Phish,
The nice thing about the smaller rivers is they are more defined, and typically you can fish every run from one side.. The bigger rivers get a bit tougher because you typically have limited access, fish can be anywhere from just off the shore to current seams to tailout's, etc. Likely your best success in larger rivers is close to the hatcheries, basically there destination point because larger rivers usually have moving fish and they move all day long.

If you can read small creeks and rivers then fish them the same as any other. A steelhead is a steelhead and they always act the same.. The only difference in two seperate streams is the elements ie., temp, color, gradient, how far up the rivers your fishing, structure, how many fish there were planted for that years return, access, pressure... It can go on and on but if you find good looking water, likely you'll find steelhead and reality is you should be confident no matter where you go and fish the techniques that you know work for you.. With me I always fish eggs or bait and know that any river I show up to fish, that if there is a steelhead out there then I will hook it...
Keith