About Pan for Treasure
Pan for Treasure is an educational website dedicated to gold panning laws, prospecting locations, beginner guides, and gear reviews across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Ryan Conlon and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the site serves as a trusted starting point for anyone interested in recreational gold prospecting.
Meet the Founder
I’m Ryan Conlon – a gold panning enthusiast, researcher, and the person behind every article on this site.
I started Pan for Treasure because I couldn’t find a single resource that covered gold panning laws, locations, techniques, and gear in one place. So I built it myself.
I’m based in Minneapolis, MN, and I spend my time researching state and federal prospecting regulations, testing gold panning equipment, and writing the kind of clear, practical guides I wish existed when I first picked up a pan.
Everything published on Pan for Treasure is written or reviewed by me.
What Pan for Treasure Covers
Gold Panning Laws – State-by-state legal guides covering where you can pan, what permits you need, and what restrictions apply. I also cover Canadian provincial regulations and metal detecting laws.
Where to Find Gold – Location guides for gold-bearing rivers and streams across the country, with details on public land access, known gold deposits, and what to expect at each site.
Beginner Guides – Step-by-step instructions on how to pan for gold, panning techniques, choosing a location, and identifying gold in your pan.
Gear and Equipment Reviews – Honest, hands-on reviews of gold panning tools, panning kits, sluice boxes, classifiers, and metal detectors.
Advanced Techniques – Guides on fine gold recovery, dealing with black sand, and advanced panning methods for experienced prospectors.
Our Editorial Approach
I take accuracy seriously. Gold panning laws change, gear gets updated, and new locations open up. I regularly review and update published content to keep it current.
When I recommend a product, it’s because I’ve used it or thoroughly evaluated it – not because someone paid for placement. You can read more about how I handle this in the Affiliate Disclosure and Review Policy.
Get in Touch
Have a question, spotted something that needs updating, or want to collaborate? I’d like to hear from you.
Reach me through the Contact Us page or email [email protected].
Connect With Pan for Treasure
about.me – Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIn – Medium – Pinterest – Quora – Reddit – TikTok – Tumblr – X – YouTube
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