If you don't feel confident reading the water then copy what others are doing. Watch them and fish like they fish, in the water they're fishing at the depth they're fishing (after they leave). Bobber and jig is a great beginner setup, easier to tell when it is fishing properly vs. spinners or spoons. Look for water that is walking speed and 3-6' feet deep as a general idea. Break the river down into smaller bits. Riffle, glide, pool, tailout. Fish the likely water then move. The hardest part is just finding the fish. They're dumb and bite most anything.
Watch videos on YouTube and watch the water guys are fishing. Look at speed, depth, clarity, and where they are putting their gear...