Llano River at Mason — Gold Panning

Mason sits on the Llano River in central Mason County at the heart of the Llano Uplift. The Handbook of Texas places the county seat at approximately 30°45' N, 99°11' W on a river that drains Precambrian granite and limestone country east toward Kingsland and Lake LBJ. Geology & gold: Texas commercial gold production was limited (Presidio, Hazel, and Heath mines), but the Llano River carries fine placer gold eroded from upstream lode sources throughout the uplift. Mason County shares the same Town Mountain Granite and Precambrian host rocks as Llano County. Expect small flakes and "colors," not nuggets. Pyrite is common. Prospecting tips: Work inside bends, bedrock cracks, and gravel trapped below the courthouse-square bridge after spring runoff. Visit Llano and regional guides document free recreational panning on public Llano River access points downstream in Llano County; much Mason frontage is private ranch land — obtain permission or use legal road crossings. Historical context: An 1887–1900 mineral boom brought manganese, iron, and gold prospecting to Mason County when the Wakefield Company opened the Spiller mines northeast of town. Production never matched California, but hobby panning continues on the Llano today.