River Gold Panning: Finding Dirt, Finding Fortune

Gold panning is a skill that takes practice to master. It is important to learn the proper panning techniques, as gold will not be found without them. While it is easy to learn, it is recommended to spend time learning from an experienced panner to save time and avoid discouragement. Gold panning opportunities exist in various rivers across North America, including the Ammonoosuc River in New Hampshire, the Wild Ammonoosuc River, and Jack Wade Creek in Alaska. These locations offer the chance to try one's hand at gold panning and put those techniques into practice.

Learn proper panning techniques

Gold panning is a relatively simple process, but it requires patience and practice to master. Here are some essential panning techniques to increase your chances of finding gold:

Choose the Right Pan and Prepare it Properly:

Select a pan with a diameter between 10 and 14 inches, which is suitable for beginners. Clean the pan thoroughly to remove any grease or debris, and scrub off any rust-preventative coating that may hinder gold recovery.

Understand Stratification and Suspension:

These are key concepts in gold panning. Stratification involves allowing heavier materials, like gold, to settle at the bottom of the pan, while lighter materials are washed away. Suspension refers to keeping the material in the water to prevent gold from settling.

Master the Shaking and Swirling Techniques:

Gently shake the pan side-to-side and in a circular motion to separate the heavier gold particles from lighter materials. Avoid vigorous shaking, as it may cause gold to be swept out of the pan. Use your wrist instead of your whole arm for better control.

Identify the Right Panning Location:

Gold is often found in rivers, streams, or creeks where it has been naturally deposited. Look for areas where the river slows down, expands, or reaches a flat surface, as gold is more likely to drop and settle in these sections.

Prepare the Streambed Material:

Fill your pan almost to the top with streambed material from the identified location. Submerge the pan and lay it on a flat surface or against your legs to keep it stable. Use your fingers to break down any lumps and remove clay before starting the panning process.

Inspect the Pan for Gold:

Once you've washed away the lighter materials, carefully inspect the concentrates left in the pan. Use a magnifying glass to spot tiny gold flakes or nuggets. Gold is usually mixed with other heavy materials at the bottom of the pan.

Retrieve and Store the Gold:

Use tweezers or a snuffer bottle to carefully remove the gold from the pan. Transfer the gold to a vial or container coated with a thin layer of oil to prevent it from sticking to the sides. Label the container with the date and location of your gold panning expedition.

Gold panning requires practice and a basic understanding of geology and the location's history. It is a rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. With the right techniques and equipment, you can increase your chances of finding gold and make your panning adventures more successful.

Find a river with gold

Gold panning is a skill that takes practice to master. It's important to learn the proper panning techniques, as gold panning is not as simple as buying a pan, heading to the river, throwing dirt in it, and sloshing it around. Learning the correct techniques will save you time and keep you from getting discouraged.

There are several rivers in North America where you can try your hand at gold panning. One such river is the Ammonoosuc River in New Hampshire. Flowing for 55 miles, this river is a tributary of the Connecticut River, which eventually empties into Long Island Sound. Gold was discovered on its shores near Bath, New Hampshire, in 1864. The Wild Ammonoosuc River is featured in a YouTube video by Yankee Gold Prospecting, which offers helpful tips and techniques for gold panning.

Another river to consider is the Jack Wade Creek in Alaska. This creek runs alongside the Taylor Highway, a few miles north of Chicken, Alaska. Recreational gold panning is permitted along a specific stretch of the creek, starting one-quarter mile (0.4 km) upstream from the Walker Fork Campground and extending to the mining claims near Milepost 85. No permits are required for panning in this area. You can also purchase all-inclusive gold mining packages from an outfit called Gold Fever Prospecting Camp to enhance your experience.

Additionally, consider researching "panning for gold techniques" on YouTube. Several channels, such as Clegg's Adventures, provide insightful videos on gold panning in different locations, like "Chicken Alaska Gold," where he documents his gold panning findings. These videos can offer valuable insights and increase your chances of success.

No-permit locations

Gold panning is a popular activity that can be done in many places without a permit. Here are some no-permit locations for getting dirt from rivers for gold panning:

Plumas County, California

Plumas County, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a popular destination for gold panning. The Feather River, which winds its way through the region, is known for its rich gold deposits, and its gravel bars provide ample opportunities for panning. For a more secluded experience, the North Fork of the Feather River offers pristine wilderness and abundant gold deposits, making it a favourite among experienced prospectors. Plumas Eureka State Park also offers gold panning and ranger-led activities.

