I should have been more specific in my above comment. I did not hook a single winter steelhead last year in a riffle (or what I consider a riffle). I love fishing riffles for summer runs. When the water temp dips below 50 degrees, I think steelhead prefer slower water. Also, I agree with the comment about higher water being better for flyfishing...at least on larger rivers in pursuit of winter steelhead. Last year, with the low water, I tried to flyfish my favorite hole on the Clackamas (wading), but couldn't reach the fish, even with a spey rod. The fish were easy pickens with my float rod. When the flows are higher, the fish hold closer to the bank and can be reached with the fly gear. I think low water is friendlier to fly guys on smaller rivers and for summer-runs.