Small Scale Mining Permits Overview
Many people enjoy the challenge of searching for gold in Idaho’s streams and rivers by means of small scale mining. The alteration of stream channels by using small scale mining equipment in a stream is regulated in Idaho by the Stream Channel Protection Act. Small scale mining equipment can be any implement that is used to dig, scrape, dredge, or otherwise move stream bed materials from below the mean high watermark in search of minerals. If powered, your mining equipment may not exceed specific size and capability requirements. For example, if you use a suction dredge, it must have a nozzle diameter of 5 inches or less and be rated at no more than 15 horsepower and be capable of processing no greater than two (2) cubic yards of material per hour. Other powered and non powered mining equipment also have capacity restrictions. The Stream Channel Protection Act also requires that a miner must obtain a permit from the Idaho Department of Water Resources before the miner alters any portion of the stream bed. State regulations also specify the streams where small scale mining is allowed.
WARNING: It is a misdemeanor in Idaho to alter a stream channel without the permit or to violate the conditions of the permit. You can be fined from $150-$500 per day for violations. Also, it is important to understand that an IDWR permit does not allow you access to private lands or on another person’s mining claim or lease. Mineral removal from streams on private lands requires permission or a mineral lease from the owner.
Small Scale Mining Forms
NOTICE: By submitting a signed authorization permit, the applicant certifies that they have read the documents below and that they agree to comply with all requirements.
Stream Channel Aleration Permit Forms
Small Scale Mining Permit Forms
Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit)
- 2026 IDWR Small Scale Mining Program Instructions – Requirements for January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- 2026 Idaho Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) – Permit authorizing an individual to alter a stream channel by small scale mining excluding the South Fork Clearwater River and McCoy Creek Drainage.
High-Banking Applications
- Application for Temporary Approval of Water Use
- Application for Temporary Approval of Water Use Instructions
Other Information & Resources
South Fork Clearwater River (SFCR) Special Supplement
For mining activity on the South Fork Clearwater River, use:
- 2026 IDWR South Fork Clearwater River Special Supplement – Application for consideration to operate a power sluice and/or a small suction dredge on the South Fork Clearwater River
- Example Maps and Diagrams for Supplement Applications
McCoy Creek Drainage (South Fork Snake River Basin)
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- For mining activity on McCoy Creek, use:
Mores Creek, Grimes Creek, Elk Creek, & Tributaries (within the Boise River Basin)
For mining activity on Mores Creek, Grimes Creek, Elk Creek, and tributaries, use:
- 2026 IDWR Mores Creek, Grimes Creek, Elk Creek, and Tributaries Letter Permit Supplement Instructions & Form – Application for consideration to operate a power sluice and/or a small suction dredge on Mores Creek, Grimes Creek, Elk Creek, and tributaries
Small Scale Mining FAQs
These FAQs serve as an introduction to the IDWR Small Scale Mining permitting process and requirements, and they are not intended to replace the IDWR Idaho Small Scale Mining Program Instructions. All permitted miners are responsible for knowing and complying with IDWR small scale mining regulations as described in the IDWR Idaho Small Scale Mining Program Instructions.
What is Small Scale Mining?
Small scale mining is the use of any equipment to dig, scrape, dredge, or otherwise move streambed materials from below the ordinary high watermark in search of minerals. The use of such equipment is limited to:
- suction dredges having a nozzle diameter of five (5) inches or less,
- suction dredges having power sources (motors or engines) rated at 15 horsepower (HP) or less, and
- non-powered sluice equipment moving more than one-quarter (1/4) cubic yard per hour.
For more information, see IDAPA 37.03.07 – Stream Channel Alteration Rules.
Do I need a permit for Small Scale Mining?
The Letter Permit does not authorize small scale mining on the South Fork Clearwater River (SFCR) or the McCoy Creek Drainage (tributary to South Fork Snake River). For small scale mining on the SFCR, you must submit the IDWR South Fork Clearwater River Special Supplement. For small scale mining on McCoy Creek and certain tributaries, you must submit a Joint Application for Stream Channel Alteration Permit.
