I agree with the rest here - the best time to go fishing is when you can. I have never caught a steelhead without getting my hook wet!

That said weather conditions; including changing barametric pressure, have effects on the fishing (the willingness to bite). Being aware of how the fish are effective allows the angler (whether a steelheader, trout angler, bass fisher, or salmon chaser) to adjust their approach to maximize their potential success and to insure that we are able to use our limited time to the our best advantage.

Like many my experience has been that the front edge of a major change (a thunder storm being an extreme example) can be a major bite trigger and after that passes there can be a major shut down of activity. Knowing that the angler should consider making sure that they are fishing during that likely bite delaying any moves or lunch break until after the flurry dies.

To the steelhead fishing - when the angler suspects that they are looking at a good bite condition it is time to fish very aggressively and cover lots of water. The fish will likely respond the first time they see the presentation and be willing to move some distance. The more fish you show your gear the more bites you will get. An example of what I consider an aggressive approach that allows the angler to cover lots of water are spoons.

However once that "dead period" hits it is time to change tactics. Slow down and very carefully fish the very highest percentage water (water with the best cover and highest fish comfort). Use a presentation with your best (most?) triggering factors. One water that is heavily fished consider using a change of pace. Under such conditions in low water I have been able to produce a fish or two at times by focusing on the best 5% of the water and replacing my normal gear (small corkies and a small cluster of eggs) with just a small piece of black or purple yarn with a squirt of scent.

It has been my observation that once one moves away from the hatchery meat holes the most success anglers are those that can read both the water and the surrounding conditions and adjust as things change.

Tight lines
Curt