California
Recreational Dredging Locations
South Yuba River
Along the South Yuba River, there is one segment of the river designated for recreational dredging. Large tracts provide a wide range of different types of dredging conditions. The area above Edwards Crossing Bridge, up to the boundary with the USFS, is approximately 1.5 miles above Humbug Creek (trail miles). This area is remote and access is limited to the South Yuba foot trail. This can require packing in dredges for miles.
PLEASE NOTE: Dredging Permits will NOT be issued this 2008 season due to a Mercury Study by the BLM on the South Yuba River. For further information, please contact the BLM Folsom Field Office @ 916-985-4474.
Merced River
Permits are required for the Merced River, open to limited recreational dredging in the Briceburg area off of Highway 140. Permits are issued for a two week period. Please contact the BLM Folsom Field Office for permit information.
Merced River is open to dredges up to 6" in diameter. All areas are posted. It is up to dredgers to make sure they are in "designated dredging areas."
PLEASE NOTE: Merced River Dredging permits are not issued until river flow falls below 700cfs.
Related Subjects
- High banking is not allowed and is not considered casual or recreational use.
- Permit holders must diligently pursue dredging.
- All of the areas identified above are also open to casual use mineral hunting which includes gold panning, the use of sluice boxes, metal detectors, and hand tools. No permit is required for this type of activity.
- The use of suction dredges, machinery, winches, water pumps, or explosives is not considered to be casual use. However, use of dredges with intake diameters of 4" or less may be considered casual use in some mining claim operations. The use of motorized equipment in recreational pursuit of mineral collecting requires a permit from BLM.
- Please note: The camp limit is 14 days within any 90 day period, except for permit holder's with a 30 day dredging permit.
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