You should not expect to find much in the way of nuggets in Nebraska, as basically all of the gold is very fine. In the western part of the state you can find fine placer gold from the rivers that drain the rich ground in Wyoming and Colorado.
As the source of the gold is quite a ways away, don’t look for anything very large. You can find gold in the North and South Platte Rivers, and the closer to the borders with Wyoming and Colorado that you prospect the better your chances are of finding some fine placer, but gold has been reported along the length of the river.
In the eastern part of the state, gold was left by the receding glaciers that came down from Canada. This can be tough to locate and will probably be very fine in texture, but it is there.
Search the Big and Little Nemaha Rivers, as well as their tributaries. Also the Missouri and the Blue Rivers are worth checking out. Clays can frequently act as false bedrock, so make sure you pan gravels above those clay layers.
There are some gold prospecting clubs that you may find interesting sources of information. And, as always, make sure you have permission from private landowners before going onto their land, and be certain that you know the regulations involved for prospecting on public lands.
If you feel like taking a break and doing some rockhounding, the northeastern part of Nebraska has blue chalcedony, commonly known as blue agate, which is the state gem. It really looks nice when it’s polished up.
Next: Minerals Associated with Natural Gold