Neurosis and MeFish; I understand completely your situation. When I started fishing 25 odd years ago I was the first of my family and relatives to pick up the long rod. I, too, started from scratch. This was my approach and maybe it will help you out some.

First thing I did was subscribe to Salmon-Trout-Steelheader. Read that thing religiously to learn all I could. Amato publications puts out some good books, too, on steelhead fishing; just read 'em. Next I bought a catch record report of the salmon and steelhead caught in Washington/Oregon. It gave the total number of fish caught per month on every river. From that you can surmise run timing of the rivers around you. Now do some homework and pick just a couple rivers near your home that you can concentrate on. Use your catch data to determine when to target each one.

Now go get a map and check out the various areas of access. Go get a good topo map from Metzkers or something. If the road follows the river, you can see where others have created trails headed to the water. There's a reason people fish the same areas. When you find a spot that people are fishing, really pay attention to the water. Memorize what it looks like, think about WHY it looks that way. Fish are holding there for a reason. Now go find other spots on the river that look the same.

Watch what the others are doing, and HOW they're doing it, especially the ones catching fish. Don't be afraid to ask a few simple questions, but remember that the guy fishing is trying to concentrate on his drift, too.

At the end of the day think about what happened. If you got skunked, think about why; water conditions? presentation? timing? not holding your tongue right? Make note of what you'll change/try next time.

Bottom line is that you MUST do some homework and read everything you can get your hands on.

Hope some of that helps.
Rick