USA/Nevada/Rye Patch
PI CountryNugget PatchCheckerboard Land

RYE PATCH

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.

Gold nugget specimen
TYPICAL FINDS: COARSE PLACER GOLD

The Gold

Unique crystalline and chevron nuggets. Often found in shallow patches, 4-12 inches deep. High purity.

Access

A mix of BLM Public Land and private railroad sections ("Checkerboard" pattern).Good maps (Gaia/OnX) are mandatory to stay legal.

Season

Spring and Fall. Summer temps exceed 100°F (38°C). There is zero shade and zero water. Pack accordingly.

Tactical Intel: The Push

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.

Best Gear: GPX 6000
Technique: Grid Pushed Ground

The Digger's Code

  • Backfill all holes before you leave.
  • Pack out all your trash.
  • Respect fence lines and gates.

Legal Disclaimer

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