I live in Nova Scotia and fish for Atlantic salmon. Here we only swing wets or dead drift dries. No weight is allowed. I have fished for steelhead and there is an uncanny similarity between steelhead and atlantic salmon in there life cycle and behaviours. I find an extra fast sink tip to be the most effective as you can easily mend the running line to ensure a slow swing and to achieve depth,which is imperative if the water is cold.

I find you can watch your line to detect strikes or keep a soft contact with your fly during the drift and you will know when a fish takes. You do not want to keep a real strong touch on the line and fly as this will cause it to rise in the water column.