Island, I was looking at the bottom of your post to see where you live and I'm guessing, south sound area?
I think if I was just starting out steelhead fishing, the first thing I'd get my hands on is the state catch and plant report. From there, I'd pick a river close enough to home that I could focus alot of effort and time to learn very well.
When you're on the river, keep an eye open to what's going on around you and who are the people that are always hooking fish.
These are the folks you want to be nice to and become their friends. (suck up to them)
You may laugh at that last comment, but a very close friend of mine, I met on the river some 20 years ago by shadowing him and letting him teach me the way he fished.
I think you'll cut your learning curve in half if you hook up with the right people. Most guys, and gals will be very helpful if you aproach them in the right way. And it's flattering to most guys when someone gives them respect for their fishing skills.
Oh, and by the way, never wear plaid pants while Steelhead fishing and don't holler
whoooo son when ya hook a fish. LOL
Hope some of this is useful.
Craig