But gold prospectors could be the exception.
The rivers and streams in California gold country are at lows that haven't been seen in decades.
Now, gold panners are trying their luck.
One is truck driver Michael Albin.
He found a gold chip about one-fourth the size of a pea - enough to keep him coming back.
Albin has already spent 100 bucks on prospecting gear.
He tells the Sacramento Bee he plans to spend another grand in his hunt for gold.
