{"id":912,"date":"2022-03-02T11:47:03","date_gmt":"2022-03-02T16:47:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beachfix.com\/?p=912"},"modified":"2022-03-02T11:47:04","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T16:47:04","slug":"grunion-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beachfix.com\/beach-activities\/grunion-run\/","title":{"rendered":"2022 Grunion Run Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every year, California beaches<\/a> hold an annual Grunion run. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife<\/a> (CDFW) has recently released the Grunion Run schedule for this year. Check below for this year’s schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"2022<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"\"California’s annual Grunion Run typically lasts from about March to August, as it did in 2021. The past schedules have varied some. In 2015, it also ran from March through August. Meanwhile, the Grunion Run 2019 schedule ran from April to September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to predict the 2022 schedule is to study the moon’s phases that will occur between March and September. In any case, we know that peak grunion season is late March-August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take a look at what the iconic Grunion Run is all about and learn more about grunions in general!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grunion Run Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Day<\/th>Date<\/th>Time<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Wednesday<\/td>3\/2<\/td>9:40 PM – 11:40 PM<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday<\/td>3\/3<\/td>10:10 PM – 12:10 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Friuday<\/td>3\/4<\/td>10:35 PM – 12:35 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Saturday<\/td>3\/5<\/td>11:05 PM – 1:05 AM
<\/td><\/tr>
Friday<\/td>3\/18<\/td>10:35 PM – 12:35 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Saturday<\/td>3\/19<\/td>11:00 PM – 1:00 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Sunday<\/td>3\/20<\/td>11:30 PM – 1:30 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Monday<\/td>3\/21<\/td>12:05 AM – 2:05 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Wednesday<\/td>6\/1<\/td>10:35 PM – 12:35 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday<\/td>6\/2<\/td>11:10 PM – 1:10 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Tuesday<\/td>6\/14<\/td>9:35 PM – 11:35 PM<\/td><\/tr>
Wednesday<\/td>6\/15<\/td>10:25 PM – 12:25 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday<\/td>6\/16<\/td>11:15 PM – 1:15 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Friday<\/td>6\/17<\/td>12:10 AM – 2:10 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Wednesday<\/td>6\/29<\/td>9:50 PM – 11:50 PM<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday<\/td>6\/30<\/td>10:25 PM – 12:25 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Friday<\/td>7\/1<\/td>11:00 PM – 1:00 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Saturday<\/td>7\/2<\/td>11:35 PM – 1:35 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Wednesday<\/td>7\/13<\/td>9:30 PM – 11:30 PM<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday<\/td>7\/14<\/td>10:20 PM – 12:20 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Friday<\/td>7\/15<\/td>11:10 PM – 1:10 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Saturday<\/td>7\/16<\/td>12:00 AM – 2:00 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday<\/td>7\/28<\/td>9:40 PM – 11:40 PM<\/td><\/tr>
Friday<\/td>7\/29<\/td>10:10 PM – 12:10 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Saturday<\/td>7\/30<\/td>10:45 PM – 12:45 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Sunday<\/td>7\/31<\/td>11:20 PM – 1:20 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Thursday<\/td>8\/11<\/td>9:25 PM – 11:25 PM<\/td><\/tr>
Friday<\/td>8\/12<\/td>10:10 PM – 12:10 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Saturday<\/td>8\/13<\/td>10:55 PM – 12:55 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Sunday<\/td>8\/14<\/td>11:45 PM – 1:45 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Saturday<\/td>8\/27<\/td>10:00 PM – 12:00 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Sunday<\/td>8\/28<\/td>10:30 PM – 12:30 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Monday<\/td>8\/29<\/td>11:10 PM – 1:10 AM<\/td><\/tr>
Tuesday<\/td>8\/30<\/td>11:50 PM – 1:50 AM<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Source: California Department of Fish & Wildlife<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About Grunion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of grunion: California grunion<\/a> and Gulf grunion<\/a>. They are small and slimy, very similar to sardines or anchovies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grunion is a species of marine fish that only live on southern California beaches and in northern Baja California. What’s so intriguing about them is their rare spawning behavior. They leave the water after dark during spring and summer to spawn on the sandy beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They go to shore to breed, where the female grunion lays their delicate eggs in the soft sand. The male follows to fertilize the grunion eggs. On spawning runs like this, the fish are all over the sand and wiggling around as they hatch during high tide. After several hours, they make their way back into the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what do people do with them? Because of the grunion\u2019s small size and pungent smell, they make excellent baitfish. Professional fishers capitalize on this opportunity to get a hefty supply of free bait. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wondering if grunions are enjoyable to eat? Yes, they are! Many people enjoy them served in rich Italian sauces or fried with butter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Grunion Run?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During grunion spawn season, people head to the ocean on the southern coast of California during high tides to catch the grunion. Since they’re hanging out right on the sand, they’re easy to pick up and take home. A California fishing license is required to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, you use the term ‘running fish’ when talking about catching grunion. This is different than your typical fishing because you simply pick them up by hand (which is the only permitted way to catch them).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading for more tips and guidelines for participating in runs!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Can People Do Grunion Run?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we mentioned, spawning runs occur during spring and summer, which is when people can participate in runs. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sets specific days and times<\/a> when people can attend runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The peak spawning season occurs during or after a full and new moon, making the schedule quite specific. The CDFW lists the two hours of low tide, usually for a three or four-night period after a new or full moon as designated grunion run times. Typically, the third and fourth nights are best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s usually a two-hour period for runs when spawning is likely. And, the second hour is usually better in terms of how many you can catch. They may run at any point during the two hours after high tide, so sometimes it’s a matter of being patient!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Are Grunion Runs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grunion runs happen all across the southern coast of California, where the species lives. This span of shoreline includes areas like Point Conception, Baja, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Malibu, and San Diego<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best runs usually occur on beaches that are set back from streets or loud city noises that could frighten the fish. Grunion love soft, light sand because it’s the perfect place for females to lay their eggs for fertilization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s take a look at where you can find the best runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Grunion Run Beaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n