Grunion Run 2023 schedule
The Grunion Run 2023 schedule for California has been released. California grunions (Leuresthes tenuis) are small bait fish that breed by swimming onto sandy beaches at certain moon and tide cycles up and down Southern California, and going on a grunion run is a great way of seeing this unique species. But first, you need to know when they run and how to find them on a run.
When do grunion runs happen in California in 2023?
Grunion runs occur between March and August up and down Southern California when a combination of moon, tide and water temperature trigger the California grunion to swim right up to the beach to breed.
What are the best tips for finding grunions on grunion runs?
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Find a sandy beach with access to open ocean - avoid harbors and lagoons
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Avoid using head torches or lamps - grunions spook easily
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The third and fourth night of the run are usually the most reliable times to spot grunion
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You'll often see birds circling or landing where the grunion are running, or just before
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If you can't find them, keep lights off and walk the beach as the run will often be concentrated in one area
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The months of April, May and June are now no-take months
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The best (and most legal) way of catching grunion is with your hands
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Make sure you read the California Fish & Wildlife's list of regulations for grunion hunters
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Listen to Episode 54 of the Western Outdoor News podcast on Grunions Runs and finding Grunions
Tips for fishing on grunion runs: baits, tides, species and guiding
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Grunion runs often attract sharks, rays, halibut, croaker and surf perch
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Grunion are often too small to use as bait, so try half a fresh mackerel or croaker instead
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The period just after or before the run with a big outgoing tide often produces the best action
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Read this Western Outdoor News article on fishing during a Grunion Run.
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For information on guiding services for grunion run fishing, click here
The 2023 grunion run schedule for California is listed below with full dates and times for all grunion runs throughout the year, March until August
Grunion Runs in March 2023
Day Date Time
Tuesday 3/7 9:35 p.m. – 11:35 p.m.
Wednesday 3/8 9:55 p.m. – 11:55 p.m.
Thursday 3/9 10:20 p.m. – 12:20 a.m.
Friday 3/10 10:45 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.
Tuesday 3/21 10:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.
Wednesday 3/22 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m.
Thursday 3/23 11:20 p.m. – 1:20 a.m.
Friday 3/24 11:50 p.m. – 1:50 a.m.
Grunion Runs in April 2023 (Observation Only)
Wednesday 4/5 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Thursday 4/6 10:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.
Friday 4/7 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m.
Saturday 4/8 11:05 p.m. – 1:05 a.m.
Wednesday 4/19 9:40 p.m. – 11:40 p.m.
Thursday 4/20 10:10 p.m. – 12:10 a.m.
Friday 4/21 10:40 p.m. – 12:40 a.m.
Saturday 4/22 11:10 p.m. – 1:10 a.m.
Grunion Runs in May 2023 (Observation Only)
Friday 5/5 9:35 p.m. – 11:35 p.m.
Saturday 5/61 0:05 p.m. – 12:05 a.m.
Sunday 5/7 10:40 p.m. – 12:40 a.m.
Monday 5/8 11:25 p.m. – 1:25 a.m.
Friday 5/19 9:35 p.m. – 11:35 p.m.
Saturday 5/20 10:10 p.m. – 12:10 a.m.
Sunday 5/21 10:40 p.m. – 12:40 a.m.
Monday 5/22 11:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m.
Grunion Runs in June 2023 (Observation Only)
Saturday 6/3 9:10 p.m. – 11:10 p.m.
Sunday 6/4 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Monday 6/5 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m.
Tuesday 6/6 11:25 p.m. – 1:25 a.m.
Friday 6/16 8:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Saturday 6/17 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m.
Sunday 6/18 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Monday 6/19 10:25 p.m. – 12:25 a.m.
Grunion Runs in July 2023
Sunday 7/2 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Monday 7/3 9:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.
Tuesday 7/4 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m.
Wednesday 7/5 11:25 p.m. – 1:25 a.m.
Monday 7/17 9:40 p.m. – 11:40 p.m.
Tuesday 7/18 10:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.
Wednesday 7/19 10:45 p.m. – 12:45 a.m.
Thursday 7/20 11:20 p.m. – 1:20 a.m.
Grunion Runs in August 2023
Tuesday 8/1 9:40 p.m. – 11:40 p.m.
Wednesday 8/2 10:25 p.m. – 12:25 a.m.
Thursday 8/3 11:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m.
Friday 8/4 midnight. – 2:00 a.m.
Tuesday 8/15 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8/16 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Thursday 8/17 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Friday 8/18 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Wednesday 8/30 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Thursday 8/3 110:15 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.