I prefer to use spoons tied right to the mainline to provide more controll over the speed and depth during the retrieve, especially when fishing across waters where the depth varies. However, in low water or slow flow conditions, I find tear-dropped shaped spoons can be very effective when fished from the float. When fishing deep water, I prefer to use heavier spoons to reach the depths yet sometimes I will add split shots to the line instead. For colors, I've had good success for steelhead using nickel or brass.