I have quite a bit of experience fishing blown out chocolate ice in the spring around here. It's all we have to deal with some times. I think this would probably work for you guys on your smaller rivers, and in big rivers where there is wood or undercut banks. Next time you go down to a river that is blown, preferably in early spring/late winter, take a look in the water. More than likely, the only thing you'll be able to see is the dead leaves from fall being blown down the river. Most of those leaves are black.

I have great luck fishing straight black glo bug yarn on an 18 inch leader. Also drift fishing flies like skunks, wooly buggers, and black stones. Dark blue can be a killer in dark water also. Leave the flourescent stuff at home. Scale them up to size, as I feel that profile is the big thing here. In your situation, I wouldn't be afraid to toss out black rags, or large profile black jigs. The other key for me is to stay tight to cover, and cut banks. If the water is relatively cold, these fish will hang very tight to current breaks. The bites are no brainers, as most of the time, the current will have moved your lead down stream before you feel the bite. Don't fish with an anchor. Just use enough lead to have it ticking bottom every couple of feet. When your line stops, you can almost be certain that it's a fish.

I would love to live in Washington or Oregon, because in talking to guys, it sounds like I would have the rivers to myself when they are puked out. I love chocolate water, it's that green stuff that scares me. There isn't a lot of rocket science here, but it works for me. Hope it works for you guys.