Last Post 11 Aug 2020 12:29 AM by  Joseph Pike
Regulations on mini-sluice use in Idaho
 5 Replies
Sort:
You are not authorized to post a reply.
Author Messages
Daniel Ellis
Greenhorn
Greenhorn
Posts:3



--
09 Aug 2020 02:03 AM
    I'm quite new to prospecting and would like to check if anyone knows off hand if a mini-sluice (same as one sold in GPAA store) being used with a battery powered recirculation system would be legal to use onsite at the river in Idaho? Looked on some government websites for Idaho and could not find specific mention of that particular kind of set-up. This would be public access along the Snake river near Riggins, ID.
    Matthew Lamb
    Greenhorn
    Greenhorn
    Posts:1



    --
    09 Aug 2020 10:06 AM
    I’ve surfed the internet looking for the answer to that exact question for almost five years to no avail, but the way I do it to avoid potential trouble is to prospect with a pan. Once I find a spot where I think has good dirt, I dig a couple of buckets of dirt, well maybe four or five, then setup my recirculating sluice at home, or at my campsite far away from the river.

    At home is tough for me because I live In North Texas, but after being introduced to prospecting by a coworker in 2015, I make the trip to Idaho to camp and play in the dirt a couple times per year. My wife thinks I’m nuts to drive 26 hours to camp, but she only camps at the Holiday Inn. Lol

    I know this probably doesn’t help, but it works for me.

    Wayne Crowder
    Highbanker
    Highbanker
    Posts:105



    --
    09 Aug 2020 11:34 AM
    Go on the Idaho Department of Water Resources website. You should be able to find information there.

    You're ok with recirc equipment above the ordinary high water line.

    Rules say you can't run motorized equipment below the ordinary high water line without a letter permit and can't do so outside the permitted times. You can dig in the gravel below the ordinary high water line without a letter permit, if you move less than a 1/4 cubic yard per hour.

    Site is:. idwr.idaho.gov/streams. You'll find information under Stream Channel Protection Program. Be ready to be confused.

    Good luck.
    Daniel Ellis
    Greenhorn
    Greenhorn
    Posts:3



    --
    09 Aug 2020 10:07 PM
    Lol. Really enjoyed your response Matthew. I relate. I don't think your crazy for driving all that way to Idaho. I've gone only a few times and find at least a little but of gold in every pan. Small stuff but it sure is more fun than looking all day and finding nothing at all. They camping is great there too. Makes it all worth it. Happy prospecting.
    Daniel Ellis
    Greenhorn
    Greenhorn
    Posts:3



    --
    09 Aug 2020 10:14 PM
    Thank you so much for the excellent information Wayne. You've been very helpful. That was the way I was leaning with my interpretation of my findings, but it's good to hear from an experienced prospector I wasn't far off the trail. I'll look up that website as well and see if I can make any further sense of it. Thanks again.
    Joseph Pike
    Greenhorn
    Greenhorn
    Posts:11



    --
    11 Aug 2020 12:29 AM
    You need to go to idwr online for a application for temporary approval of water use i beleave its $50 and is good for a year rules and regulations are on website but for a mini sluice as mentioned setting up as a recirculating setup at camp would work just as fine Good luck on the river
    You are not authorized to post a reply.