Winter Prospecting in New England? Hell yea!
Took a ride up to Bath NH today with Heidi to see if maybe there was a spot or two that the river ice would let me into some nice paydirt…and what a beautiful day it was!
The first 3 pans had color!!!
The final take…couple pickers there!!!
So far it’s looking really good! Pulled out a really nice picker.
I’ll post some photos as soon as I finish the 4th bucket!
Hi Jim,
Nice pics. New to this site. I have metal detected and panned alot but I haven’t panned in earnest for a few years. I’m looking to get into it a little more serious this year. Never found much gold when I panned in MA. Anyway I’m looking into heading up to the Bath area this spring and any help would be appreciated. I’ve contacted the campground and am waiting to get more info from them on their rates etc. I’m looking at getting a dredge permit and was wondering if anyone here has any experience using one in that area. Trying to save up to get one this year. When does the run off generally get low enough in the spring to start up there? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Steve
Steve, great to hear from you! Would love to see you at Big Dig Jr. in June. You can get campground rates on their website at http://www.TwinRiverNH.com
I just bought a 1.5″ dredge last fall and will be getting some good dredging in this season. I bought a Jobe. We’ll be running it in June and July at both events. You need to get your permit through the State oh NH here:
http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/forms/wetlands/documents/recr_mineral_dredging_app.pdf
As for when the river is low enough, I am not sure. I go up anytime I can and as you can see, gold is there to be found!
Look forward to seeing you up in GOLD COUNTRY!
Woohooo!! 🙂
Hey Jim that looks really great. I am sitting here in NY with a bad case of cabin fever and I wish I could be out there doing the same thing. All I can do right now is plot and plan for next gold seaon in the spring.
Looks nice!!!
I went up just a few day before you on the 31st. The river was almost completly frozen over and I couldn’t get in anywere. I made a new sucker with check valves and hoses but couldn’t use it. I plan on goiing up early spring to check out the high water and look for some good spots!!
GOOD LUCK!!
Keep me posted on when you’re going up, would love to join you!!!
Way to go, Jim. I used to go out New Year’s Day in Colorado with prospector friends and break through the ice to start the year off right with some sluicing and panning. That is great way to start the year.
So, where is the hot spot up in VT? Been looking at the Ottauquechee River near Woodstock…ever dug there?
Hey, went up to Vermont to meet with a new client in Woodstock Vermont today and tried to find a spot on the Ottauquechee River to get some dirt…it wasn’t easy! Nice black sand and garnets. But breaking through the ice was a bit too much….I’ll try again in the spring!
Does anyone have any suggestions for good digging in VT? Randy??
[…] There has been some interest in heading up the the Wild AM Jan 2nd. Heidi and I were up there last year and it was a really eye-opening day for sure. Here is the post from last winter: http://www.wheretofindgold.us/2011/01/02/winter-prospecting-in-new-england-hell-yea/ […]