Hey Sheep,
Can't offer you much local knowledge regarding the lower American since I've only fished it a few times for steelhead, and have yet to catch one there. However, I think winter steelheading in general shares many similar challenges from river to river. First off, learn the water. You are already well on your way it sounds like, but knowing where fish tend to hold, and how to fish those areas well is enormously important. One difference, *in general*, for winter fishing is the need to get down and stay down, generally. Not sure of specific patterns for the American, but I usually opt for bigger/flashier stuff with more movement when water temps are colder and or more colored (or anytime I think that I might be dealing with less active/aggressive fish). This can sometimes make a difference. Keeping your flies sparse can really help to get them to sink more quickly, and it's worth watching your flies swim a bit in front of you to see how they behave. Lastly, confidence is king as you just never know when that big grab will come...
Good luck,
JB
"Lord help me to be the person my dog thinks I am"
- unknown
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