Kevin,

It can be a tricky situation but the solution really depends on what kind of gear you have and what kind of hole you have immediately below the fast water.

If the water below smooths out into a long, unobstructed run with room to follow......let em'run! this will expend that initial energy in the fish and will subsequently be easier to control and land. If you can't follow the fish but the run below is open and unobstructed, freespool line or a tip under the water are your best options. I landed the biggest steelhead of my life (24 1/2 lbs.) on 6lb. test (yes it's true!) using the "tip underwater" method. I thought I was screwed but it worked enough to turn the fish. The rest of the battle played out without any crisis.

If the water below your fast water is nasty with snags/rocks and you can't follow, then your best option is to avoid the water alltogether(not likely) or use heavy gear that can horse the fish the direction you want. This is not very sporting but is sometimes the only avenue to fish the water you describe.

Good luck next time.