When searching for steelhead in big water, or when the water is off color, a reliable strategy is to put on something big and bright and start swinging. Having a visible fly and keeping it close to the bottom will give a chance to locate active fish, ready to eat. Use a sink tip that allows the fly to touch bottom periodically, don't dredge the bottom constantly. You want the fly up a bit and able to be seen. After finding an area that is holding fish, you can then slow down and fish more carefully.