A dredge is basically a suction hose powered by a pump and attached to a sluice box, usually floating on a tube or pontoons. The suction hose acts like a large vacuum cleaner to extract material from the bottom of a stream or pond and deliver it to a sluice box usually floating on the surface of the water. This makes it much more efficient than other methods as one can have a continuous stream of material being worked. Several sizes are produced from 1 1/2 or 2 inch to 8 inch with the smaller ones also produced as a backpack unit, the size referring to the diameter of the suction hose.
The Schmidt Gold Trap (nicknamed the BAZOOKA) is a new and different type of dredge that looks interesting. It is shaped like a bazooka and does not use a sluice box and riffle tray. It is also lighter than a conventional dredge.
Dredges will process the most material of all methods but need lots of running water so find less use in desert areas. Occasionally an earthen dam is constructed and when the impound area has filled with water during a rainy spell, a dredge can be profitably worked. Owned and used by a few members but not seen much at outings due to their large water requirements.
