California grunion
Leuresthes tenuis
- Notice
- Slender silver fish on wet sand
- When
- Late March–summer; particular nights
- Habitat
- Southern California sandy coast
- Best cue
- Watch quietly after a high tide
California grunion are small, slender silver fish found along Southern California and northern Baja California. They are unusual because adults ride waves completely out of the water to lay eggs in moist beach sand.
Runs occur on particular nights tied to high tides and lunar cycles. California's observation and take rules vary by month; April through June is closed to take.
Observe without flash or contact, never dig holes or obstruct fish, and remember that April through June is closed to take.