I have zero experience on the SR, and most of mine is in PA. But generally, getting a good dead drift is more important than it is with regular trout. And of course egg patterns are much more important, the go-to rather than the highly situational "junk" fly. But other than that, it really is a lot like regular trout fishing.
Target "active" fish if you can. It's hard to leave that pack of 20 that's sitting and so visible down deep in the slow spot. But there's a handful of more active fish that you didn't see in the current at the head and tail. They're the ones that will hit. Be willing to walk. Tribs are often really crowded, but if you walk a ways, you can find "less" crowded areas (meaning just normal crowded by other standards), and unmolested fish.
I agree on the switch colors part. It's amazing how commonly you fish for a while with nothing, change colors, and bam. Later, you change again, and bam. Peach and white are probably my overall best, but you never know. Have seen salmon, hot red, chartreuse, and even blue be the ticket!
We can give you hints on the fight. Don't hold your line, keep amount of slack to a minimum, and get it on the reel as quickly as possible. Side pressure. Follow the fish if he runs up or down. But your going to lose your first one. He's gonna take off soon after you set the hook, you won't be ready for the quickness and power, and he'll either throw it or snap you off. It's just the way it is.
