Panning in N. Lower Michigan

[hoser]

I live in the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan. I used to pan out in the Black Hills. Is there anyone here that has panned my area with any success? I have done some research, and read that there is gold in several rivers/streams around my area. I would like to give it a shot once again and see, but if I'm not stepping out of bounds could you provide me with some info.

 

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[KevinInColorado]

I'm in Colorado but my parents live near Cheboygan so I'm interested in this too. I've heard there's gold near Onaway so you might try over that way.

 

[hoser]

Haven't heard that before but it sure is worth checking out for sure. Thanks for the reply.

 

[KevinInColorado]

You also know about the gold bearing black sands on the shores of Lake Superior right?

 

[russau]

Kevin that's where Mike Pung goes with his Gold Cube. he has videos of it on the Black sand beachs there.

 

[Medina Joe]

Kevin that's where Mike Pung goes with his Gold Cube. he has videos of it on the Black sand beachs there.

Russau, I watched a few videos on youtube about the black sands of Lake Superior. Cool stuff

 

[hoser]

You also know about the gold bearing black sands on the shores of Lake Superior right?

I did hear something about that. We haven't been up there in a few years, but it just might be worth a return trip for sure. Thanks.

 

[here4themoney]

This is gonna be my first year looking for gold in rivers/streams and I am in southern Michigan, but I will let ya know if I find anything. I am going to sample some areas in Washtenaw county and move west to Grand Rapids area then further to the Athens area. I have heard good things about all 3 areas. I have also heard that in the northern LP that Manistee's and the surrounding area rivers are known to produce some gold, and in the middle of the LP in Ionia. In Athens MI there is even a lost dutchman minimg association member campground.

 

[panman1963]

Gold is in rivers near Grand Rapids

It is small stuff but it is there!!! Also found silver and copper

 

[ohiochris]

Driving From I 75 through the rose city area on my way to alpena a few times I remember seeing some nice streams in the area of all those big hills. Most of those hills are glacial moraine and I remember seeing a lot of glacial stones in the streams. I never got a chance to stop and try panning there but every time I went through there I was thinking man I have got to come over here and try it. I may never get back up that way again , so I dont mind passing on the info. If anybody is close enough to scout that area and try it be sure to show us any gold you found. I know there has to be some there somewhere. If by chance nobody has though to prospect some of those streams there could be quite a bit there.

 

[ohiochris]

Gold is in rivers near Grand Rapids View attachment 1143875 View attachment 1143877 View attachment 1143878 View attachment 1143879

It is small stuff but it is there!!! Also found silver and copper

If I remember correctly , there is a youtube video of a guy panning near grand rapids and he says he finds nuggets.

 

[here4themoney]

That video was shot on the Rogue River near Grand Rapids.. Some nice Nuggets.. I am gonna go check it out soon

 

[ohiochris]

That video was shot on the Rogue River near Grand Rapids.. Some nice Nuggets.. I am gonna go check it out soon

Because of the gold panning laws in michigan Im not sure if it can be done legally there can it ? Not supposed to dig , etc.

 

[panman1963]

The way Michigan laws are you can't pan anywhere even though it says you can pan year round and only use a sluice in July & Aug with a 50.00 permit I just go anyways and don't dig up any banks no digging utensils just scrape up a little off the river bed with hands and an old pan that is where the good stuff is any ways, but the done are ignorant about the laws (how many people do they come across with a pan in there hands at the river)

 

[panman1963]

DNR is ignorant

 

[panman1963]

Damn auto correct

 

[kayakpat]

I thought Michigan sands were the reason Mike Pung developed the cube for the fine gold along the lake, UP Michigan does have gold and would like to go back there someday.

 

[KevinInColorado]

I thought Michigan sands were the reason Mike Pung developed the cube for the fine gold along the lake, UP Michigan does have gold and would like to go back there someday.

You are correct sir! Although the rest of the story is that he was looking for something to use with Lake Superior beach sand and met Red Wilcox who was experimenting with what they dubbed "vortex mat"...the rest is history!

 

[russau]

Mike and Red are two real nice guys ! if you get a chance to talk with them youll be happy you did!

 

[KevinInColorado]

Mike and Red are two real nice guys ! if you get a chance to talk with them youll be happy you did!

...and I'm lucky to call Red a good friend! (Mike's great too but we don't know each other as well )