Gold Panning: Getting Started On Your River Adventure

Gold panning is a simple, low-cost method of extracting gold from rivers, streams, and creeks. It's a great hobby for geology enthusiasts and those wanting to connect with nature and their country's roots.

If you want to get started with gold panning, you'll need to find a gold deposit, which can be found in most rivers. You'll also need a gold pan, a small spade or shovel, a seat, and a safe place to store your findings.

Once you've found a spot, use your shovel to scoop gravel, sand, and silt into your pan. Then, roughly shake and swirl the pan to help the gold settle at the bottom. Tip the pan into the water at a shallow angle to let the current carry away the first layer of silt and sand. Repeat this process until you're left with a few tablespoons of blackish sand, from which you can pick out the gold flakes.

Happy hunting!

Choose the right river

Choosing the right river is crucial when it comes to gold panning. Here are some factors to consider:

Firstly, research potential spots beforehand. The internet, local libraries, and museums can provide valuable information on gold-rich areas. For instance, in Georgia, portions of the river near Sixes and in Dawson County are known for their gold deposits. Similarly, the Rocky Mountains near towns like Salida are renowned for their mineral-rich rivers.

Secondly, understand the river's flow. Gold is often found where the water flow is altered by natural obstacles or the river's contours. Look for bends in the river, as gold can get trapped here. Both fast-flowing and slow-moving water can be productive; slower water tends to deposit sediments that may contain gold. Additionally, consider seasonal variations in water flow, as these can impact your prospecting success.

Thirdly, don't overlook old riverbeds, especially in desert regions. Gold can travel long distances from its water source due to runoff, flash floods, and rainstorms. It then settles and concentrates in desert washes, alluvial areas, and dry washes, providing potential gold-panning opportunities.

Lastly, be mindful of land ownership. In some states, like Georgia, businesses sell access to gold panning sites, providing both equipment and instruction. Respect private property and seek out designated panning areas to avoid legal issues.

Get the right equipment

Gold panning is a simple process that requires only a few essential tools to get started. Here is a detailed list of the equipment you will need to begin your gold panning adventures:

The Gold Pan

The gold pan is the most important piece of equipment for this activity. It is used to scoop the alluvial deposits from the river, creek, or stream bed. Today, gold pans come in various designs, sizes, and materials. The most common sizes range between 10 and 17 inches (25 and 43 cm), with 14 inches being the most popular choice. You can choose between traditional metal pans, typically made of Russia iron or heavy-gauge steel, or opt for modern plastic pans, which offer rust and corrosion resistance. Plastic pans often feature moulded riffles along one side, aiding in trapping the dense materials. Green and red plastic pans are preferred by prospectors as the gold and black sand stand out against these colours. However, black pans are also a good option as they make it easier to identify gold deposits.

Classifiers

Classifiers are screens used to separate large rocks and stones from the material you intend to pan. They come in different mesh sizes, such as 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch. A 1/4 inch classifier is recommended for wet classifying, while a 1/2 inch classifier is better suited for dry material. The Keene classifiers are known for their durability and convenience, fitting right on top of a 5-gallon bucket.

Vials and Storage Containers

You will need vials or small containers to store your gold findings. A 4 mL gold panning vial is a good option to safely store your gold flakes and dust. Additionally, you can use glass vials to separate and organise your gold by location and size.

Shovel or Spade

A simple spade or shovel will suffice for digging and collecting the alluvial deposits. A lightweight shovel is easier to carry, especially if you have to hike to your panning location. On the other hand, a heavier and more durable shovel might be preferred if you intend to dig through tougher terrain.

Accessories and Protective Gear

Rubber gloves, such as dishwashing gloves, can provide protection for your hands, especially in cold water. Additionally, consider wearing rubber boots to keep your feet dry while standing in the river or creek. Don't forget to protect your head and ears from the sun with a sun hat or a cowboy hat. Polarised sunglasses will help reduce glare from the water and protect your eyes.

Optional Advanced Equipment

If you plan to explore further and want to invest in more advanced equipment, there are several options available:

• Crevicing tools: If you encounter a lot of bedrock, crevicing tools such as a metal spoon, flat screwdriver, toothbrush, geologist's hammer, and crack-scraping tools can help you extract gold from cracks and crevices.
• River sluice: A river sluice allows you to process more material and separate the heavy minerals using water action. The Keene A52 River Sluice is a traditional option, while plastic composite drop riffle sluices are lighter and more affordable.
• Highbanker: A miniature version of commercial wash plants, highbankers let you shovel in unclassified material and process more rocks. The Gold Hog Piglet is a popular choice for one or two prospectors.
• Dredge: A more advanced technique, dredging involves using a suction nozzle to suck up material from the river bottom. A Keene 4-inch dredge is a good introductory option.
• Drywasher: For desert gold prospecting, a drywasher uses air and vibration instead of water to separate the lighter material. The Keene 140 Drywasher is suitable for a couple of people and includes a vacuum capability.
• Metal detector: While challenging to use for gold detection due to the small size of most placer gold, metal detectors can be useful for finding larger pieces or "pickers". The Minelab Equinox 800 and the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 are recommended for beginners.