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the Idaho Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (IPDES) permit program. Anyone operating a small suction dredge on any stream or river in Idaho must contact the DEQ to obtain IPDES suction dredge general permit coverage. Additional information regarding IPDES permitting may be obtained via DEQ’s website.
What is an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) and how much does it cost?
The IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit), or simply Letter Permit, is an annual permit that authorizes the permit holder to conduct small scale mining activity on OPEN streams.
- For Idaho residents, the Letter Permit cost is $10 per person.
- For non-Idaho residents, the Letter Permit cost is $30 per person.
Where do I get an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit)?
You can download and print the IDWR Letter Permit and accompanying instructions from the IDWR website. Once you complete the IDWR Letter Permit form, mail it along with the appropriate fee to any IDWR office for approval. IDWR Letter Permits can also be completed in person at any IDWR office.
How long does it take to get an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit)?
If you visit an IDWR office to submit your completed IDWR Letter Permit form and fee, it only takes a few minutes to process and you will leave the office with your permit and payment receipt.
If you send your completed IDWR Letter Permit form and fee by postal mail, your permit and payment receipt will be returned to you by email (if provided) or postal mail.
What type of equipment does the IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) cover?
The IDWR Letter Permit authorizes you to use small-scale, mechanized equipment, including but not limited to suction dredges, powered sluice boxes, and high bankers that are limited to motors or engines rated no more than 15 HP. Suction dredge intake hoses are limited to a nozzle diameter of no more than five (5) inches.
Use of a powered pump to divert water from the stream to a sluice box or high banker operated below the ordinary high watermark is considered mechanized mining equipment and requires an IDWR Letter Permit.
To use equipment exceeding these limits, you are required to complete and submit a Joint Application for Stream Channel Alteration Permit.
When does the IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) expire?
The IDWR Letter Permit authorizes mining activity for a maximum of one year from January 1 to December 31. However, many streams and rivers have limited small scale mining seasons and some streams are closed to small scale mining. To view a list of open streams and mining seasons, review the IDWR Small Scale Mining Program Instructions or visit the IDWR Small Scale Mining Streams map.
My friends and family will be with me at the mining location. Do they need an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) as well?
Everyone operating small scale mining equipment is required to have their own IDWR Letter Permit. Since only one person may be listed on an IDWR Letter Permit, each individual operating the equipment must complete and pay for an IDWR Letter Permit.
Is there a minimum age requirement for an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit)? Do children or teenagers need permits?
Anyone operating a suction dredge or other qualifying equipment is required to have an IDWR Letter Permit, regardless of age.
What happens if I dredge without an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit)?
If you operate a suction dredge or other small scale mining equipment below the ordinary high watermark of any stream or river channel without an IDWR Letter Permit, IDWR may issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to cease and desist mining activity. The NOV may require that you pay a monetary penalty and perform stream restoration measures (see Idaho Code § 42-3809 and § 42-1701B).
Open & Closed Streams
Where can I do Small Scale Mining in Idaho?
Small scale mining activity is limited to streams and rivers that are OPEN according to the IDWR Small Scale Mining Program Instructions (or the IDWR Small Scale Mining Streams map) and the EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit.
For the EPA’s list of Open and Closed Waters in Idaho, visit the EPA’s NPDES General Permit website or call the EPA’s Boise office at (208) 378-5746.
When I submit my IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit), will I be told if a stream or river listed on my application is closed to dredging?
No, you are responsible for knowing if your mining location is in an OPEN or closed area before completing the application. By signing the IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit), you confirm that you’ve read the IDWR Small Scale Mining Program Instructions which includes the open/closed stream list.
View a map of Streams Open for Small Scale Mining as per IDWR Instructions.
The EPA lists a location as open to recreational mining, but IDWR lists the same location as closed (or vice versa.) How can that be? What do I do now?
Both EPA and IDWR regulate small scale mining in Idaho, but each agency has separate rules and requirements for mining activity. Sometimes the two sets of rules contradict each other—most often in regard to streams and rivers open to mining activity.
If you choose to mine in an area that is closed for one agency, you risk being out of compliance with that agency.
What happens if I dredge in an area closed to Small Scale Mining?
