A story from personal experience, so take it FWIW. I fish the SR in Nov/Dec for steelhead using a 7 wt switch. I target steelhead exclusively. Last year a fresh King salmon slammed my intruder and took off for the Lake. I decided to do the ethical thing and play him to land and release, instead of breaking off. After a few runs, he was coming to shore,,,,, so I thought,,, takes off like a Maserati again and snap goes the rod. Did I do anything wrong? I didn't think so,,,, on the cork, etc,etc,etc,
That being said, I think a 6 wt switch is a great rod for steelhead in the NE. Moral of story is,,,even though you might not be targeting salmon, if there in the mix and decide to whack that fly,,, be prepared. Good Luck and have fun.