Sounds like they weren't in a biteing mood. Over the years I have hooked at least 6 Steelhead that I saw roll (pretty much the majority I've seen). The last one (last spring)was a Native I saw roll a few yards below me. 1st cast with a float/jig he took it down.

Also whoever told you a rolling Salmon won't strike gave you wrong information. I bank fish rivers around Forks for salmon and I "hunt" them. One of the main things I look for when I walk into a hole are fish rolling. I've found that some of the main factors are water color and how long the fish have been in the river. Also moving fish will hit a spinner/spoon. Not all the time but I would say at least 50% of the time. Especially if the river is dropping. My last trip this fall I hooked 1 King and 2 Coho(all fresh fish with Lice). I saw fish rolling when I hooked all 3. I believe the King and 2nd Coho were moving. The 1st Coho was holding along with a bunch of others. When we walked into the hole we saw fish rolling at the head of the hole and the tail. We ended up taking 2 (nephew got 1 also) Chromers with Sealice. Out of this particular spot I have taken at least 6 Coho after I have seen them role. On the other hand, that Sunday afternoon I saw at least 20 fish roll/porpose that were moving on a riseing river and I didn't see anyone hook a thing. The big question is "if I saw say 20 fish over a 3 hour period roll/porpose that were on the move, how many were under them moving with them? Good Luck!