South Yuba River, California

The South Yuba River is another great spot for gold panning in California. Using the "hands and pans" method, you can try your luck at finding gold in the natural water-washed gravel beds of the river. It's important to note that tools and equipment are not allowed, except for gold pans, and the amount of mineral material gathered is limited to 15 pounds per person per day.

White Mountain National Forest, United States

While gold panning in the White Mountain National Forest requires a free permit, it's still a great option for those looking to try their hand at gold panning without any fees. The Ammonoosuc River basin, particularly the Wild Ammonoosuc River and Tunnel Brook, has a history of gold recovery. Permits can be obtained at any White Mountain National Forest District Office and are valid for one calendar year.

Private Property in Michigan

In Michigan, gold panning is generally restricted to private property. The Grand River watershed is known for its gold deposits, and the Upper Peninsula (UP) also has several rivers where gold can be found. Additionally, gold can be found on the beaches of Lake Superior, washed up by the waves.

Remember to always respect the environment and follow any relevant regulations when gold panning, and happy prospecting!

Gold mining packages

One such package is offered by Gold Fever Prospecting Camp, located near Chicken, Alaska. Chicken is a remote gold mining town in the heart of Bush Alaska, and the surrounding area is rich in gold deposits left untouched since the Klondike Gold Rush. The package includes access to Jack Wade Creek, a tributary of the Fortymile River, which is known for its gold-bearing gravels. No permits are required for recreational gold panning in this area.

Another option for gold mining packages is the AKAU Alaska Gold and High Adventure Camp in Nome, Alaska. This camp offers guests the opportunity to roam their property with metal detectors, a proven method for finding gold nuggets. AKAU also provides modern sluice boxes and water pumps for high banking and sluicing, two methods that produce a higher yield of gold. Guests can also choose to dredge on the property or at a remote camp to further increase their gold haul.

For those looking for a more educational experience, Arizona Gold Prospecting Classes offers packages that include gold panning instruction. Learning proper panning techniques is essential for finding gold, and these classes can be taken in the comfort of your own home or outdoors.

Additionally, there are gold mining packages that provide access to historic gold mining sites. For example, the Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs, Colorado, offers underground gold mine tours and gold panning experiences. This family-owned and operated mine has been offering tours since 1988 and is open to all ages and abilities.

When considering gold mining packages, it's important to keep in mind that gold is a rare and expensive resource, and only a few rivers contain it. However, with proper research and guidance, you can increase your chances of finding gold and having a rewarding prospecting experience.

Online tutorials

Gold panning is a fun outdoor activity and can even be a lucrative hobby for a few skilled people. Here are some online tutorials that can help you get started with gold panning:

Gold Panning Procedure

This tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to gold panning. Here is a summary of the steps:

• Find a spot in a river or stream with slow-moving water and place your pan in the water.
• Fill your pan with gravel, removing larger rocks and moss as you go.
• Shake the pan vigorously and then use a gentle circular motion to allow the dirt and clay to wash away, leaving the heavier gold at the bottom.
• Repeat this process, gradually removing lighter sand and gravel until only the heaviest materials, such as gold and black sand, remain.
• Use a magnet to separate magnetic black sand from the gold.
• Pour the remaining contents into a bottle, being careful not to lose any gold.

Simple Tips for Gold Panning

This tutorial offers some simple tips for gold panning:

• Fill your pan with gravel and submerge it in the water.
• Shake the pan vigorously and then switch to gentle circular motions to allow the lighter materials to wash away.
• Repeat this process until the heavier gold sinks to the bottom.
• Use a magnet to separate magnetic black sand from the gold if you have a plastic pan.

Panning for Gold in the Wild Ammonoosuc River

This tutorial provides some specific tips for panning in the Ammonoosuc River in New Hampshire but can also be applied to other rivers:

• Set up a good light source, especially if you are panning indoors, to ensure you don't miss any small pieces of gold.
• Search for "panning for gold techniques" on YouTube to find many helpful videos.
• Set up a plastic bag under your bucket to catch any stray dirt.

Gold Prospecting Videos

This website offers a range of gold prospecting videos, including a video on "The Gold Pan as a Production Tool". This video explains how gold pans are used to locate richer paying areas by sampling, so that larger production equipment can be brought in to recover more gold.

Frequently asked questions