It’s Grunion Run Season! 5 Things to Know Before You Go
They flop around, surf the waves, and make sweet love under the moonlight: the season of the grunion run has begun! On beaches all throughout Southern California, you’ll get the chance to experience these strange little creatures up close; and La Jolla has some of the best seats in the house. Just grab your flashlights, a few beach chairs and, if you don’t mind staying up late, get ready to watch them run!
So, What Is a Grunion Run?
Each spring, from April to May or June, thousands of these little silvery fish wash ashore to partake in a strange mating ritual under the moonlight. While on the beach, female grunion bury themselves half-way in the sand to lay eggs, while males wrap themselves around the females to fertilize their eggs. The females will lay anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 eggs. Then, as the next round of waves wash in, the fish simply float back to sea. Some may call them the original bodysurfers!
1. Grunions runs are unique to Southern California.
That’s right — because grunions are only found off the coast of Southern California, from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, and in Northern Baja, Mexico (just north of Punta Abreojos), we Californians are the sole witnesses of this incredible event every year.
2. They usually ‘run’ on wide, sandy beaches.
Ergo, La Jolla is the perfect grunion run destination! La Jolla Shores, to be exact. If you’re a newbie and you want the full experience, we recommend going with the expert naturalists at the Birch Aquarium during, or just after, a full moon. They host guided visits of grunion spawning areas at La Jolla Shores throughout April-June, which includes a full rundown on these mysterious creatures as well as a demonstration of hatchlings emerging from their eggs in a vial of seawater.
Birch Aquarium Grunion Run 2018 schedule:
Wednesday, May 2: 11:00pm — 1:00 am
Thursday, May 31: 10:30pm — 12:30am
Friday, June 1: 11:00pm — 1:00am
3. You can even catch the grunions — but only during specific periods.
If you’re in the market for some fresh seafood, you may want to check out a grunion run this year! While April and May are off-limits to fishing or catching the fish while they’re onshore (this is their prime mating period and are therefore protected), you are allowed to do so in March and June — and only with your hands. No nets, buckets or other gear is allowed, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Additionally, people over 16 need a fishing license to participate, and while there is no official bag limit, it is illegal to waste them. Digging holes in the sand as traps is also forbidden.
4. For the best runs, look for the fish after new or full moons.
These silvery little fish are most likely to surface after the highest tides during a full moon, and the largest numbers of grunions usually wash up about an hour after the ‘run’ begins. Try to avoid using flashlights, as the illumination can scare away the fish, and if you do, limit their use to times after the waves have receded. Do remember to tread carefully; you never know what you may be stepping on, and the vibrations of your feet will often scare the little guys away.
5. Though unlikely, be prepared for a no-show.
As with any creatures, there is an element of luck to our ability to witness them; and while grunion can hit the beach by the thousands, they can also decide not to show up at all. It’s disappointing, but not altogether unusual. And, at the very least, you’ll be enjoying a peaceful moonlit walk along the beach — what could possibly be more Southern Californian than that?
A few grunion run tips and things to remember:
- Do not touch or or interfere with spawning during closed fishing season (April and May).
- Walk quietly and don’t shine a flashlight directly on the water
- Leave your furry friends at home
- Wear waterproof shoes, or at least shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Same goes for clothing, as well.
- What to bring: a flashlight, a beach chair, a bucket to put your grunion in, and a fishing license if you are planning to take them.
Above all, have fun — and happy grunion running!