Learn the technique

Gold panning is a simple process but mastering the technique will take time and practice. The basic steps are as follows:

• Find a good spot in the river. Look for bends in the river where gold can get trapped, or confluences where two rivers meet and gold can build up. You want to look for signs of gold like black sands, pyrite, small quartz, and garnets.
• Use a small spade or hand shovel to scoop gravel, sand, and silt out of the river and into your pan. Be sure to get a few handfuls' worth and keep it nice and wet.
• Gold is heavier than other minerals and materials in the river, so roughly shake and swirl the pan to help the gold settle at the bottom. This is called stratification.
• Tip your pan into the water at a very shallow angle and let the current carry away the first layer of silt and sand. Move the pan back and forth in the current to help loosen the first layer, but be careful not to let too much material get away.
• Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you are left with a few tablespoons of blackish sand.
• Gently swirl your pan to help the gold flakes settle further, then pick them out and put them somewhere safe.

• It's a good idea to use a classifier screen to remove big rocks from your pan before you start shaking and swirling.
• When shaking the pan, you can choose to shake side-to-side or swirl, whichever you prefer. Just make sure the final shake ensures the gold is at the very bottom of the pan.
• When you've finished panning, use a snuffer bottle or tweezers to collect your gold, and a small vial to store it in.
• If you're struggling to find gold, try dropping some lead BBs into your pan and practising with those until you get the technique down.
• If you're panning in an area with bigger flakes of gold, you may want to use a metal detector to help you locate them.
• Join a gold panning club to get advice from more experienced members and make sure you're following the relevant laws and regulations.

Find a club

Joining a club is a great way to get started with river gold panning. You can gain firsthand knowledge from experienced prospectors and meet like-minded people who share your interests. Here are some tips on finding the right club for you:

Identify Your Interests and Goals

Before joining a club, it's important to identify your specific interests and goals in river gold panning. Are you primarily interested in gold panning as a hobby, or are you seeking more advanced prospecting techniques for potential profit? Different clubs may cater to varying levels of expertise and interests, so knowing your goals will help you find a club that aligns with your aspirations.

Research Local Clubs

Search for prospecting clubs in your area by utilising online resources, such as club websites or social media groups. You can also inquire at local rock and gem shops, as they often have information about local clubs. Additionally, don't hesitate to explore national organisations like the Prospectors Association of America (GPAA), which has chapters across the country.

Evaluate Club Activities and Benefits

When considering a club, review the activities and benefits they offer. Look for clubs that provide educational resources, training programmes, and field outings to enhance your knowledge and skills. Clubs that organise group outings or provide access to exclusive prospecting locations can offer valuable hands-on experiences.

Attend Meetings and Events

Once you've identified a few prospective clubs, attend their meetings and events as a visitor or guest. This will give you a first-hand experience of the club's culture, expertise level, and member engagement. It's a great way to determine if the club aligns with your interests and goals, and you'll also get a sense of the camaraderie among members.

Consider Membership Requirements and Costs

Different clubs may have varying membership requirements and associated costs. Some clubs may charge annual dues, while others may have been previously dues-free and are now transitioning to a paid membership model. It's important to understand the financial commitment and any other expectations, such as participation in specific activities or events.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to finding a club that suits your interests and needs as you embark on your river gold panning journey. Remember, the right club can provide you with valuable knowledge, support, and a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion.

Know the law

Gold panning is largely permitted on public land, though there are some exceptions. In the US, federal land, including US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land, is open to exploration. However, it is important to respect mining claims on federal public land, which should be signed. You can find the definitive source of mining claim records on the BLM's Mineral & Land Records System. Additionally, some federal public land is mineral withdrawn, meaning no claims are allowed, but recreational mineral exploration is permitted.

When it comes to state laws, it is important to check the regulations for the specific state you plan to pan in. For example, in Pennsylvania, panning is allowed in state forests, but not in national parks, state game lands, or state parks. In some states, like Colorado, many cities and counties allow recreational gold prospecting. For instance, panning is permitted in most of metro Denver.

It is important to note that private land requires the landowner's permission. This includes private land under bridges or utility right-of-ways. To access private land, you can reach out to the landowner and request permission.

Finally, when panning on any land, it is important to follow ethical practices and respect the natural environment. This includes filling in any holes you dig, leaving the area cleaner than you found it, and avoiding digging around roots or vegetation that stabilizes riverbanks.

Frequently asked questions