I have had some success pulling plugs over the years for steelies but I would like to do better so here's some questions for the plug monkey's...

When approaching a run that you're gonna plug through, at what point do you deploy the plugs?

Do you get them out there up above and let them beat the rocks for a bit?
Do you wait until you're in the head of the run and possibly miss some of the good water? Or maybe the upper stretch isn't good plugging water anyway so it isn't an issue.

I have usuually gotten the plugs out early but I seem to fight it for a while until I get into the slower/deeper run where I can even out the rowing and get a rhythm and this is where I hook fish.

But is the upper stretch of a run worth having to dig hard on the oars and fight the current?

I plan on fishing with a couple guides this year to learn more about it but I have my db ready to go and would like to maximize my time on the water.