Conducting small scale mining activities in a stream, river, or other waterbody closed to small scale mining as stated in IDWR Small Scale Mining Program Instructions, or conducting mining activities that are not in conformance with the IDWR Letter Permit or the IDWR Small Scale Mining Program Instructions, may result in IDWR issuing a Notice of Violation (NOV) to cease and desist mining activity. The NOV may require that you pay a monetary penalty and perform stream restoration measures (see Idaho Code § 42-3809 and § 42-1701B).
Panning & Non-Mechanized Activity
Do I need a permit if I only plan to use pans, rockers, and other non-powered hand tools?
Generally, use of non-mechanized equipment does not require a small scale mining permit from IDWR. Non-mechanized equipment is human-powered tools that do not provide the mechanical advantage of processing material at a faster rate. Non-mechanized equipment includes shovels, non-powered sluice boxes, pans, rockers, and so forth.
However, non-mechanized activity does require a permit if you:
- process more than one-quarter (¼) cubic yard of streambed material an hour,
- disturb more than 33% (⅓) of the stream width, or
- have more than five (5) people working in the same area.
NOTE: Small scale mining, in any form, including use of both mechanized and non-mechanized mining equipment, is prohibited in the Middle Fork Clearwater, Middle Fork Salmon, and St. Joe Rivers (see Idaho Code § 47-1323).
Do any government agencies regulate panning or non-mechanized activities in Idaho?
The federal and Idaho state governments do not regulate panning or non-mechanized activity in Idaho. Therefore, you may pan on public lands (federal, state, or local government-owned lands) without a permit. However, you may need permission from the land management agency before beginning activity. You may pan on private lands only if you obtain permission from the land owner.
I would like to use a metal detector. What permit do I need?
IDWR does not regulate the use of metal detectors. We recommend that you contact the land owner of the area where you plan to use a metal detector (such as US Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, city, county, or individual) in order to get permission and submit any necessary permits.
Mineral Claims
Do I need a mineral claim to dredge in Idaho?
No, a mineral claim is not required to dredge, pan, or participate in other small scale mining activities in the state of Idaho.
How do I find out if the area I want to prospect has existing mineral claims?
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) authorizes mineral claims and records the location of each claim. Contact the BLM Boise office at (208) 373-4000 or visit the BLM website for information regarding mineral claims in Idaho.
I have a mineral claim. Do I still need an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) or other permits?
Yes, owning a mineral claim does not exclude you from needing an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) and other authorizations, such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
I purchased a mineral claim, and then I learned that the area is closed to Small Scale Mining under the IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit). Now what can I do?
If your claim is located on a stream or river closed to small scale mining, call the IDWR stream channel protection team at (208) 287-4800 to discuss your situation.
High Banking
Do I need an IDWR Small Scale Mining Authorization (Letter Permit) if I'm using a high banker?
You are required to have an IDWR Letter Permit when operating any powered sluice or high banker below the ordinary high watermark. Using a powered pump to divert water from the stream to a powered sluice box or high banker operated below the ordinary high watermark is considered mechanized mining equipment, and you are required to have an IDWR Letter Permit.
You are not required to have an IDWR Letter Permit when operating a powered sluice or high banker above the ordinary high watermark. However, if you divert any water from the stream to a high banker or sluice box above the ordinary high watermark, you are required to have an IDWR Application for Temporary Approval of Water Use.
For other questions regarding high banking, please contact the IDWR stream channel protection team at (208) 287-4800.
Do I need approval to divert water from the stream to a high banker or sluice box?
If you pump water from a stream channel to a powered sluice or high banker located above the ordinary high watermark, you must obtain IDWR approval for a temporary water use. To obtain approval, submit a completed Application for Temporary Approval of Water Use to the IDWR regional office corresponding to the location of your diversion and mining activity.
NOTE: Approval of a temporary water use might take several weeks. Please plan ahead to ensure that you have your approval for a temporary water use in your possession before starting your high banking activity.
Use the map below to find streams open for small scale mining.
Need a larger map? Click here to view a full-size interactive map of the Small Scale Mining Streams.