Kevin's info is correct. Although not the famed Clearwater 'B' run, steelhead returning to the Grande Ronde do arrive in two groups. The first group, bound for the hatcheries farther upriver in Oregon, typically arrive Oct-Nov time period. These fish are scattered throughout the river from this time on, however they move up and start to concentrate above the Wash. hatchery closer to home at the Wallowa River, etc. about this time of year(if the river ever gets any water). This is the run the fly rodders pound in Oct-Nov from Boggan's to the mouth.
The second wave, bound for the Wash. hatchery, usually stage near the mouth, out in the Snake, until typically later this month. These are the fish, along with fish bound for many other destinations(Salmon, Snake, and some Clearwater strays) that get pounded on by all the boats at Heller throughout the winter.
I have been over there recently and can attest to the fact there are some fish the Ronde. Some of the bucks we caught were definitely colored(just as beautiful), but there were also some chromers to be had. The river is extremely low right now, as low as I've ever seen it. Visibility is unreal, 5 feet plus.
The best advice I can give you is watch the water level(USGS guage at Troy). If it spikes, stay home. This river can be one muddy *****.
Also, bait is always a good bet, but as you will see once you fish the Ronde more, a simple corkie and yarn setup with a little scent will produce very well on this river.

Good luck....