To summarize, panning doesn’t require any permits . Small sluices are allowed, but suction dreding is heavily regulated. A detailed breakdown of Montana’s gold mining laws can be found on the USDA’s official PDF guide for prospecting.
Where can you pan for gold for free in Montana?
- Missouri River. ...
- Big Hole River. ...
- Boulder River. ...
- Blackfoot River. ...
- Yaak River. ...
- Clark Fork River. ...
- Bitterroot River.
Are you allowed to pan for gold anywhere?
Gold prospecting and mining activities allowed on public lands vary with the agency and the location. Gold pans and shovels are commonly allowed , but sluice boxes and suction dredges may be prohibited in some areas. ... Some private land owners also give permission for small-scale gold mining.
Do you need a license to pan gold?
No permit is required for low-impact gold panning , however respect the rights of existing mining claims. There are many areas within the BLM Redding Resource Area that are popular for panning including areas along Butte Creek, Clear Creek and the Trinity River.
Where can I pan for gold in Montana?
The Libby Creek Recreational Gold Panning Area is located 23 miles south of Libby, Montana, within the Kootenai National Forest. The public is allowed to pan for gold within this area and any gold you happen to find is yours to keep.
Where is the most gold found in Montana?
Most gold in Montana has been found in the western part of the state near the border of Idaho . This part is filled with difficult terrain of rugged mountains along the Continental Divide; almost all the remaining parts of the state are flat land areas.
Can gold be found in Montana?
The entire area around Cooke City, Montana has significant gold. Much of it can be found in small lode deposits and prospects that are scattered around the region. Montana is a huge state, and there is no doubt that many rich gold deposits are yet to be discovered.
Can you find gold in any river?
Gold exists in extremely diluted concentrations in both freshwater and seawater, and is thus technically present in all rivers .
What if you find gold on your property?
If you did happen to find a large gold deposit on your property and do not own the mineral rights , don’t fear. You do still own the property at least from the ground up. The mineral rights owner cannot simply come and remove you and dig up your property.
What rocks do you find gold in?
Gold is most often found in quartz rock . When quartz is found in gold bearings areas, it is possible that gold will be found as well. Quartz may be found as small stones in river beds or in large seams in hillsides.
Can you pan for gold in Glacier National Park?
There’s not gold panning in Glacier National Park, but you are allowed to pan for gold in the Libby Creek Gold Panning area inside Kootenai National Forest, three hours west of the park.
Is there gold in the Crazy Mountains?
The Gallatin Area (4)
These are the Pass Creek lead-zinc-silver-gold deposit in the Bridger Range and the Half Moon lead-copper-silver-gold deposit in the Crazy Mountains . ... Oil and gas plays in the area have a low potential for hydrocarbons.
Where can you find gold in the mountains?
Gold is prevalent throughout this entire mountainous region. You can search for quartz ledges, gold laden rock outcroppings, and gravel beds of ancient streams and glacier moraines . It seems much easier to allow gravity, and the downstream movement of loosened sediment to place the gold on the bottom of the streams.
Can you find gold in abandoned mines?
Old abandoned shafts can be very unstable. Plus, you can often locate high-grade gold ore nearby without having to venture underground. Old mines are extremely unstable and dangerous. They can easily collapse in on themselves, so never go into an old mine shaft if you do not have the proper training to do so.
Is mining allowed in national parks?
Some public lands, such as national parks, wilderness areas, and wild and scenic rivers, are off limits to mining claims . When a president designates a national monument, all existing mining claims are honored, but new claims are not allowed.
Can you metal detect in Montana state parks?
Is Metal Detecting allowed in Montana State parks? NO . There are rules in specific parks that mention that Metal Detectors are not allow, nor is digging, collecting or removing artifacts.
