The 2026 California grunion run season runs from March through August along Southern California beaches. Below you’ll find the official expected grunion run dates and times, along with open and closed seasons, Orange County viewing locations, regulations and tips for seeing a run.
Jump to: 2026 Schedule | Regulations | Orange County Beaches | Viewing Tips | Grunion Events | FAQs
Expected 2026 Grunion Runs
2026 Grunion Season at a Glance
- March: Open season
- April-June: Closed season. Observation only; grunion may not be pursued, handled or taken.
- July-August: Open season
- Bag limit: 30 grunion during open season.
- Fishing license: Required for anyone age 16 or older who takes grunion.
Important: During the April through June closed season, grunion may be observed but may not be pursued, handled or taken.
March (Open Season)
* Where the forecast run starts at or after midnight, the date of the previous evening is shown.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 3/3 | 9:35 p.m. – 11:35 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3/4 | 10:00 p.m. – Midnight |
| Thursday | 3/5 | 10:25 p.m. – 12:25 a.m. |
| Friday | 3/6 | 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m. |
| Wednesday | 3/18 | 10:00 p.m. – Midnight |
| Thursday | 3/19 | 10:25 p.m. – 12:25 a.m. |
| Friday | 3/20 | 10:55 p.m. -12:55 a.m. |
| Saturday | 3/21 | 11:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. |
April (Closed Season – Observation Only)
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 4/1 | 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m. |
| Thursday | 4/2 | 10:10 p.m. – 12:10 a.m. |
| Friday | 4/3 | 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m. |
| Saturday | 4/4 | 10:55 p.m. – 12:55 a.m. |
| Friday | 4/17 | 9:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. |
| Saturday | 4/18 | 10:20 p.m. – 12:20 a.m. |
| Sunday | 4/19 | 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. |
| Monday | 4/20 | 11:50 p.m. – 1:50 a.m. |
May (Closed Season – Observation Only)
| Day | Date | Time |
| Friday | 5/1 | 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 5/2 | 9:55 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. |
| Sunday | 5/3 | 10:20 p.m. – 12:20 a.m. |
| Monday | 5/4 | 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m. |
| Saturday | 5/16 | 9:20 p.m. – 11:20 p.m. |
| Sunday | 5/17 | 10:00 p.m. – Midnight |
| Monday | 5/18 | 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 5/19 | 11:40 p.m. – 1:40 a.m. |
| Sunday | 5/31 | 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. |
June (Closed Season – Observation Only)
| Day | Date | Time |
| Monday | 6/1 | 10:05 p.m. – 12:05 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 6/2 | 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. |
| Wednesday | 6/3 | 11:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m. |
| Sunday | 6/14 | 9:05 p.m. – 11:05 p.m. |
| Monday | 6/15 | 9:50 p.m. – 11:50 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 6/16 | 10:40 p.m. – 12:40 a.m. |
| Wednesday | 6/17 | 11:35 p.m. – 1:35 a.m. |
| Monday | 6/29 | 9:20 p.m. – 11:20 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 6/30 | 9:55 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. |
July (Open Season)
| Day | Date | Time |
| Wednesday | 7/1 | 10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. |
| Thursday | 7/2 | 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 7/14 | 9:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7/15 | 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m. |
| Thursday | 7/16 | 11:20 p.m. – 1:20 a.m. |
| Friday | 7/17 | 12:10 a.m. – 2:10 a.m.* |
| Wednesday | 7/29 | 9:45 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7/30 | 10:15 p.m. – 12:15 a.m. |
| Friday | 7/31 | 10:50 p.m. – 12:50 a.m. |
August (Open Season)
| Day | Date | Time |
| Saturday | 8/1 | 11:25 p.m. – 1:25 a.m. |
| Wednesday | 8/12 | 9:40 p.m. – 11:40 p.m. |
| Thursday | 8/13 | 10:20 p.m. – 12:20 a.m. |
| Friday | 8/14 | 11:05 p.m. – 1:05 a.m. |
| Saturday | 8/15 | 11:50 p.m. – 1:50 a.m. |
| Friday | 8/28 | 10:00 p.m. – Midnight |
| Saturday | 8/29 | 10:35 p.m. – 12:35 a.m. |
| Sunday | 8/30 | 11:20 p.m. – 1:20 a.m. |
* Where the forecast run starts at or after midnight, the date of the previous evening is shown.
