Zicm,

Just to add to the good suggestions already made, I would just point out, as one who own a boat for steelheading, that a boat is not at all necessary to effectively fish for steelhead in the northwest. It may get you to some spots you couldn't otherwise reach but there is a lot of good water available to the bankie. On a couple already mentioned, and most of the others during the summer, I wouldn't even consider using a boat. And for later in the season, upper strecthes where boats don't go can be great places to fish too. I only mention this because so many people think they are missing out on more steelhead than they really are by not having a boat. So get your line in some water and don't forget to post your first fish.