Get your grunion buckets ready.
The slimy little fish are forecast to return to Southern California beaches from July 14 to July 17, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Grunion wash ashore during select nights each year to spawn in the wet sand during full and new moons. Grunion runs happen from beaches south of Point Conception in Santa Barbara County to Baja California.
Beachgoers are invited to catch the edible fish, but must do so by hand. State law allows a bag limit of 30 grunion per person.
“One of California’s most extraordinary wildlife events happens after dark during a short window of time and on a few special beaches,” CDFW said. “Beaches are scouted by grunion in advance so every run there is no guarantee your favorite beach will be visited. Once a run begins, and in a true test of fishy strength, grunion storm the beach to lay their eggs away onshore during the high tide. This rare and special event is timed with the moon and tidal cycles.”
Grunion runs are forecast for the following dates and times:
- July 14: 9:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
- July 15: 10:35 p.m. to 12:35 a.m.
- July 16: 11:20 p.m. to 2:10 a.m.
- July 17: 12:10 p.m. to 2:10 a.m.
CDFW officials encourage the public to seek out grunion fishing events put on by some organizations, which offer guided informational tours. Those interested in fishing for grunion on their own try calling state and county lifeguards to find out which beaches the fish have been spawning at most recently.
Participants are required to follow the following fishing regulations:
- Those 16 and older must have a valid fishing license
- An ocean enhancement validation is required to fish in ocean waters south of Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County
- The bag and possession limit is 30 fish per person
- Grunion may only be taken by hand. No nets or other equipment may be used
- No holes may be dug in the beach to entrap the fish
