The main thing to the steelhead thing is to fish after a good freshet and the river is on it's way back down with a little color. You can still catch them in low clear water but it's alot tougher. I've personally done real well this winter, i've touched fish almost everytime out this year. I've been fishing the sky' n.f. stilly, green and the cowlitz.
I've hooked and landed fish on all. Just keep at it and you will be rewarded. My first few years steelhead fishing consisted of lot's of hours and no fish. Watch what the people who catch fish use and repeat their tactics. Time patience and knowledge will all prove useful.
Good luck and FISH ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!