This is the expected schedule. There are no guarantees the grunion will appear to spawn.
San Diego runs occur about 5 minutes earlier and Santa Barbara runs occur about 25 minutes later than the times provided here.
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Grunion Run Tips
Know the regulations before you go: During open season, anyone age 16 or older who takes grunion needs a valid California fishing license. Grunion may be taken by hand only, the bag and possession limit is 30 fish, and digging holes to trap them is prohibited. During the April through June closed season, do not pursue, handle or take grunion.
- 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.
- The daily bag and possession limit for grunion is 30 fish, effective June 1, 2022.
- Grunion runs take place from San Diego to Santa Barbara, with Orange and Los Angeles counties seeing the most frequent activity.
- They usually run on sloping, wide, sandy beaches.
- The best grunion runs are usually after new or full moons.
- Walk quietly and don’t shine a flashlight directly on the water. The grunion can be scared away.
- Peak season is typically late March to early June and slows down until ending in
August. - The best runs normally occur on the second and third nights of a four-night period.
- The second hour of the two-hour interval is usually better.
Where to Look for Grunion in Orange County & Southern California
Grunion runs are unpredictable, so no beach can guarantee a run. Orange County’s sandy beaches include several locations where people look for grunion during expected run periods.
- Orange County Grunion Beaches
- Corona Del Mar State Beach
- Doheny State Beach
- Newport Beach (near Newport pier)
- San Clemente Pier
- Los Angeles
- Belmont Shore
- Cabrillo Beach
- Hermosa Beach
- Long Beach City Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Santa Monica State Beach
- Topanga Beach (Malibu)
- Venice Beach
- Santa Barbara/Ventura
- Cayucos State Beach
- Goleta Beach Park
- Morro Strand State Beach
- Olde Port Beach
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Seaward Avenue Beach
- West Beach
- San Diego
- Coronado Beach
- Del Mar City Beach
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla Shores Beach
- Mission Beach
- Ocean Beach City Beach
- Oceanside Beach
Grunion Events
There are many grunion run watching events hosted by aquarium and conservancy groups. Some of these events require a ticket and a fee. Here are a few:
- Bolsa Chica State Beach (Huntington Beach): California State Parks scheduled nine guided Grunion Run programs in 2026, with the final program held August 29. Registration was required. Check the California State Parks event calendar for future grunion programs.
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro) – The 2026 Meet the Grunion season has concluded. Check the aquarium’s programs for future grunion events.
California Grunion Run FAQs
When is grunion season in California?
California’s expected grunion runs generally occur from March through August. March and July through August are open season, while April through June are closed season.
When is the next grunion run?
Use the 2026 schedule above to find the next expected run date and two-hour time window. Grunion appearances are never guaranteed.
Where can I see grunion in Orange County?
Potential Orange County viewing areas include sandy beaches around Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Doheny State Beach and San Clemente. Actual runs vary from night to night.
Can you catch grunion in California?
Grunion may be taken during open season subject to California regulations. They may be taken by hand only, and the bag and possession limit is 30 fish.
Do you need a fishing license to catch grunion?
Anyone age 16 or older who takes grunion must have a valid California fishing license.
Can you touch grunion during closed season?
No. During the April through June closed season, grunion may be observed but may not be pursued, handled or taken.
What time of night do grunion run?
Expected runs occur at night during specific two-hour windows associated with high tides. Check the schedule above for each forecast date and time.
Are grunion runs guaranteed?
No. The schedule identifies expected run periods, but grunion are wild fish and there is no guarantee they will appear on a particular beach or night.