Check elevations in Google Earth from high to low direction of river flow. Each river is different. A small change in elevation over a long distance generally means more sand or overburden opposed to a high drop in a shorter distance which generally means more gavel and rocks to catch the gold closer to the surface. Again each river and area of the country is different and a number of other facts like river flow are very important but it seams to work. How deep do you want to dig? I like big chunks close to the surface.

Other opinions?

Google earth could confirm this. But the inside curve in the center of the picture seems to have a steep drop to the creek and a deep pool right there. If I had a dredge I would look there.

Thanks, I was thinking of trying the sand bar in the upper right corner, would that have to much overburden and sand to mess with?

Look behind big rocks, and generally on the inside bends, where the water flow has slowed down and dropped out the heavies.  If you have any bedrock exposed, look into and clean out any cracks you find, especially those running crosswise to water flow.

Definitely cracks running crosswise to water flow. They will catch an amazing assortment of about anything fist size and smaller. Depending on the area of the country you can find pull tabs, bottle caps, car parts, and other normal trash to old barb wire of relic status, and stone tools from ancient times. Dig deeper in the crack for the semi precious stones, gems, silver and GOLD! Watch for layers of sticky clay that will make you think your on the bottom but when you peel it out not only can you dig deeper but you can check the backside for flour gold sticking to the clay. Cross river cracks are where I check first and dig deepest. When you hit bedrock you may need a sucker pump to get the gold off.

Good Luck and do not give up to soon!

Go to you tube.. how to read a river video lots of info there