Grunion Runs for 2014

Grunion Run San Diego by Eric Wittman

“The California grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) is a member of the New World silversides family, Atheriniopsidae, along with jacksmelt and topsmelt. Grunion are the object of a unique recreational fishery. These fish are famous for their remarkable spawning behavior, which evokes an “I don’t believe it!” response from people seeing or hearing about it for the first time.” California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Spawning, the purpose of the runs, mainly occurs from March through August with peak dates between late March to early June. During a four-day cycle that starts on the nights of the full and new moons, grunion leave the water at night, after high tide, to spawn on beaches for a few hours.

The female creates a nest with her tail by twisting her body and digging her tail into the sand until she is half buried. Males curve around the female and release milt which reaches and fertilizes the eggs. As many as eight males may fertilize the eggs in a single nest. After spawning, the males immediately retreat toward the water while the female twists free and returns with the next wave.

While spawning may only take 30 seconds, some fish remain stranded on the beach for several minutes.

Best Locations and Times
Grunion runs will occur on most southern California beaches but not on every night and at every part of the beach. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends calling “the state and county beach lifeguards who can often tell if spawning has taken place.” Grunion runs have been spotted on beaches between Morro Bay and Cayucos.

The sun, moon, earth, tides and grunion behavior
source:http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/grunion.asp

“REMINDER: During the open season, a California fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older. Grunion may be taken by hand only. No holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them. There is no bag limit, but take only the fish you can use – it is unlawful and unethical to waste fish.”

The Schedule — Expected Grunion Runs (Pacific Daylight Savings Time)

Note: The times given for each date reflect the probable two-hour interval during which a spawning run may occur. The second hour is usually better. The best runs normally occur on the second and third nights of the four-night period.

Grunion Run San Diego by Eric Wittman