I have an 8ft fishcat that I use in low water in summer or for difficult access sites. It'll handle most popular steelhead rivers with no problem but it completely depends on your rowing skill and experience. I also have a 79 Alumaweld driftboat which I prefer for big rivers and cold weather. Pontoon is more forgiving to bounce off of rocks or in really low water. I only use the pontoon for transportation and fish from the bank. Hope this helps.