Hi JW,
Just read your comments on panning moss in a new location/creek - couldn't agree more! I have used this method for years and it never fails me. Before i do any serious panning I gather some moss from the banks, at various levels and wash it and pan the residue, which is usually black iron sand and other fine material. If I get any flecks, I try another spot on the bank and if there is further colour I start to look for spots where I can reach bedrock easily. This method has been very successful for me and I would recommend it as a starting place for new areas to try.
I was inundated with interested campers once who wanted to pan for gold as they had watched me puddling away with the moss and didn't believe there would be gold in the creek. I showed them how to gather the moss, puddle it and pan the residue material - in nearly every case there was the odd fleck of colour and so another person got the fever and enjoyed that rush of adrenaline we all get when we see that glint in the pan! It's a very quick way to determine if it's worthwhile putting in the extra effort and getting down to bedrock.
I also agree, gold found in moss is never large, (the biggest I have found was about the size of my small finger nail), but it soon mounts up if you perserveer - the main thing is, is that it tells you there IS gold in the stream and it's worth looking further.
Good hunting JW - love your "tips".
Cheers,
Ian