If you plan on fishing Steelhead, then you will be river fishing. Your time would be best served practicing in a river since it is completely different from fly fishing in a lake.

I personally feel the best way to practice is to go out and do it - by that I mean Steelhead. FFing for trout on the Yakima is fun, but probably won't teach you to terribly much about ffing for steelies. Hire a guide (Bob) that is proficient, ask alot of questions ahead of time and make sure they know you are there to learn, not just to catch one.

If you are going to FF for winter run, you will need an eight wgt. Buy one now and go catch a few dogs so you can learn how to palm and cast and drift. Reading the water is a completely separate aspect.

Good luck,

Steve