Is gold really where you find it

[Allan]

I'm curious, when wandering a stream (river, creek or wash) and you are aware of the presence of gold. What do you look for, I mean do you dig everywhere.  What are your indications?   

[shivan]

There are lots of things to look for depending on the type of area you are digging in i would think.
In areas close to bedrock, it pays to look for crevices and boil holes that have been filled with wash, or looking for big obstructions like rocks, logs or trees can also be worthwhile.
Looking for bends in creeks and rivers where the heavies slow down or the course of flow has changed over time.

Then you need to get familiar with indicators of the area you are working, what type of heavy minerals/rocks are present in the bottom of a pan? Can you see any concentrations of these heavy minerals/rocks in any particular places of creek/river?

[Rowdy]

I was going to reply to the about question but shivan has basically covered it.
Rowdy