Elk Creek dredge. CDFW photo.
September 28, 2025 - SISKIYOU COUNTY – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has cited five individuals in separate incidents for unlawful possession and use of suction dredge equipment in state waterways, in violation of Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 5653(e). Suction dredging is harmful to native fish and wildlife habitat, making it difficult for native species to thrive and creating favorable conditions for invasive species.
On Aug. 20, 2024, CDFW officers cited one individual after discovering he was actively operating a suction dredge on the Salmon River near Cecilville. The person admitted to using the dredge to recover gold and other minerals and provided paperwork showing a partnership related to the activity. Officers issued a citation in the field and seized the mechanized portion of his dredge. As a reminder, possession of a vacuum or suction dredge in areas in or within 100 yards of waters that are closed to the use of vacuum or suction dredges remains illegal in California. No partnership, membership or business relationship provides an exemption from this prohibition.
Due to a clerical error the dredge case was temporarily dismissed. The District Attorney’s office has since refiled a criminal case against the individual for violating FGC section 5653(e). Arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2025 in Siskiyou County.
Since July of this year, officers have cited four other individuals and seized their dredge equipment in Siskiyou County for unlawful possession and use of suction dredge equipment in both the Klamath River and Elk Creek. Arraignment dates are pending.
CDFW reminds the public that the use or possession of suction dredge equipment in rivers, streams or lakes without a valid permit is prohibited under FGC sections 5653.1(b) and 5653(e). Violations may result in citations, prosecution and seizure of equipment. CDFW is actively pursuing multiple cases related to illegal suction dredging activity across the state.
State law, effective Jan. 1, 2016, defines suction dredging as the use of a mechanized or motorized system to remove or process material from a river, stream or lakebed to recover minerals. Scientific studies have shown that suction dredging can harm fish and wildlife habitat by increasing turbidity, altering channels, causing erosion, releasing contaminants and creating conditions favorable to species such as signal crayfish.
While suction dredging is prohibited, non-motorized recreational mining methods such as gold panning remain legal. CDFW recognizes the longstanding interest in recreational mineral recovery and encourages miners to pursue these activities through lawful practices.
Source: CDFW
