I would tend to agree and I think that response to a surface fly is probably atypical but possible just the same. I doubt many flies or gear for that matter really make a steelhead feel threatened. Annoyed certainly.

The dry fly take does seem to be more of a curious or imprinted behavior.
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I am still not a cop.

EZ Thread Yarn Balls

"I don't care how you catch them, as long as you treat them well and with respect." Lani Waller in "A Steelheader's Way."