Desperate to find new gold, Shawn pushes himself and his equipment to the limit; at Sledge Island, the deeper water triggers dangerous side effects for Zeke; the Kelly's go upriver for a shot at redemption.

Halfway through the season, Shawn Pomrenke needs massive gold at the Bluff; after the debacle at Sledge Island, Zeke and Emily reach a breaking point; buried in debt, Nome newcomer George Young remains optimistic.