Is it just as effective or better on salmon? Are hot shots the way to go with steelhead?

They might work for Salmon, but for steelies its the mag wigglie warts. And yes I'm drinking a few beers!!!! Mikeal Jacksons/ Blue/silver (pirate) etc.,..... ya just need to find the right water for them. Other than than that, I Drift bait 90% of the time. Jon

Wrapped Kwikies are way more effective for salmon.

That said, I have seen a few steelies chomp on a wrapped Kwikie.

Personally, for steelhead, I'd try an agitating plug like a Tadpolly, HotShot, or Wiggle Wart. Water conditions, water color, and the outside environment dictate what colors should be used.

Always, always, always, tune your plugs every time you use them!

And a ditto as to what Parker says

ive caught lots of steelies on wrapped kwick fish ( k-16) . ive caught more on flatfish or wiggle warts. ( only because we dont usually fish for kings in steely season) it might be worth a try to use kwikfish for steelhead

Last 7 trips we have hooked 35 steelhead and landed 28 on lighted K-13 Kwikfish. We tip the front glow treble with a chunk of shrimp. 87 steelhead to the boat so far.
I hooked 10 and landed 7 last night. Took home 4 big hatchery Steelhead. 36.5, 35, 33 and 30 inch HENS!