by Bob Johansen, December 02, 2008

THE GREEN RIVER’S METZLER DRIFT

The Green River is a steelheader’s legend and usually ranks among the state's top five producers each year. It is a river with an abundance of shore access and it puts out a lot of fish. Due to this reputation and its location, in a large metropolitan area, many anglers line its banks each winter. Most of the better holes and drifts have been named -- but it takes a veteran angler to know the name, location and character of each one.

One drift that receives little press, but became a favorite of mine is the Metzler Drift. It is esthetically pleasing and the short hike to reach it puts it beyond the sound of most road traffic and visible houses. It is located just upstream from a long, fast riffle separating it from the O'Grady Drift.

The drift is a basically long, fairly slow moving pool, stretching about 150 yards above the riffle. Any fish navigating all that fast water should be ready for a rest as it arrives at Metzler.

Metzler Drift has a fairly forgiving bottom with only a few rocks that grab your gear as it drifts by. The key to fewer hangups is not using too much lead. An inch and a half to two inches of 3/16 pencil lead will usually bounce along very nicely -- depending on water conditions.

Actually, there is only one place on the entire drift that is a real hazard to terminal tackle, and that is the submerged log located about the middle of the drift. The log is actually a mixed blessing. It is sure death to your tackle if you hang it, but it also provides an excellent place for the steelhead to rest. When the water is low and clear, the log glitters like a jewel in a rainbow of bright colors, made from yarn, corkies, spoons and other miscellaneous steelhead attractors. Surprisingly, most of the hung lures are not those left by anglers new to the drift, but from veteran Metzler Drift anglers trying to entice the resting fish from under the log.

Standard drift rigs work well here. Live sand shrimp are probably the best bait, followed closely by properly cured egg clusters. Both can be used with a Lil' Corky or Birdy Drifter with a little yarn. Spice that up with a little shrimp oil or Dr. Juice and your offering becomes almost irresistible. This set-up works well on the upper end of the drift.

On the lower end of the drift, hammered spoons in brass or nickel are at times quite effective. The best spoons, to use on this drift, are the "fat tear drop shape" -- such as the Stee-Lee or Wob Lure in the 3/8 to 1/2 ounce size. Be sure to add a split ring and an interlock swivel to your spoon. This will prevent the spoon from spinning and causing line twist.

I also like to replace the treble hook that comes with the spoon, with a single Siwash hook. Attach the hook so the point rides up and you will have far less hang-ups and lost spoons. The "back" of the spoon rides up. If in doubt, cast a spoon, with a colored back, into clear water and observe it as you reel it in. I am convinced that a single Siwash hook is not only stronger, but holds a steelhead even better than a treble.

Actually, almost all standard steelhead gear will work well here – And, probably the best set-up to go with is the one you have the most confidence in. Be flexible with your offerings. Don't get hung up on eggs only, spoons only, or anything else only. To do that, would be handicapping yourself needlessly. As an example, my first Metzler steelhead, a nice 11 ½ pound hen, hit a small, pink curly-tail grub used with a Birdie Drifter and a little yarn.

This nice 11 ½ pound steelie hit a small, pink curly-tail grub

I guess that's one of the reasons for the wide spread popularity of this big, beautiful sea going rainbow. If he's in the mood, he will hit a wide variety of lures and baits. If he's not in the mood, you can bounce your offering off his nose and he will completely ignore it.

If this sounds like a drift you would like to try, please remember, camaraderie is created by steelhead etiquette -- And beautiful surroundings are preserved by not littering. The best fishing on this winter drift is during December, January and February. I'll see you there.


How to get there
County: King
Nearest town: Auburn
Specifics: Follow Highway #18 east to where it crosses the Green River, just southeast of Auburn. Take the Auburn/ Black Diamond exit. Turn right on the Auburn/ Black Diamond Road, and a right again onto the Green River Valley Road. Follow the Green River Valley Road for 5.1 miles to the Metzler Park sign on the right side of the road. From the paved parking lot, follow the trail for about 250 yards to where it forks left. Follow the well-used left side trail to the Metzler Drift. The main, or right side, trail leads to the O'Grady Drift.

Facilities: All amenities are available in Auburn. Auburn Sports and Marine is well stocked with fishing tackle and bait -- And, the latest fishing information.

Authors note: It has been several years since I fished this drift and rivers do change. Hopefully, most of the information is still good and will help some of you hook up with a big bright steelie this winter.



The author with a nice Metzler Drift steelhead



Rush Jordan admires a nice Metzler Drift steelhead



Map of Metzler Drift back in 1988

A 12 pound Metzler steelhead

By: Bob Johansen
Reprinted December 6th, 2011