how to deal with clay

[rags-to-riches]

hey everyone! I'm new to gold panning, and live in central ohio. I am panning a small creek by my house and am finding alot of cool shiny stuff and found my first flake today! My problem is the creek doesn't seem to have a "riverbed" just a hard clay bottom. I see all types of stuff stuck to the clay but am having a hard time separating it. Also, I'm getting into clay in about 4"...should i dig past the clay? If I post some pics could you point out some spots!? Thanks!!!!

 

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[419GottaMinute]

You can work the clay by hand in a bucket, you can use a small cement mixer to work the clay, you should dig through the clay to see if there is a pay layer under it, or if its acting as your false bedrock