The fish that comes ashore to spawn. You catch them with your hands, not a rod, and only in the open season.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sandy beaches on predicted run nights — the LA County sand from Malibu through Long Beach is classic grunion habitat.
CDFW Southern summary: open July 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027; bag 30; take by hand only; no holes in the beach to trap them. The famous spring runs (April–June) are closed to take. A fishing license is required on the beach. Check the CDFW expected-run page before you plan a night.
California grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) are small silversides found only along Southern California and northern Baja. They come completely out of the water to spawn on sandy beaches at night after high tides, for four nights starting on the nights of the full and new moons.
CDFW says spawning occurs from March through August, occasionally February and September, with the peak from late March to early June. CDFW publishes an expected run schedule each year, based on Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro; the second hour of each predicted two-hour window is usually better, and the best runs are normally on the second and third nights.
The 2026–27 open season runs July 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Grunion season is closed April through June; during that time contact with grunion is prohibited, though observation is allowed. During the open season, grunion may be taken by hand only, no holes may be dug, and the limit is 30 fish. A fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older who touches grunion, even if releasing them.
Grunion spawn on many sandy LA beaches, but CDFW does not recommend specific beaches because of safety and curfews. Lifeguards can tell you where recent runs happened. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers a public grunion program at Cabrillo Beach some nights.
Hand take only. No holes. License required on the beach.
CDFW California grunion facts and expected runs →
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Open July 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027; closed April through June.
Yes, for anyone 16 or older, including the Ocean Enhancement Validation. No license is needed just to watch.
30 fish, by hand only.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.
