Well here is another answer ... five boards or lower for all steelhead fishing for my fave fishing.

The last three responses shows you something: different heights for different folks.

It depends upon what you're targeting, how you like to fish, whether you're banking or boating, etc.

Different sections of river fish far differently at different flows as well.

That's all part of the learning process and it's very much to each his own.

Water color varies on time of year and other factors, but if you're looking to see when they're fishable ... plan on about 12-15 boards on the 'Duc and 2000 cfs on the HOh. Calawah and Bogachiel don't often reflect flow / height well enough to give a number on those.

I know this all seems vague, but even though you may not have intended it, so was the question