Hopefully I would never been drawn over to the Dark Side, but I have seen many, many fish hooked using floating lines and traditional steelhead patterns during the summer run.
The difference being is that the fish are so much more aggressive....you don't have to get in their face. They come up to attack your offering.
I admit, "the wash" is something to behold.

If I was ever to be kidnapped and spirited off to the Dark Side, it would happen during the summer run.

So, I suppose my point is, if you start now, it just gets better.