I'm taking a good buddy of mine fishing @ barrier tomorrow. He's really excited but I'm scared that he may get frustrated with the constant snag ups, crossing lines, etc. Is there something I can do to make sure he has a good time. I know that catching a fresh silver would probably cure that, but I don't want him to get down on fishing because things don't go his way on his first trip out. He loves to fish. That's not the question. But steelhead/salmon fishing is a whole different ballgame. How can I get this guy hooked on fishing without getting frustrated. That is my question..... I know how intimidating the Cowlitz can be, especially for a newbee. Any advice?

Try to help him out as much as possable. Try to stay away from the group and have lots of pre-tied leaders loaded with yard and corkies. Have weights pre-cut and drink lots of beer :p
Good Luck

Bring lots of beer and if you hook up with a fish pass it on..... It has always worked for me when I have a newbie on board. They usually get hooked. Tie up a ton of leaders before you go out too. Otherwise you will spend more time tying knots then fishing yourself. I am in the same boat this weekend. Good luck.
Peace
Devine

You might not like this idea, but if you really want to hook your friend on fishing rivers for salmon, Barrier dam is probably not the best place to do it. He will witness so much snagging, carnage and sh!tty behavior that he might get the wrong idea as to what Sportfishing is all about. I'd suggest a little quieter location where even though there may not be as many fish, you could still teach him some other aspects of fishing like ethics, respect for the fish, enjoying your surroundings, and the challenge of getting the fish to bite.

p.s. I guess you could always use the Barrier dam as an example of what NOT to do.