After reading the latest issue of STS I am reconsidering my theory to lead usage. I usually speed up or slow down with clarity of water. The STS article states that most people drift too slow. I usually like feeling a soft "rumble" as the lead moves a little slower than the current speed. The technique mentioned in STS was to only let the lead hit avery few feet.

What are the opinions of the board.
And While we are at it leader length. On a good "emerald green" winter steelhead day I use 24" of leader. I have done well with this, suggestions? Also do we need to consider length and speed together as a combination. Faster drift/longer leader?