Gold Panning: License Needed?

Whether or not you need a prospector's license to pan for gold depends on where you are. In Indiana, for example, gold prospectors are required to follow the rules under a general license, which acts as their permit. In Washington, gold prospecting in or near water requires a permit, unless you are operating within the rules of the Gold and Fish pamphlet. In Denver, Colorado, you can pan for gold in most areas without a license.

Gold panning in Indiana

Gold panning is a fun hobby for many people and families in Indiana. While gold is not a naturally occurring metal in the state, it was relocated there from Canada by glaciers.

If you want to try gold panning in Indiana, there are a few things you should know. First, you'll need to follow the rules under the general license to legally pan for gold. This license outlines where you can go and what tools you can use. For example, the use of a pick, shovel or sluice is not allowed due to concerns for water quality. You also need to get permission from landowners before prospecting on their property. Additionally, state forests and national forests require an additional free permit, which you can obtain by contacting the relevant forest office. Indiana State Park properties and Indiana State Wildlife properties do not authorise gold prospecting activities.

There are several places in Indiana where you can go gold panning. Gold has been found in creeks in Jefferson County, and in the pre-Wisconsin glacial boundary, which runs through the county. Gatesville, Indiana, is also a popular spot, with a stream about 100 yards behind the local store. In Southern Indiana, Gold Creek, Salt Creek, and Sand Creek are reported to contain gold. The Morgan-Monroe State Forest near Martinsville, Indiana, is another good option, with gold panning permits available from the forest office. Deadman's Hollow on Goose Creek is also mentioned as a place where gold can be found, but it requires a challenging hike to get there.

When gold panning, it's important to follow some basic etiquette. Always fill in your holes at the end of the day and leave the area cleaner than you found it. Carry a trash bag and respect the natural environment. In rivers and creeks, dig below the high watermark and avoid digging around roots or vegetation that help stabilise the riverbanks.

Gold panning equipment is simple and affordable. All you really need to get started is a gold pan and a shovel. Other useful items include a classifier screen to remove big rocks, a snuffer bottle for sucking up gold, and a vial to store your finds.

Gold panning in Colorado

Colorado has a long and rich history of gold mining, and while it may be challenging to find unclaimed land, there are still plenty of places to try your luck. Here are some tips and locations to get you started:

Rules and Regulations:

Before you begin gold panning in Colorado, it's important to understand the rules and regulations. Most local parks allow the removal of small gold flakes, but anything found within a CPW-controlled area is technically the property of the state. Always check with the relevant authorities and land owners before starting to pan. In Colorado's National Forests and BLM areas, a permit is not required for recreational gold panning, but it's important to minimise disturbance to the natural environment. Only simple, non-motorised tools are permitted without a permit.

Equipment:

You don't need heavy equipment to find gold. A good pair of boots, a shovel, a pan, and a desire to explore are all you need to get started. A classifier screen, rubber gloves, and waterproof dishwashing gloves can also be useful.

Where to Go:

• Arapahoe Bar Gold Panning Park: Located west of Denver, this park offers free access to prospectors and is set up on a gold-bearing stretch of Clear Creek. Panning and sluicing are only allowed in the creek bed, and digging is prohibited on the southern banks.
• Cache Creek: Found between Buena Vista and Leadville, Cache Creek is accessible by turning off the US-24 highway onto Lost Canyon Road. Follow the road up to the plateau and then head south to find the dirt parking lot and creek area.
• Clear Creek Canyon Park: Located west of Golden, Colorado, this park offers access to about 10 miles of waterway for gold prospecting. Gold along the river bed is replenished by the flow of water, providing a great opportunity to find valuable gold.
• Fairplay Prospecting Park: Fairplay is a historic gold mining town with a rich history of gold mining. For a small fee, you can pan for gold and sluice the South Platte River and surrounding creeks.
• Phoenix Gold Mine: This working mine offers tours and gold panning opportunities for a small fee. You can take a tour and then try your luck at panning in the stream next to the mine, where you can find real gold.

Techniques:

Gold is often found in areas where it has been previously discovered. Research historical gold mining areas and reach out to local rock and gem shops or prospecting clubs for advice. Gold is very heavy, so look for areas where heavy minerals like black sand are concentrated. Use your pan and shovel to collect gravel and sand, and then wash away the lighter material with water to reveal any gold.

Happy prospecting!

Gold panning equipment

Gold panning is an enjoyable hobby that can be done with just a few basic supplies. A standard gold panning kit will include a pan, a classifier screen, a sniffer bottle, a magnet, and a trowel or shovel. Here is a more detailed list of the equipment you will need:

• Gold Pan: The most important piece of equipment is a good gold pan. Metal pans are mostly a relic of the past, with green or blue plastic pans being preferred as they provide a good contrast to the black sand and yellow gold you are seeking. The Garrett Super Sluice and the Proline Blue 14-inch gold pans are two popular options.
• Classifier Screen: A classifier is a screen used to separate large stones from the material you want to pan. A 1/4-inch classifier is recommended for wet material, while a 1/2-inch classifier is better for dry material.
• Snuffer Bottle: This is used for sucking up gold while panning.
• Magnet: Since black sand is often magnetic, a magnet can help with the final separation of gold from other materials.
• Trowel or Shovel: You will need a small trowel or shovel to dig and collect material to put in your pan.
• Vials: You will also need some small glass vials to store your gold finds.

