In clear water I plumb the depth using nothing but a 1/4 oz. split shot on my line,under the float. I cast as I normally would if I had a jig on, and watch the float, looking for tapping the bottom etc. watch where the float stops tapping, starts tapping etc... I make three or four casts this way with no hook,no jig. covering the hole. when I determine the depth,(dropoffs, ledges etc..) I put on a jig that will contrast with the bottom, and fish below the fish, summer time, I will put on a darker jig, and fish above the fish. about 3 feet. true, sometimes steelhead will suspend, but if the flow is constant, I have found that winter runs especialy will be within a foot of the bottom, summer runs suspend alot more.
this method eliminated alot of guesswork. and I also find that winter fish will not be in the 10-12 foot deep holes, unless they are dark fish or have to pass thruough this area to travel upstream. look for winter fish to be in the typical 2-6 foot range under optimum river levels, if the water is high, well then, 18 inches to 2 feet.

Fuzzy

Silent Approach Jigs they're always there....the trick is to find them