Bolsa Chica SB
Grunion Run
What are grunion?
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Grunion are small, silvery marine fish that come completely out of the water to spawn on the sand during the high tides after the new and full moon. These fish are only found along the Southern California and Baja California coastlines; therefore, witnessing them “dancing” on the sand is truly a California experience. Unfortunately, since the highest tides usually occur after beach curfews, it is very hard to watch this natural phenomenon on your own. |
Is there a way to safely observe this unique occurrence?
Bolsa Chica State Beach offers a free, guided program that allows registered participants to safely park and watch the grunion run. State park staff will give visitors a short, educational program on the grunion before heading out on the sand to observe the fascinating mating ritual of these fish and enjoy s’mores by a complementary bonfire.
Visitors must RSVP to attend as space is limited. Please sign up by clicking on the RSVP link below for the date you desire and registering each participant in your group. Parking and event site details will be sent to all confirmed participants.
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. The daily bag and possession limit for grunion is 30 fish.
See California Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information.
WHERE:
Bolsa Chica State Beach
2025 GRUNION RUN DATES:
| DAY | DATE | TIME | OPEN/CLOSED SEASON | REGISTRATION |
| Sat | 3/29 | 10:00pm - 12:00am | OPEN | Register for 3/29 |
| Sat | 4/12 | 10:00pm - 12:00am | CLOSED | Register for 4/12 |
| Wed | 5/28 | 10:00pm - 12:00am | CLOSED | Register for 5/28 |
| Fri | 6/27 | 11:00pm - 1:00am | CLOSED | Register for 6/27 |
| Sat | 7/12 | 10:30pm - 12:30am | OPEN | Register for 7/12 |
| Sat | 7/26 | 10:30pm - 12:30am | OPEN | Register for 7/26 |
| Sat | 8/9 | 10:00pm - 11:30pm | OPEN | Register for 8/9 |
CLOSED SEASON = NO TAKE, Observation ONLY.
If you would like to catch grunion, please attend an open season program.
The Bolsa Chica Interpretive and Education team works in tandem with the Bolsa Chica Junior Lifeguard Program to set up registration for these events. Please scroll past information about the Junior Lifeguard Program to the bottom of the page, where you will find the option to "Sign Up Now!" for this event on your chosen date.
This program is FREE.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Limited space available.