Hunting in a Seasonal Creek

[AuSomeness]

Hey everyone,

I'm still a 'greenie' here, but have been reading for a while and posting where I can. Lots of great info here!

I have the opportunity to do some searching in a seasonal creek. I've never done this. What's the best approach? Any tips or advice from those in the know would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

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[arizau]

A seasonal creek implies that there is little to no water available at least part of the year. If you can at least locate small pools you can do some sample panning to see if your area of activity has gold and if so go ahead and work it. If no gold move and try again. Recirculating water systems or dry washing are alternatives for the dry season but could be a huge waste of time and energy if the material is barren of gold so doing some sampling before setting up equipment is essential. Research the general area to see if there has been any past activity of placer mining. Most people today find gold where it has been found before. These are some pretty general ideas but it would take volumes to fully explain in detail. Good luck.

 

[AuSomeness]

Thanks for the reply, arizau. This is an unpatented placer mining claim, so gold has been found in the seasonal creek before. It's bone dry right now. I have an idea of how I want to approach this, but am open to ideas. If possible, I don't want to walk away without some Au! I appreciate the comments.

 

[Hoser John]

Metal detector,vacuum system or a drywasher-see drywasher section on this forum-is your only dry choices. Plenty of good choices but just because a claim don't mean it has gold as MUCH junk computer claimed and hustled to unwitting newbies-John

 

[dave wiseman]

If you have visible bedrock break open the crevices and scratch out all the dry mud,grass gravel etc and put it in your sugar sack.Pan it out at available water or at home.Scratch all the bedrock with a sharpened screwdriver or such as small cracks and crevices are often covered and disguised by clay thats been covering the cracks for eons of time.

 

[AuSomeness]

Metal detector,vacuum system or a drywasher-see drywasher section on this forum-is your only dry choices. Plenty of good choices but just because a claim don't mean it has gold as MUCH junk computer claimed and hustled to unwitting newbies-John

Thanks John. I'll check out the drywasher section. It's not my claim, but we have been given permission to go visit and look around. It should be fun!

 

[AuSomeness]

If you have visible bedrock break open the crevices and scratch out all the dry mud,grass gravel etc and put it in your sugar sack.Pan it out at available water or at home.Scratch all the bedrock with a sharpened screwdriver or such as small cracks and crevices are often covered and disguised by clay thats been covering the cracks for eons of time.

Good stuff! Thanks, Dave!

 

[63bkpkr]

I would suggest to search the most typical locations where gold should fall out with whatever method you use to sample. This might give you a better chance at finding color. These would be obstructions to the flow (boulders, trees), where the streambed widens, just downstream of where a side canyon comes into the location you are investigating. Best of luck with your adventure!..................63bkpkr

 

[rocme44]

I work a seasonal creek every year and use a high banker and pump water from the river to extend the season.
This is a record dry year so I spent part of the summer on a friends claim on the river.

Good luck.