Rye Patch is legendary among metal detectorists. Famous for its shallow, **chevron-shaped nuggets**, this area allows prospectors to hunt substantial gold in open sagebrush country.

Unique crystalline and chevron nuggets. Often found in shallow patches, 4-12 inches deep. High purity.
A mix of BLM Public Land and private railroad sections ("Checkerboard" pattern).Good maps (Gaia/OnX) are mandatory to stay legal.
Spring and Fall. Summer temps exceed 100°F (38°C). There is zero shade and zero water. Pack accordingly.
The secret to Rye Patch is the "Low and Slow" grid. Because the nuggets are often flat (chevrons), they can be tricky for detectors to hear depending on orientation. Many patches have been "pushed" (scraped) by bulldozers in the past to remove topsoil—re-check these old pushes with modern PI tech like the GPX 6000.
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Land access rights, safety conditions, and public fossicking zones change. You are solely responsible for verifying regulations with local authorities (DOC/Council/BLM) and assessing river safety before visiting. Paystreak.io accepts no liability for injury, fines, or trespassing. Never dig on private land without explicit permission.
✓ Information last verified: January 2026