STLHDR,

Though his poles are fine for Fall/Winter, the guy above did not address your need for a low water summer steelhead rod.

Here are some things to consider:

1) You will be fishing light line if you are fishing effectively (6-8lb test) therefore, you need a slow action rod( a whippy rod that arcs evenly from tip to butt). This will act like a shock absorber with plenty of give when a fish runs on you.

2) A rod of 9-10 feet makes a nice lever with light line; again, the shock absorber principle.

I personally use a G. Loomis GL3 1141. It is 9 1/2 feet long and rated for 4-8 test. Unfotunately, Loomis only offers it as a spinning pole anymore or as a blank. I drift fish in the classic sense so I bought the blank and made it into a casting rod. I love it and have landed steelhead over 20lb.s with it. If you know what you are doing and know what to do with a fish when hooked, this pole will handle any fish in low summer water. Great feel too.

Now, my partner uses Loomis's 9 foot pole rated 6-10 lb test and does just as well.

Finally, Lamiglass has recently come out with some nice action poles in 9 1/2 foot lengths for the same purposes. More affordable too.

However, I am a believer that you get what you pay for in the long run therefore, I fish G. Loomis. Lamiglass would be a close second.

Good luck.