Did anyone get any?

[Daveinthebush]

So did anyone make it out this summer and find any gold?  I only panned 2-3 times and that was it.  I plan on rectifying that this summer.  I really need a highbanker/dredge combo.

[oldprofessor]

I only looked for gold once and don't know what I'm doing so that's why I came to this forum.  One day last summer I was out doing other things but was near to and downstream from the old Porcupine mine site so I dug up three small buckets of sand.  Over the next few days, when I had spare time, I concentrated it and panned it down a small bit of black sand that contained two small flakes and some fine stuff too small to collect.

That was my first experience panning for gold and I had just enough success to really stimulate my interest.  I'm retired now and should have plenty of time to play.  I'm now making plans to build small pumps, dredges, sluices, etc. that can be transported by motorcycle, raft, or backpacked and am looking forward to getting out and striking it rich (hah!).  At least I am looking forward to getting out in the fresh air and sunshine.

Most folks in SE Alaska don't share their secrets about where they find gold but there should still be some around the historical digs.  And, it will be fun striking out on my own like the old timers did.   You never know whether you will get lucky - and if I don't, I still have my pension.

Thanks for starting this forum.  I hope to learn some things.

[Daveinthebush]

There are some internet sites where you can find old mines and mine reports in AK.  Looking around old mines can be very rewarding. I talked to an old miner that worked many years ago for someone else.  He told me that the bottom of the sluice had chain across it and that only the nuggets that were stopped by the chain were kept.  Old tailing piles are always a place to metal detect.  If you find old claims that the rocks are piled very, very neatly don't bother.  Usually a Chinese claim and they were very good.

[Gun Runner]

Only got out 3 times this year, to busy with family healt probs and my own. Right now where I pan and sluice is under 9 ft of snow so may have to wait a couple of days.    Dint get much the 3 times I was out but sure enjoyed my lunch and the outdoors. This summer between fishing and camping plan on doing a lot of "playing in the gold fields".

Gun Runner

[Kaimi]

There are some internet sites where you can find old mines and mine reports in AK.  Looking around old mines can be very rewarding. I talked to an old miner that worked many years ago for someone else.  He told me that the bottom of the sluice had chain across it and that only the nuggets that were stopped by the chain were kept.  Old tailing piles are always a place to metal detect.  If you find old claims that the rocks are piled very, very neatly don't bother.  Usually a Chinese claim and they were very good.

When you find a tailings pile here is something to think about. Did the prospectors search the area before piling up the rocks or not?  I have found a couple of old tailing piles and took the time to move a bunch of rocks to give me access to a section at the bottom. And guess what? Got me a couple of small nuggets on the way down and a lot of fine to flakes on the bottom. In those days gold being about $20-$40 an oz. going after the small stuff wasnt worth the time or energy. IT IS NOW THO!!

Aloha, Ka'imi