Please point me in the right direction

[Mkzak]

I am visiting Washington enjoying its beauty and friendly people! Now all i need is some advice on where to do some panning and sluicing. I will be in Ferndale and naturally thought of the Nooksack. Would anyone help me out with a few spots to try? I am new and thought I would give it a try. Thanks

 

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[lgadbois]

Unless you are an expert, you will have trouble panning colors in the Nooksack. A better approach would be beach panning or sluicing. Find an area where natural tidal action has classified the beach sand to a black color. Where you find black sand you will find very fine flour gold.

The best panning areas are those where gold has been mined in the past. Clubs have properties along the Sultan and Skykomish Rivers. You need to pick up a copy of the rule book at a Ranger Station. Check out the club postings on this website.

 

[Mkzak]

Why would I need expert skill? Is it flour gold? I appreciate any info. I have a small bucket of black sands from the south Nooksack and have been processing by classifying, using a sluice and then finish panning. I am finding heavy black sands and once clearing with a magnet, am left with what looks like yellow pollen. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Terry Soloman]

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/w...lic-hunters-washington-state.html#post4718837

 

[lgadbois]

Mkzak: Do a search on "Nooksack River" using the search field at the top of the page. There are some members that have panned and sluiced all three forks of the river.

There is a lot to know about what seems to be a simple process of concentrating sand to find the gold. If you enjoy it as a hobby, you may not mind the work involved to become successful.

Suggestions:
1. Never go out alone. It is easy to fall and get hurt
2. Wait till the river levels drop. The best prospecting comes later in the Summer when you have good access to boulder drops.
3. Some of the best sand will not be found in the river, but in benches that are located above modern day stream levels.
4. Join a club like GPAA or WGPA
5. Get the Fish & Game pamphlet that explains the seasonal restrictions due to fish spawning. It is your permit for legal sluicing

Good luck!

 

[Mkzak]

Thank you for the tips! I appreciate it!