I wish I had some good luck...... I'm usually a jinks when it comes to actually catching what I'm after if left to my own devices. Now when someone takes me (OTF) and I do as I'm told I usually catch fish. I have been getting better but in 25 years here in Oregon my average is about one salmon or steelhead every five years. I got one last year just before Christmas when I tried a jig for the first time! Of coarse I was steelhead fishing and caught a 27lb. Chinook! I won't complain though, I have had very few days on the water that were not enjoyable. I think I have just as much fun watching someone else catch a big one as when I do. Maybe if it happened to me more often that would change. So if your new to the state or this type of fishing make friends with someone who is successful and go watch them do it, leave the rod in the truck and just watch for a few hours. Ask questions, if they are willing, learn what you can and then go try for yourself. If you have a hard time making (or keeping) friends then the best money you will spend is on a guide who will help you learn. One or two trips with a guide is much cheaper than twenty trips out by yourself.
I spent a whole day next to Kirkster and watched him catch three steelhead while I never felt a bite. I should have just watched. I would have learned more.
JMTCW
GD