Custer County Idaho

Between 1881 and 1959 a total production of 329,586 ounces of gold came largely from the western part of the county.

Bayhorse

In Township 12 and 13 North and Range 18 East near Bayhorse the area copper and zinc mines produced a by product of gold.

Clayton

In the area of Squaw and Thompson Creeks, in Townships 11 and 12 North and Range 16 East, numerous mines produced lode gold. In Township 11 and 12 North and Range 17 East, several lead mines produced a by product of gold.

Loon Creek

The Loon Creek District produced over 40,000 ounces of gold between 1869 and 1959. There were many area mines. The Lost Packer Mine was a huge producer of lode gold. Along Loon Cree, near the Ghost Town of Casto, there are many old placer workings.

Mackay

In the Mackay Area the Copper mines produced a by product of gold in pyrite.

Nicholia

The Nicholia district was rich in the early days. Many lead and silver mines produced a by product of gold.

Stanley

In the Stanley Basin, all regional stream gravels produce placer gold. In Townships 10 and 11 North and Range 12 and 13 East, all stream, bench and terrace gravels contain placer gold. Along the Salmon River, especially between Robinson Bar and Clayton you can find many rich placer deposits. Along Stanley Creek is the location of the old Willis Placer which were very productive.

Yankee Fork

In the northwest part of the county, between latitude 44 degrees 20 minutes and 44 degrees 30 minutes North and Longitude 114 degrees 40 minutes and 114 degrees 45 minutes, is the Yankee Fork District. This district is on the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River and it produced over 266,000 ounces of gold between 1875 and 1959. The General Custer Mine and the Bonanza Mines were big lode producers. The Lucky Boy Mine, which was reopened in 1937, was a big lode producer. Along the Yankee Fork from mouth of Jordan Creek almost to the mouth of the Yankee Fork, was where the most productive placers were in the district. Along Jordan Creek, the stream, bench and terrace gravels produce well for placer gold.