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I got to fish today with Nate Treat, floating the Green river from the launch above the metzler drift down to the take out at Hwy 18. I really enjoy floating new water and was looking forward to this drift. That said, I admit I was apprehensive as the King County river report web site has a post mentioning a hazard advisory for this stretch. The reason for this warning is that there is a tree that is down and across the river about a mile or so below Metzler. Well, I got to see the tree up close and personal today. It would be a problem in high flow conditions. Today it was fine, we went under with no problems. If you know how to maneuver a pontoon or drift boat you’ll be fine. USGS stream flow rate today was 1740 when we started, and is now 2640. I don’t know at what point the tree becomes an issue (and the issue is going under it). The water level spiked up in the afternoon. So that said, I can say it is pass-able at 1740 CFS, but I don’t know at what point it isn’t pass-able. Perhaps someone out there knows the answer? Proceed at your own risk.

Anyway, the fishing report:

We anchored up at the first nice hole we found below the launch. Our technique today was floats and jigs, tipped with pawns. We ran the jigs around 24” below the float which worked ideally. It was “bobber down” in short order and we got several to the boat. The only issue was since we didn’t have a third “camera man” it made for a challenge to safely release the fish. We weren’t keeping any unless in the (unlikely) chance of running into a bright fish. It was a catch and release day. After fishing this first hole to our satisfaction we moved down to another hole and again had very similar and successful results, and even better. By the time we drifted down to Metzler we had hooked around twenty or so chums, kinda lost track.

We had planned on fishing Metzler but left it to the bankies and headed on down river. At the area just up river from the fallen tree there is a large backwater slough. Lots of surfacing fish here. We tried our best but had no luck with these fish, although a bankie that was there did hook into a nice chum with a jig and shrimp combo.

We set out and passed under the log with no issues, and worked our way down river. I will say, this Green river drift is surprisingly scenic and feels very isolated. Unlike the Skykomish, there are a lot of spots that feel very undeveloped and un-fished. Lot’s of neat high rock cliffs. We saw a couple bald eagles high atop a tree. What we didn’t see were any more fish on the end of our lines. We did see rollers here and there, but the bite had turned off. No idea if that wall of water rising had anything to do with it, but wouldn’t be surprised.

We ended the day at 2:30 at Hwy 18. A fun day’s drift for sure. Thanks Nate for taking me out today.

Pics: Knot-less net. Fire-truck coho. Metzler from the water. River-blocking tree. Stay all the way to the right!

Toni

11/18/2013 8:49:00 PM

Nice Mike. At least there was catching involved! I was talking with Tom Pollack today and he mentioned that tree.

salmonbarry

11/18/2013 8:55:00 PM

Great report Mike and glad you could get into some fish after yesterday!

primetime

11/18/2013 9:14:00 PM

Arms tired? Haha

soundkite

11/18/2013 9:37:00 PM

Thanks, Mike. Haha... you shouldn't have any trouble finding a volunteer camera man!

Hepker

11/18/2013 11:33:00 PM

i fished either that slough area or one just downstream from it a couple days ago. also saw lots of fish jumping, rolling and swimming into the slack water. no takers for me as well. good to hear fish are still biting tho!

montana_sam

11/19/2013 8:52:00 AM

Does Metzler Park go by another name? Can someone send me the coordinates
Thanks

needs2hunt

11/19/2013 9:33:00 AM

by looking at the map i thing they are talking about launching just down river from Flaming geyser state park....

The Dentist

11/19/2013 10:19:00 AM

Metzler is halfway between Hwy18 and Flaming Geyser on the Green River Valley Rd. Montana, you should be able to find it.

Mike Carey

11/19/2013 10:43:00 AM

There's a map shown during this video: http://www.washingtonlakes.com/WatchVideoHD.aspx?id=133

tele_maniac

11/19/2013 12:38:00 PM

Great report Mike! Thanks for the details and pictures.

pcedeira

11/19/2013 5:10:00 PM

I saw you drifting by, I was at Metzler yesterday, caught a few Chums with jig+prawns going there tomorrow i saw some people catching them with eggs also.

pcedeira

11/19/2013 5:16:00 PM

@montana_sam: Here are the coordinates to Metzler pak - 47° 17.198', -122° 5.484'

Mike Carey

11/19/2013 6:24:00 PM

ya, I heard my name called out, which is a little disconcerting. I forget my face is posted all over the place. I'd like to do that drift again this year in my pontoon but my schedule may not work out for it.

KIDKOKANEE

11/19/2013 9:20:00 PM

Sounds Like That Tree needs a little chain saw attention!! Fished that Metzlers a few weeks ago with a fishn bud did good with eggs really red but fun catchn release !! That trail into there sure is nice nowdays whoever put that last little bridge in there over that creek !!! World of difference we saw people goin inthere in nice clothes and shoes at one time was a muddy wet mess !! rather pleasent thanks to someone loooking out for fellow fishing people!! I always treat myself to a buffalo burger at the Green River Meat Market MMM!!! Sounds like you had a peaceful day in my back yard the green Kent/Auburn!! THANKS FOR THE REPORT enjoyable as always!!! FISH ON!!!

River Pig

11/25/2013 9:15:00 AM

You can make it under that tree at 2300 cfs (and probably a little higher) in a drift boat, any higher than that and you may be able to go far left and go over the low side that might be underwater. Might be...
As for taking it down with a chainsaw, I think that might be easier said than done. Anyway, makes for a more exciting float.

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