In addition to these basic items, there are several other tools and pieces of equipment that can be useful for gold panning:

• Gloves: A thin pair of fabric gloves with a rubber-coated palm and fingers can be useful, especially if the water is cold. Waterproof dishwashing gloves can also be helpful.
• Sun Hat and Polarized Sunglasses: It is important to protect yourself from the sun, so be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses when gold panning.
• Crevicing Tools: If you are exploring areas with a lot of bedrock, you may want to invest in some crevicing tools to clean out the cracks where gold can get stuck. A metal spoon, flat screwdriver, toothbrush, geologist's hammer, and purpose-designed crack-scraping tools can be useful.
• River Sluice: A river sluice allows you to process more gravel and sand than a hand sluice. The Keene A52 River Sluice is a traditional option, while the Gold Hog Piglet is a good choice for a miniature highbanker.
• Metal Detector: While most placer gold is too small to be detected, a metal detector can be useful for finding larger pieces of gold, known as "pickers" or "nuggets." The Minelab Equinox 800 and the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 are two popular options for gold detectors.

Gold panning permits in Washington

Gold panning is a popular hobby for outdoor enthusiasts in Washington State, thanks to its diverse geography and rich mining history. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulates gold prospecting and placer mining activities in the state. Here is some information on the permits required for gold panning in Washington.

Permits for Gold Panning in Washington

Gold panning is legal in Washington State, but prospectors must comply with specific regulations and restrictions to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The WDFW requires a valid mineral prospecting permit for all prospecting activities on public lands it manages, including panning, sluicing, and dredging. This permit allows individuals to search for minerals, including gold, in these areas.

However, it is important to note that the WDFW permit does not grant permission to prospect on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the US Forest Service (USFS). Separate permits from these agencies are required for prospecting on their lands.

Restrictions on Gold Panning in Washington

There are several restrictions on where and how gold panning can be conducted in Washington State. Panning is not allowed within 100 feet of any state park, recreation area, or wildlife sanctuary. Similarly, prospecting is prohibited within 200 feet of any state highway bridge and 100 feet of any county road bridge.

Gold panning is also not permitted within 100 feet of archaeological or cultural heritage sites without obtaining the necessary permits.

Environmental and Water Quality Regulations

Gold panning activities in Washington must comply with environmental regulations to protect the state's water resources and wildlife. The use of motorized equipment is prohibited within 100 feet of a stream, and only non-toxic methods can be used for gold recovery.

Additionally, wastewater discharge from gold prospecting activities must meet water quality standards to protect surface water, groundwater, and aquatic life. As of June 11, 2020, motorized and gravity siphon aquatic mining are prohibited in certain locations critical to salmonid habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) and NPDES Permits

Mineral prospecting and placer mining activities in or near water qualify as hydraulic projects and may require a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) permit from the WDFW. The WDFW's Gold and Fish pamphlet outlines the rules for non-motorized mineral prospecting methods, and individuals operating within these rules do not need to apply for an individual HPA.

However, the use of motorized or gravity siphon mining equipment or operations outside the pamphlet's rules requires an individual HPA. As part of the HPA application process, the WDFW will work with prospectors to ensure their proposed activities do not harm fish.

In addition to the HPA, prospectors must also apply for and obtain an individual National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water quality permit from the Department of Ecology. This permit includes requirements for discharging water into surface water bodies or the ground during the mining process.

Landowner Permission

It is important to remember that gold panning on private land requires permission from the landowner.

Additional Considerations

Several federal, state, tribal, and local government agencies may have their own requirements related to water rights and mining claims. The Gold and Fish pamphlet provides information on other agencies' interests in prospecting and placer mining and includes contact information.

Gold panning and metal detecting are considered prospecting by the Forest Service, and individuals must either receive permission from a mining claimant or conduct these activities in areas not covered by mining claims.

Gold panning in Washington State requires compliance with various regulations and permits to ensure the protection of the environment and natural resources. It is important to research and understand the applicable rules and restrictions before engaging in gold panning activities.

Gold panning: hobby vs income

Gold panning is a fun hobby for many, but can it be a source of income?

Gold panning is a great hobby for those who enjoy spending time outdoors and learning about geology and the natural environment. It can be a rewarding activity for families, and there are gold prospecting clubs where enthusiasts can meet and share their knowledge.

However, making a living from gold panning is a different prospect. It is a labour-intensive activity that requires patience and a good deal of knowledge about geology and the right equipment. For those new to gold panning, it is realistic to expect to make an average of 0.5-1 gram of gold per day. Experienced miners might find 2 grams per day, but this is an average and not a daily amount.

There are ways to increase your yield. Focusing on crevices, where gold concentrations can be high, is one method. Using equipment such as sluice boxes, which can process more streambed material than a gold pan, is another.

The amount of money you can make will also depend on the price you get for your gold. Pawn shops might pay 40-50% of the gold spot price, while a local dealer specialising in placer gold could pay up to 85%. Nuggets or other beautiful gold pieces may command an even higher price.

So, while it is possible to make money from gold panning, it is unlikely to provide a full-time income. For most, it is a fun hobby that may provide a little extra cash.

Frequently asked questions