News of 14-year old Jacob Hopkins’ gold discovery in Rollins Lake on July 26 has been spreading across the nation like wildfire.

Hopkins’ potato-sized rock containing about six ounces of the precious metal proves there’s still gold in these here hills.

Now a new generation of treasure-hunters is headed for area rivers, streams and lakes hoping to strike it rich.

Fueled by a sluggish economy and record high gold prices (currently hovering around $850), recreational mining is increasingly becoming an attractive hobby.

Lance Engelstad, manager of Long Ravine Campground on Rollins Lake, says he has received a lot of calls asking about the recent find.

“People want to know if it exists and the exact location of where he found it,” said Engelstad. “I just tell them they’re welcome to come and look.”

Areas around the lake have been inundated with modern-day prospectors scouring the shores, scanning the beaches with metal detectors, panning and sluicing.

Russ Engelstad has lived at the Colfax area lake since 1981.

He says there are at least eight gold mines near the water’s edge that have been sealed up.

When the water is low, paths and tailings from the old mines are revealed, he adds.

Last week Lance Engelstad took his family to the area where the Bear River flows into the lake to let them try their hand at gold panning.

Allie, 3, Addison, 6, and Avery, 8, dug their pans deep into the gravel and swirled them around, washing the rocks and heavier sand over the edges, until the light caught on something shiny in the pan.

It didn’t take long for the Engelstad sisters to get excited about the thrill of the hunt.

The girls’ mother, Kristin Engelstad, watched from the boat but couldn’t help catching a little of the fever herself.

“Try to get two nuggets so I can make a pair of earrings,” she said, half-jokingly.

Although most casual miners view it as a hobby with occasional rewards, finding the glint in the gravel is not impossible.

Here are a few tips on how to ignite your gold fever, according to the web site .

*Gold panning is a great, inexpensive way to start. You’ll need a gold pan, small plastic bottle to hold the gold, a trowel or shovel and a bucket.

Modern-day prospectors can invest in metal detectors, sluice boxes, wet or dry suits, but hobbyists can buy a couple of pans, a bucket and a shovel for less than $30.

*Pick a spot where the water is not too deep and moves swiftly enough to keep the water clear from the panning.

*Some local places to consider are Auburn State Recreation Area, Bear River, Rollins Lake, Bridgeport Yuba River and Wolf Creek.

*Nobody likes a “claim jumper” so watch for posted signs. It’s best to go pan only at sites and parks where the public is welcome.

*Remember, gold is heavier than the rocks so it will always be at the bottom of the pan. Be patient as you swirl your way down to the last bits of sand.

*Don’t be fooled, the mineral pyrite (nicknamed “fool’s gold”) will give off a similar glimmer.

So, grab a lucky charm, some “miner” equipment and join the other weekend warriors in search of the precious commodity.

Whether you find some small “pickers,” large “hunkers” of nuggets, or just a sparkle, you’re sure to see why gold has had people feverishly seeking it for thousands of years.