out to see this unusual California event. (Vicki T., Anaheim)

Answer: Yes, when the grunion decide the moon and the tides are all aligned just right for a moonlit frolic, anyone lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to witness one of their spawning runs will be treated to a crazy, frenzied experience.

Grunion, small silvery fish that usually get to be about five to six inches in length, will ride the waves in onto the beach just after the high tide has peaked. The female quickly drills herself down deep into the sand, depositing sometimes as many as 3,000 eggs as the wave she rode in on recedes. Waiting males then curve their bodies around her on top of the sand to release their milt, and once spawning is complete (about 30 seconds), both fish will ride the next wave back out to sea.

As far as where to find this phenomenon, any sandy wave-swept beach south of Point Conception is a potential grunion spawning beach. Thus, pinpointing with accuracy exactly where you might have the best chance of observing a grunion run will be tough. Grunion run in the middle of the night, and just like fishing, catching a grunion run can be a hit-or-miss affair that simply won’t adhere to any predicted schedule we make. At best, we can estimate probable run times and dates based upon the tides and moon phases, but no guarantees. Only the grunion truly know when and where they will decide to run.

You might try checking with the lifeguards working the beaches where you’d like to visit to see if they have seen any signs of recent spawning activity. Check too for any beach curfews as many beaches close at night for safety reasons and are not available to the public.

To see our predicted grunion run calendar and to delve more into learning about this fascinating spawning ritual, fishy facts on grunion, hints for successful “grunioning” and even some tips on how to prepare and cook them, check out the DFG’s Amazing Grunion Web page at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grnindx3.asp

The Grunion Run with the Muggles was sooooo much fun!!!  No grunions....but we did a lot of running....running away from GrunionMaster1!!!   

GrunionMaster1